Redwood Credit Union Ranks 4th in Nation

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) has recently been ranked the 4th healthiest credit union in the United States (out of approximately 5,400 credit unions), according to Glatt Consulting’s Credit Union HealthScore, which measures credit union strength and growth.

Glatt Consulting, an independent firm that studies the financial health of credit unions, uses 17 performance metrics to calculate its Credit Union HealthScore, including financial and operational strength and growth, asset quality, asset/liability management, and productivity. RCU is the only credit union to have been ranked in the top five in each of the last five years.

“Financial strength and stability are key factors for any financial institution. As a credit union, our continued strength and growth allow us to return even greater value to our Members and community, and further help them succeed,” says Brett Martinez, President & CEO.

RCU experienced strong growth in 2018, reaching more than $4.5 billion in assets and over 335,000 Members. In addition to traditional banking services such as checking, savings, and loans, Redwood Credit Union also offers wealth management and financial planning services, insurance, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and auto sales. RCU is currently the 42nd largest credit union in asset size in the United States, and 8th largest in California.

About Redwood Credit Union

Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service financial institution providing personal and business banking to consumers and businesses in the North Bay and San Francisco. RCU offers complete financial services including checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, online and mobile banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, wealth management and investment services, and more. The credit union also offers insurance and discount auto sales through its wholly owned subsidiary. RCU has over $4.5 billion in assets and serves more than 335,000 members with full-service branches from San Francisco to Ukiah, more than 30,000 fee-free network ATMs nationwide and convenient, free online and mobile banking. For more information, call 1 (800) 479-7928, visit www.redwoodcu.org, or follow RCU on Facebook at facebook.com/redwoodcu and Twitter at @Redwoodcu for news and updates.

High School Students and Law Enforcement Officers Prepare to Burn Rubber at Sonoma Raceway

High school students and Bay Area law enforcement officers will compete head-to-head on Sonoma Raceway’s quarter-mile drag strip, as the Top the Cops™ program returns for its 25th season next Wednesday, April 17.

Top the Cops runs as part of the raceway’s popular weekly program, Wednesday Night Drags & Sonoma Drift, powered by Universal Technical Institute (UTI). Top the Cops offers an alternative to illegal street racing and gives teens the chance to race against local law enforcement officers, who compete in full uniform in their official vehicles. The program also provides a unique environment for the officers to talk with teens about safe driving and the rules of the road.

“The Top the Cops program has continued to be an incredible and unique platform for young drivers and local officers to connect with one another,” said retired Santa Rosa police officer and program founder Kevin McKinnie.

Top the Cops will run in conjunction with the Wednesday Night Drags program at Sonoma Raceway, April 17-Aug. 28. Participants must have a current high school identification card and driver’s license, and a car that passes a simple technical inspection. Students are given practice runs, which then lead to head-to-head competition against an officer in his/her patrol car.

The five participating law enforcement agencies for 2019 are:

  • Sonoma County Sherriff’s Dept.
  • California Highway Patrol
  • Novato Police Dept.
  • Fairfield Police Dept.
  • Petaluma Police Dept.

Gates open at 3:30 p.m. each day, with racing from 5-10 p.m. Time trials for Top the Cops begin at 4 p.m. with eliminations at 7 p.m. Cost is $15 for students (with high school ID card), $10 for spectators and FREE for kids 12 and under.  For more information about the Top the Cops or Wednesday Night Drags program, call 800-870-RACE (7223) or visit www.SonomaRaceway.com/WND. For track weather conditions, please call 800-870-RACE ext. 209.

Redwood Credit Union Celebrates Credit Union Youth Month

Redwood Credit Union (RCU) is celebrating Credit Union Youth Month in April with giveaways and two contests that promote good savings habits for children and teenagers.

Jr. Rangers (RCU members ages 12 and under) are invited to participate in a coloring contest that features Reddy the Redwood picturing his future (a brand new bike). One winner from each branch will receive $100.

Jr. Partners (RCU members ages 13-17) are invited to show how they picture their futures by submitting a photo, drawing, painting, or collage. One winner will be selected to receive $250.

In addition, youth who open a new RCU savings account or deposit $100 into an existing savings account during April will receive:

  • Reddy drawstring bag with water bottle (Jr. Rangers)
  • RCU green notebook with pen (Jr. Partners)

“We love helping our young members learn about financial wellness at an early age,” said Matt Martin, senior vice president of community and government relations. “We’ve learned that helping them set positive savings habits when they’re young sets them up for success throughout their lives.”

As part of the Jr. Rangers and Jr. Partners program, young members receive dividends on the funds they save (on balances of $10 or more), a quarterly newsletter, online banking, and access to an educational website with games and articles that teach about money. They also get free gifts at $100 (Jr. Ranger) and $250 (Jr. Partner) savings milestones.

Credit Union Youth Month contest rules and a downloadable coloring sheet are available at redwoodcu.org/youth.

About Redwood Credit Union

Founded in 1950, Redwood Credit Union is a full-service financial institution providing personal and business banking to consumers and businesses in the North Bay and San Francisco. RCU offers complete financial services, including checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, online and mobile banking, business services, commercial and SBA lending, wealth management and investment services, and more. The credit union also offers insurance and discount auto sales through its wholly owned subsidiary. RCU has over $4.5 billion in assets and serves more than 335,000 members with full-service branches from San Francisco to Ukiah, more than 30,000 fee-free network ATMs nationwide and convenient, free online and mobile banking. For more information, call 1 (800) 479-7928, visit www.redwoodcu.org, or follow RCU on Facebook at facebook.com/redwoodcu and Twitter at @Redwoodcu for news and updates.

TekTailor Retail Store Opening

After the launch of our upcycling brand Sonoma-USA  in 2016 and the integration of the more than 28-year-old family owned protective gear brand BPE-USA in 2017, we are now getting ready to open our onsite TekTailor factory store here in Santa Rosa.

Swing by, say hello and shop some fun overstock materials and unique upcycled products!

Grand Opening April 13th from 11 am – 6pm

Our new factory store offers a wide variety of affordable and fun overstock materials for your next fashion, arts or craft project. You will find everything from fabrics to webbings, elastics, buttons, zippers, hook & loop, thread and many plastic and metal hardware accessories. The store will be open Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm with our Grand Opening Sat, April 13th from 11am to 6pm. Come and join us for special offers & tax free shopping (4/13 only)! Because the large variety of Indian online slots can be confusing at first, the games are divided into numerous categories. We’ll give you a quick rundown of the most common varieties so you can tell them apart the next time you visit a slot site in India listed on this page . It’s a good idea to try out all of these options and see which one you prefer.

You will find a wide selection of fun products made from reclaimed materials like banners, billboards, burlap sacks, grain bags, overstock fabrics and scrap leather – all diverted from local landfills. Every duffel bag, tote bag, messenger bag, laptop sleeve, wine carrier or toiletry bag is truly one of a kind.

Kaiser Permanente Names Judy James Marin – Sonoma Public Affairs Director

Judy James has been named public affairs director of Kaiser Permanente’s Marin-Sonoma region, according to the health care system’s March 27 announcement. She assumed her new role on March 18.

James is responsible for the development and implementation of many of Kaiser’s programs, including public affairs, communications, community benefit, community and government relations, media relations, and membership growth and retention, according to Kaiser’s announcement.

James, who brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role, most recently served for five years as director of external affairs for the Comcast Corporation North Bay Division, covering Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Mendocino and Solano counties, according to Kaiser.

Earlier, she served as director of community relations for Clover Stornetta Farms (now Clover Sonoma), then moved to Republic Services Inc., where she served as manager of community affairs, according to Kaiser.

James began her career with the California Farm Bureau Federation in Sacramento, where she held increasingly responsible roles, culminating with her being named executive director for the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. James spent 17 years with the Farm Bureau, Kaiser said.

She continues to serve on many community boards, including the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs, North Bay Leadership Council, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Council , Sonoma County Alliance, Redwood Credit Union, Santa Rosa Junior College Ag Trust Foundation, Sonoma County Professional & Business Women.

She previously served as Chair of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Petaluma Chamber of Commerce Board, and was an adjunct instructor at Santa Rosa Junior College for 15 years.

James holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management, with a minor in marketing, from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo.

Kaiser Permanente’s Marin-Sonoma service area includes two hospitals: Santa Rosa Medical Center (3,008 employees) and San Rafael Medical Center (2,014 employees). Kaiser also has two medical offices in Santa Rosa (Old Redwood Highway and Mercury Way), along with medical offices in Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Novato, Mill Valley and downtown San Rafael. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has more than 12.2 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia.

Becoming Independent IPA In Stores Now!

Brothers Barrel and Becoming Independent have teamed up to bring you iPA, a Becoming Independent India Pale Ale. In stores now at the following locations:

Oliver’s Market

Big John’s Market – Healdsburg

Healthy Spirits – Courtland & Clement locations, SF

Pat Holden’s Liquor and Gifts – Oxnard, SoCal

Craft Beer Kings – El Monte & La Habra, SoCal

A portion of the proceeds from each sale supports Becoming Independent!

This delicious BiPA can also be purchased at the Barrel Brothers Brewing Company Tap Room and on board the SMART Train!

About Becoming Independent

Becoming Independent is a community based service organization established more than 50 years ago to help people with developmental disabilities live meaningful and productive lives through Innovative Education, Elevating Independence, and Employing Abilities.

At Becoming Independent We Believe:

We inspire others through our actions.

It is our responsibility to be active citizens.

In the power of authentic human connection.

That beauty and potential exist in each of us.

That every social investment has the potential to be broadly transformative.

In standing for the rights of all people, the right to a life of dignity and fulfillment.

We are all connected and our community is enriched when we invest in one another.

Our pioneering model has and always will break barriers for people with disabilities.

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging Celebrates 30 Years of the Biology of Aging

A Celebration of 30 Years of Research on Aging

Six leading scientists.

Six once-in-a-lifetime conversations

April 2 through June 11, 2019

Last December, the Buck gathered guests at our Institute in Novato, California for a remarkable, day-long conversation.

More than 350 scientists and researchers attended the day-long event which featured presentations and panel discussions that chronicled early discoveries, marked progress over the years and highlighted new technologies and efforts poised to deliver treatments to those suffering from age-related conditions.

Now, we’re extending this conversation in our first-ever online conference.

Please join us for a series of six free online sessions beginning Tuesday, April 2nd. We hope you’ll be part of our first ever online conference on aging!

More Information Here

Kaiser Permanente Names New Sr. VP / Area Manager for Marin-Sonoma

Tarek Salaway, MHA, MPH, MA, has joined Kaiser Permanente Northern California as Senior Vice President and Area Manager for the Marin Sonoma Service Area.

Mr. Salaway brings over 22 years of leadership experience in multiple health systems, with broad exposure to health plan and hospital operations in diverse markets. Throughout his career he has a strong record of partnering with physicians and staff to advance high-value clinical programs, bringing his broad experience in a variety of clinical, support services, and business development.

His most recent position has been with Providence St. Joseph Health where he was the Chief Executive of both the Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center and the Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.

Mr. Salaway has led teams focused on improvement of clinical quality and safety performance. Through his leadership, Mission achieved overall improved market position and as well as strong brand affinity and reputation positioning, and it earned a number of clinical awards and certifications. He has also led the expansion of important hospital and ambulatory services based on community need and market responsiveness.

Prior to his time with Providence St. Joseph Health, he held positions of increasing responsibility including System Director for Clinical Performance for Providence Health and Services and Director for Heart and Vascular Services at Providence St. Joseph and Providence Holy Cross in Southern California. He later led Cardiovascular and Neurosciences services for Stanford Health Care, overseeing both inpatient and outpatient services before moving to the University of Southern California, where he held the position of Chief Operating Officer for the Keck Medical Center of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital.

In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Salaway has served on numerous community boards to help ensure access to care for the vulnerable and marginalized in our communities. This includes serving on the board of federally qualified Camino Health Centers, People of Color Against AIDS Network (POCAAN), and the Multicultural Health Coalition.

“I am honored to join Kaiser Permanente and its mission as an integrated delivery system focused on the well-being of our patients for life,” said Mr. Salaway. “Our physicians, nurses, and staff deliver exceptional care to our patients and members every day. KP stands committed to our community to thrive long into the future.”

Mr. Salaway completed his Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree at the University of Washington. He also earned both his Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with an emphasis in Epidemiology and Health Services and his Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations from the University of Washington. He double majored in both Political Science and French Literature at the University of California, San Diego.

Please welcome Mr. Salaway to our community.

Kaiser Permanente Sponsors Rise Up Project, Connects Community Devastated by Wildfire

Sometimes a fence doesn’t divide a community but instead brings it together. Such is the case with the Rise Up Project.

In October 2017, Larkfield Estates and Mark West Estates were among the areas devastated by wildfire. The neighborhoods needed help building about one mile of common perimeter fencing near where about 360 homes were lost. They approached the Rebuild NorthBay Foundation, which partnered with Habitat for Humanity on the Rise Up Project.

“We can leap ahead regionally, but it actually takes a lot of collaboration and a lot of willingness to say yes,” says Jennifer Gray Thompson, Rebuild NorthBay Foundation executive director.

Kaiser Permanente is one of Rise Up’s four major sponsors – donating $61,000 for the project – along with Sonoma Clean Power, JPMorgan Chase, and Friedman’s Home Improvement. More than a dozen other local businesses also support the project.

Volunteers, too, have been vital to Rise Up’s success. Last month, members of the community came together to make rails, saw lumber, and complete additional lattice and fence work.

Thompson said that while the devastation of the fires was unprecedented, this project is another example of how a community can come together. In times of crisis, “we turn toward each other,” she said.

Kaiser Permanente Funds Park Improvements in Roseland

Community Action Partnership of Sonoma has been awarded a grant in the amount of $75,000 from Kaiser Permanente to perform physical improvements to Roseland Elementary School’s community park facilities. The school will offer programs designed to encourage Roseland area residents to use the park.

“At Kaiser Permanente, we understand that the communities where people live, work or go to school — in some cases down to neighborhood block — plays an important role in health,” says Alena Wall, Regional Community Benefit Manager. “That’s why we have awarded a recent grant to Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County to improve the conditions for the Total Health of the Roseland community.”

Community Action Partnership’s Director of Community Engagement, Vince Harper, adds “We, at Community Action are thrilled to partner with Kaiser Permanente, Roseland Elementary School and Roseland Community Building Initiative resident leaders to build community. Together, we are creating a vital place-based resource for the Roseland neighborhood. The funding from Kaiser Permanente is helping make the dream of a healthy community come true.”

This funding elevates the work of the Roseland Health Action Chapter, a group of resident-leaders, who recently approached Kaiser Permanente with a vision for enhancing the public space at Roseland Elementary School. The school’s park and play area is used during the school day and becomes a community space on weekday evenings, weekends and summers for children, teen, families and other community members. The group of resident leaders hopes to further promote use by the neighborhood children and families.

“Kaiser Permanente’s vision is to support Total Health by establishing safe public spaces in high-need communities,” Alena adds. “Our goals include increasing physical activity, supporting mental health and wellness, promoting community safety, and ultimately building community resilience, which means becoming strong together and providing support for each other.”