Richmond Roundup

Presidio Trust wins international award
The Presidio Trust has been selected as the recipient of the Urban Land Institute's Global Award for Excellence, the Americas Division, which is widely recognized as the land use industry's most prestigious recognition program. The Trust received the award for the Presidio Trust Management Plan (PTMP), which was completed in May 2002 and set the framework for the Presidio's financial and preservation goals. The jury of well-known land use development and design experts who presented the award acknowledged PTMP for its leadership, contribution to the community, public and private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial success. An act of Congress charges the Presidio Trust with making sure the national park is financially self sufficient.

Westside e-waste pickup
An e-waste collection drive was conducted near Saint Ignatius High School in November. A large 24-foot truck collected used fax machines, old computers, monitors, televisions, radios, CD players, telephones, printers and hard drives, along with other electronic appliances at no cost to the general public. The drive was organized in reaction to a new state law that bans e-waste from landfills as of February of this year.

The drive was organized and sponsored by HMR USA. San Francisco residents can drop off their e-waste for free at HMR, located at 435 23rd St., Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, call (415) 647-6071.

LEGO robotic challenge coming
San Francisco's LEGO League Robotic Challenge Qualifying Tournament is scheduled to take place on Sunday, Dec. 17, courtesy of the Randall Museum and FIRST, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. The LEGO League is an international program for 9- to 14-year-old youths that encourages them to think creatively, work together, and use technology to solve unusual and stimulating problems.

In September, teams of students performed scientific research and then designed, built, and programmed robots to solve real world challenges. The teams, comprised of more than 80,000 middle school students in 35 countries, are now ready to have their robots compete at this high-energy sports-like tournament.

The event will be held at the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, on Sunday, Dec. 17, beginning with an opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m., the competition from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and an awards ceremony following. Admission is free.

For more information, call 554-9600.

Toddler Treehouse opens at Randall Museum
The Randall Museum recently announced the opening of its Toddler Treehouse, a new permanent exploration zone geared towards pre-schoolers. In the treehouse-themed former meeting room, toddlers can investigate the carpeted climbing structure and engage in fun educational activities, such as playing with age-appropriate toys, reading books, and participating in arts and crafts.

The Toddler Treehouse, made possible by a grant from the William E. Weiss Foundations, Bothin Foundation, Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, and Golden Gate Mothers Group, is now open for drop-in visits at 199 Museum Way during regular museum hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (415) 554-9600 or visit www.randallmuseum.org.

Recycle old holiday cards
Old holiday, birthday and other types of greeting cards can be donated to St. Jude's Ranch in Nevada, where the children living there cut them up and paste them onto a pre-printed card stock. The youths get 15 cents per usable card, which is put into a college or other fund for the youth. St. Jude's Ranch for Children is a non-profit group that provides a home for abused, abandoned, neglected and other "at risk" children.

To donate cards, drop them off at the Standard 5&10, located at 3545 California St. in the Laurel Village Shopping Center. For information, call 751-5767.

Students on the college beat
Bowdoin College recently held its annual Sarah and James Bowdoin Day ceremony honoring undergraduates who have distinguished themselves by excellence in scholarship.

The Richmond District's Susanna Ruth Kimport received designation as a Sarah and James Bowdoin Scholar for her academic achievement and earning a place in the top 20 percent of her class in the previous academic year.

Also, among the 745 students who entered the Class of 2010 at Colgate University were two Richmond District locals. Michael H. Ketcham recently graduated from University High School, and Katherine S. Leighton recently graduated from Convent of the Sacred Heart High School.