RSB Books

RSB Books

Richard Schwartz
Writer, Historian

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"Besides being an extremely knowledgeable local historian, Richard has a rare gift as a storyteller. When he combines these two roles the result is a wonderful and entertaining evening for his audience. For me, attending one of Richard's lectures is like having a short course from the best possible history professor. You leave having learned a great deal, and having had a most enjoyable time in the process!"

Arlene Baxter, President, Berkeley Association of Realtors

 
Richard Schwartz's Event Dates, details to be entered in 2008

 

01/31/08 Moraga Historical Society, Moraga Library, 1500 St. Marys Rd., Moraga. 7.30 p.m.

2/13/08 Berkwood Hedge School "Teaching and Learning About the East Bay," private school event for parents, teachers, and students.

02/16/08 East Bay Regional Parks, Botanical Garden, Wayne Roderick Lecture Series, Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive in Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley, 10.30 a.m.

03/1/08 , KTVU Channel 2 Rosie Chu's show 'Bay Area People' will interview Richard Schwartz and examine some of the eccentrics in his book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" Saturday, 6:30 a.m.

03/08/08 Contra Costa Historical Society, Richard Schwartz will be the speaker at the Society's quarterly lunch. See their website for details.

03/16/08 Clayton Books, History Lecture Series, 5433 D Clayton Road, Clayton, (925) 673-3325

03/25/08 Berkeley Daily Planet publishes the second of three syndacations from "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley." This issue presents the Ancient Buried City Under UC Berkeley.

03/31/08, Dan Ashly, anchorman of ABC TV, Channel 7 6 pm News will interview Richard Schwartz and talk about his new book, "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" and its impact. Channel 7 will also show portions of Schwartz's lecture at the California Historical Society on 9/13/7.

04/01/08 April, 2008, Alameda County Historical Society Quarterly, Volume XXXIV, No. 2, Harlan Kessel reviews "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley." Kessel states, "Treat yourself to what is  probably the most enjoyable California historical joyride of the decade." See "articles, notations and  reviews" button at "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" homepage.
                                                                                                                    
04/10/07 El Ceritto Library, 6510 Stockton Ave., El Ceritto, Ca 94530, 510-526-7512.

04/24/08 KALX Radio, Soapbox Derby show, 9-9:30 pm, radio 90.7FM. Richard Schwartz makes his fourth appearance on the show and will be interviewed on more of the stories of old Berkeley revealed in his new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

05/01/08 Thousand Oaks Neighborhood Association general meeting . Richard Schwartz will give an illustrated talk about two histories of the Thousand Oak area fifty years before the neighborhood was born.  At the Baptist Church at Colusa and Catalina Aves, 7:15-9 pm.

06/03/08 Oakland Museum History Guild Annual Meeting, 10:30am in the James Moore Theater.

06/26/08 Alameda Museum, 2324 Alameda Avenue, near Park Avenue, Alameda, CA, 7 p.m., call 510-748-0796.

07/09/08 San Francisco Public Library, Glen Park Branch. Richard Schwartz gives an illustrated slide talk on the San Francisco-Berkeley connections of eccentrics and events in the eighteen and early nineteenth century. 6:30 pm.  2825 Diamond St., San Francisco. tel. 415-355-2858.

07/13/08 San Francisco State Laborfest 2008, as part of the many festivities, Richard Schwartz will give a walk starting at the northeast corner of Shattuck and Haste Sts. in downtown Berkeley. He will tell the stories of some of Berkeley's most facinating working people. Starts at 1 pm.

07/29/08 1868 Hayward Earthquake Alliance, meeting at ABAG (Associated Bay Area Governments) headquarters, 101 8th St., Oakland Ca, noon -2 pm. Richard Schwartz will give an illustrated presentation about the 1868 Hayward Fault and offer personal historical accounts of survivers of the devastation in the East Bay.

08/27/08 San Francisco Public Library, Excelsior Library Branch hosts a monthly "Arts & Culture Salon." Richard Schwartz will speak/present a slide show on "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

10/23/08 Alameda County Historical Society  Dinner Meeting and Presentation. Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Restaurant, 1919 4th Street, Berkeley, CA, 510-339-2818.

 

 

 

Richard Schwartz's Event Dates, 2007

 

03/29/07  Berkeley Association of Realtors, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- Richard Schwartz opens a five-lecture series on the history of Berkeley, Thurday evening at the Hillside Club, Cedar St., Berkeley,

04/10/07 Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge, Berkeley, CA 94704, 510-981-6100, 7-9 p.m. Speakers and Authors Stephen Tobriner, Architect, Engineer and Historian, and Richard Schwartz, Building Contractor and Historian, give an illustrated talk about the 1906 Earthquake, covering many unexplored topics.

04/26/07 Alameda Museum, Thursday April 26 at 7:00 p.m. Richard Schwartz will present a slide show on the effect of the 1906 Earthquake on Berkeley and the East Bay. It will also focus on the ten-week relief effort mounted by Berkeley, Alameda, and Oakalnd. 4th floor Masonic Hall.  It is right next to the Museum at 2321 Alameda Avenue, Alameda.

05/10/07 KALX Radio, Soapbox Derby show, 9-9:30 pm, radio 90.7FM.

7/17/07 Richard Schwartz's new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" is released. It is currently being distributed to local stores.

9/9/7 Solano Stroll. RSB Books and Richard Schwartz will have a booth at 1741 Solano Ave., just east of Ensenada Ave., for the Stroll. There will be his "Earthquake Exodus, 1906" and "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" books for sale and special surprises and gifts at the booth. Come visit us.

9/13/7 California Historical Society, Richard Schwartz gives an illustrated talk on the San Francisco-Berkeley connection within the stories of his new book, "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

9/14/7 Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore, Richard Schwartz talks about the Elmwood, Claremont stories in his new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley." 7:30 pm.

9/20/7 Cordonices Creek Watershed Council, 7-9 pm. Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St., Berkeley, CA 94709.   An illustrated lecture based on stories in the book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" which will cover the topic of life in the town in the 1800s. We will focus the stories on the creeks and roads of old Berkeley, how they were utilized and treated, and how their fates were intertwined.

9/22/7 Sedge Thomson's West Coast Live! San Francisco's Live Radio Show to the World. Locally broadcast on KALW 91.7 FM and and streamed across the globe by KSJN, Jefferson Public Radio. 10am-noon. Richard Schwartz is one of the guests on the show. The amazing thing is that Sedge's ancestor is Samuel Hopkins Willey, who is one of the founders of UC Berkeley and occupies a chapter in Schwartz's new book, "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley." Other guests include Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and John O'Keefe, award winning writer and actor .

10/18/7 KALX Radio, Soapbox Derby show, 9-9:30 pm, radio 90.7FM. Richard Schwartz will be interviewed on the history, culture, and surprises of nineteenth century Berkeley.

10/19/7 The Berkeley Voice Newspaper, writer Martin Snapp writes a front page story on Richard Schwartz and his new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

10/21/7 El Ceritto Historical Society An illustrated talk on the new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley." El Cerrito Senoir Center, 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito, 1pm. 526-7507.

10/25/7 Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. As part of BAHA's Berkeley authors lecture series, Richard Schwartz will offer an illustrated talk on "The Nineteenth Century Downtown Berkeley Eccentrics!" The material is from his latest book, "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley." Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley, 7:30 pm. After the talk, a book signing and reception will take place at the BAHA house, across the street.

10/28/7 West County Times and Contra Costa Times, Sunday Edition, Nilda Rego, long time historian will interview Richard Schwartz and his book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley"as well as the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association in her column "Days Gone By."

November 2007 East Bay Monthly columnist Paul Kilduff of the Kilduff File will interview Richard Schwartz and feature his new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

November 2007 California Monthly, the magazine of the alumni of UC Berkeley, review Richard Schwartz's book, "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

11/7/7  Berkeley Association of Realtors, OPEN TO THE PUBLIC- Richard Schwartz closes a five-lecture series on the history of Berkeley, Wed. evening 7:30 at the Hillside Club, Cedar St., Berkeley. Schwartz will give an illustrated talk on the nineteenth century characters and stories concentrating on the heroes and eccentric characters of north Berkeley. The talk will be based on his new book, "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

11/18/07 San Francisco Chronicle Book Review Section: Richard Schwartz's new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" is picked as one of eight 2007 HOLIDAY GIFT BOOKS in the coffee table genre by the San Francisco Chronicle Book Review Section and reviewer Roger McMahon.

11/29/7 KALX Radio, Soapbox Derby show, 9-9:30 pm, radio 90.7FM. Richard Schwartz will be interviewed on the stories of old Berkeley revealed in his new book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley."

December/2007 Pegasis and Pendragon Book Stores Holiday Newsletters, "Books We Love This Holiday Season" picks "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" in the nonfiction catagory."

December/2007 Cody's Books puts "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" on their "Unique Gifts and Favorites from Cody's Staff" picks and is on that named table in the front of the store.

December, 2007, Alameda Magazine picks "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" for "Tomes for the Holidays, Don't-Miss Reads for Book Lovers" by Nick Petrulakis as one of three picks for holiday gifts.

HolidayBooks

Tomes for the Holidays

Don't-Miss Reads for Book Lovers

For the person on your list who may not have the time to devote to a novel, and prefers to browse through those delightful books full of information and miscellany, don't miss Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley by Richard Schwartz.

    Schwartz makes East Bay history come alive with his colorful tales. Emperor Norton is here, reviewing university cadets in Berkeley, "sword in one hand, cane in the other … gallant to the ladies as ever," but Schwartz has also unearthed lesser lights who still blaze with the absurdity of Norton. There's the cursed Mary Thompson, a successful widow&emdash;or "a blot upon the neighborhood, a supporter of drinking and gambling;" and John Boyd, Berkeley's town poet, under threat of arrest for calling E.A. Schmidt "divers vulgar names after an altercation over the settlement of a bill." 

    These characters and dozens more populate a book that any fan of local history will be sure to welcome.

    Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley by Richard Schwartz (RSB Books, 2007, 244 pp. $24.95)

 

 

12/8/7 Clayton Books, Richard Schwartz will give a talk and book signing of "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" as part of a local history author event. 1:30 pm., Aegis of Concord, 4756 Clayton Rd., (925) 673-3325. A book signing to follow www.claytonbookshop.com

12/14/7 The Berkeley Daily Planet syndacates the first of three chapters from "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley" -- displaying the chapter "The Hangman's Tree" which tells the story of a fight to save an historic oak tree by Strawberry Creek from developers. This battle, which ended almost 100 years ago, bears a striking resemblance to a current battle to save oak trees the city is currently fighting.

12/17/7 KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM, Cover to Cover show with Denny Smithson, 94.1 FM, interview with author Richard Schwartz on his book "Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley,",3-3:30 pm

 

Richard Schwartz's Event Dates, 2006
Special Commemorations on the 100th anniversary of the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire

4/18/06 3:30pm Presentation of Certificate of Honor from Mayor Gavin Newsom to Mayor Tom Bates by historian Richard Schwartz
City of Berkeley
The public presentation of the Certificate of Honor from the Mayor of San Francisco to Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates by author and historian Richard Schwartz will give a venue to East Bay residents and anyone wishing a way to partake in a commemoration of the events of the Great 1906 Earthquake.

4/18/06 7:30 pm Earthquake Exodus, 1906: Berkeley Responds to the San Francisco Refugees
Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association
To order tickets online visit the BAHA calendar.
Earthquake Day ceremony, lecture & book signing to commemorate the ten-week Berkeley relief effort that rescued 15,000 San Francisco refugees from the Earthquake and Fire.

 

Speaking, Event, and Exhibit dates and locations

 

12/11/5 Black Oak Books, "In 2000 Richard Schwartz published the outstanding history of our town, Berkeley 1900: Daily Life at the Turn of the Century. That book is an illuminating collection of documents that shows what life was like here in Berkeley when we were a horse-and-buggy town of 15,000 people, and much of downtown Berkeley was still farmland. Schwartz has focused his new book on the remarkable story of how Berkeley extended relief and hospitality to refugees of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Earthquake Exodus: Berkeley Responds to the San Francisco Refugees unveils events that were monumental in their day, but largely forgotten within a generation. Like Berkeley 1900, this story of the ten-week relief effort will be a wonderful holiday gift for anyone interested in Berkeley, San Francisco, and East Bay history." 7:30 pm.

2/15/6-6/31/06 City of Albany historical display by historian Richard Schwartz on how the 1906 Earthquake effected the Solano Ave. area, which was undeveloped ranchland, and the quake's effect on forming the City of Oceanview, which was soon renamed Albany. Photos and text. East side of city kiosk, northwest corner of Solano Ave. and Curtis St. in front of the Sunnyside Cafe. The Earthquake Exodus, 1906 book is for sale inside the Sunnyside Cafe for those who wish more information.

3/16/06 Moraga Historical Society, 1906 Earthquake Lecture, A lecture by Author historian Richard Schwartz on the Relief Effort in Berkeley and the East Bay after the 1906 Earthquake, Moraga

3/23/06 California Historical Society, 678 Mission Street, San Francisco, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture and book signing with three other authors of earthquake books. 6 pm

3/24/06 Spellbinding Tales, Alameda, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture and book signing, 1910A Encinal Ave., Alameda, 7 pm

3/30/06 Artists with Heart fundraiser with Josh Kornbluth catered by Chez Panisse, Richard Schwartz will talk on the Bay Area and the poor in 1900, "Led by volunteers from Artists With Heart, over 60 local artists, restaurants, and monologuist Josh Kornbluth (host of „The Josh Kornbluth Show‰ on KQED) have joined forces to help local homeless children by holding a special fundraiser to support Ursula Sherman Village -- a West Berkeley housing program designed to help homeless children reach their full potential through education, health services, family counseling, and more. The event will feature:* Original works of art for sale donated by local artists* Gourmet food & drinks donated by local restaurants, including Chez Panisse, Café De La Paz, and others * Live entertainment (Lee Waterman and the Ian Wilson Trio) * Special guests Josh Kornbluth (host of KQED‚s „The Josh Kornbluth Show‰) and Richard Schwartz, author of Berkeley 1900 and Earthquake Exodus.

Tickets are $100 in advance, $125 at the door. Call 649-1930 to book tickets. 100% OF PROCEEDS WILL GO TO URSULA SHERMAN VILLAGE TO BETTER THE LIVES OF HOMELESS CHILDREN! For tickets or to donate, call Sonja or Janny (510) 649-1930. Ursula Sherman Village is a project of BOSS, Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency. Established in 1971, BOSS fights homelessness and poverty by providing housing, health, economic development, and social justice services to 2,000 families and individuals each year." First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, 510-665-1950.. 7pm - 9pm

4/2/06 El Ceritto Historical Society Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture, "April 2 meeting will feature author of Earthquake Exodus. The April meeting of the El Cerrito Historical Society will feature a presentation by Richard Schwartz, the pre-eminent Berkeley historian, on his new book, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 .  The meeting will be held at the El Cerrito Senior Center on Sunday, April 2 nd at 2 PM.  Refreshments and a business meeting will follow Richard's talk. Richard is the author of several other books, including the very popular " Berkeley 1900 " book.  His new book tells how refugees from the San Francisco earthquake were accepted with open arms by the residents of Berkeley and other East Bay cities.  The new book has been exceedingly well received.  In fact, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, upon becoming familiar with the story as told in Richard's book, issued an official City of San Francisco proclamation thanking the City of Berkeley for its exceptional work in assisting the beleaguered citizens of San Francisco 100 years ago.  Mayor Newsom's written proclamation is the first formal acknowledgement ever by the City of San Francisco of the enormous sacrifices made by the City and Citizens of Berkeley to assist the people of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. The El Cerrito Historical Society meetings draw attendees from a number of local communities and you do not have to be a member to attend.  If you have any questions about the meeting contact Tom Panas at (510) 526-7507 or Verne Odlin at (510) 525-1730.  The El Cerrito Senior Center is located at 6510 Stockton Avenue, just behind the El Cerrito Library." 

El Cerrito Senior Center, behind public library at 6510 Stockton St., El Cerrito, 2pm

4/3/6 KCBS Radio 740 am, News Anchors Stan Bunger and Susan Leigh Taylor interview Richard Schwartz about the refugees of the 1906 Earthquake, the Relief Effort in the East Bay, and the aftermath of the events, 7:20 am.

4/3/06 KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM, Cover to Cover show with Denny Smithson, 94.1 FM, interview with author Richard Schwartz on his new book Earthquake Exodus, 1906, 3-3:30 pm

4/4/06-4/30/06 John Muir National Historic Site An earthquake exhibit at the John Muir home utilizing photos in part from the research of Richard Schwartz and the book Earthquake Exodus, 1906. 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez, CA 94553, 925-228-8860, Wed.-Sun. 10 am - 5 pm.

4/4/06-5/1/06 Berkeley Public Library, Main Branch, window and interior displays on the 1906 Earthquake, 2090 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, 510-981-6100

4/08/06 Orinda Books, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture and book signing, 276 Village Sq., Orinda 2 pm

4/11/06 KPFA Radio, 94.1 FM, The Morning Show with Philip Muldari, interview with author Richard Schwartz on his new book Earthquake Exodus, 1906, 8:05-8:30 am

4/11/06 Copperfields Books, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture and book signing, "We're still shakin' at Copperfield's! We continue our four-event series observing the 1906 earthquake centennial celebration with Richard Schwartz's book, detailing the ten-week relief effort in Berkeley and the East Bay after the earthquake and its devastating aftermath, fire. Here is a largely unknown chapter, with breathtaking photos and illustrations, showing how a community rose to the occasion, helping feed and shelter thousands of terrified survivors who fled. Berkeleyans didn't wait for government, they didn't wait for money, they didn't wait for instructions. Hear the story of a successful first response!" 2316 Montgomery Dr., Santa Rosa, 7 pm

4/12/06 KPIX Channel 5, Earthquake TV Special, Richard Schwartz is interviewed by Bill Schechner as part of a larger special on the quake. Time to be confirmed, 7 pm TIME MOVED TO SUNDAY APRIL 16.

4/12/6 KTSF Channel 26, reporter Ling Chia Ku interviews Richard Schwartz at the site of where many of the Asian refugees from the San Francisco's Chinatown came after the 1906 earthquake. 7 pm Cantonese Language broadcast, 10 pm Manderin language broadcast. In the Berkeley/Richmond area, Channel 26 is broadcast on cable channel 8.

4/13/06 Builders Booksource, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture and book signing, "Richard Schwartz will be here to talk about the creation of his new book on Berkeley's response to the great earthquake of 1906. Seeing as how Richard is also one of Berkeley's best Earthquake Retrofit specialists, he will also address our concerns on earthquake preparedness." 1817 4th Street , Berkeley 7:30 pm

4/13/6 KTSF Channel 26, reporter Ling Chia Ku interviews Richard Schwartz on the true story of Jew Sing and Ng Quei Sem, a couple that were to be married on April 18, 1906 but Jew was forced to send his fiancee Ng on a ferry to Berkeley and safety after the earthquake. Their story is fully told. 7 pm Cantonese Language broadcast, 10 pm Mandarin language broadcast. In the Berkeley/Richmond area, Channel 26 is broadcast on cable channel 8.

4/14/06 ABC News Channel 7, News Anchor Dan Ashley interviews Richard Schwartz on the Berkeley Relief Effort, 6 pm

4/14/06 KPIX Channel 5, Evening News, Richard Schwartz is interviewed by Bill Schechner about the 1906 Berkeley Relief Effort in the bar at Venezia Restaurant in Berkeley. Sometime between 6-7pm

4/15/06 KTVU Channel 2 Rosie Chu's show 'Bay Area People' will interview historian Richard Schwartz about the 1906 Earthquake, 6 am. in the morning.

4/15/06 The 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire Exposition, San Francisco Fire Department , This free Expo sponsored by the San Francisco Fire Department is designed to display the monumental effort of the Department in 1906, the rebuilding of San Francisco, preparedness for the next earthquake, and all kinds of information related to earthquakes, San Francisco Fire Department Museum gift shop annex at pier 48, Richard Schwartz will sign books from 2-3 pm.

4/16/06 KPIX Channel 5, Earthquake TV Special, Richard Schwartz is interviewed by Bill Schechner as part of a larger special on the quake. 7-9 am and will be repeated at a time to be announced.

4/16/06 KRON News Channel 4, Morning News, live interview with Richard Schwartz, time to be between 8-10 am.

4/16/06 KCBS Radio 740 am, Interviews with Richard Schwartz by Mike Pulsipher about the San Francisco refugees and the Relief effort in the East Bay. Interview plays different segments from 6 am to midnight.

4/16/06 The 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire Exposition, San Francisco Fire Department , This free Expo sponsored by the San Francisco Fire Department is designed to display the monumental effort of the Department in 1906, the rebuilding of San Francisco, preparedness for the next earthquake, and all kinds of information related to earthquakes, San Francisco Fire Department Museum gift shop annex at pier 48, Richard Schwartz will sign books from 1-2 pm.

4/17/06 Book Passage, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture and book signing, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, Marin Co. 7:30 pm

4/18/06 San Francisco Historical Society/Chinese Historical Society of America, "San Francisco Rising," Palace Hotel, Earthquake breakfast. Richard Schwartz will be presenting and signing his book. 6-8 am.

4/18/06 3:30pm Ceremony to present Mayor Bates Certificates of Honor for earthquake relief efforts in 1906 from Mayor Gavin Newsom and Senator Don Perata 3:30, Berkeley City Council Chambers /followed by a book talk with BAHA at Berkeley City Club 7:30 (see below)

4/18/06 7:30 pm Earthquake Exodus, 1906: Berkeley Responds to the San Francisco Refugees , Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association, 100th Anniversary Earthquake Day Commemoration, illustrated lecture to commemorate the ten-week Berkeley relief effort that rescued 15,000 San Francisco refugees from the Earthquake and Fire. Lecture at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, 7.30 pm, followed by reception & book signing at the McCreary-Greer House (BAHA home), 2318 Durant Avenue. To order tickets online visit the BAHA calendar.

4/19/06-4/20/06 100th Anniversary 1906 Earthquake Conference Commemorating the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, International Seismology Conference, April 18-22, 2006. Richard Schwartz will sign copies of his book "Earthquake Exodus, 1906" at Booth 1313 of the California Historical Society, North Hall "D" of the Moscone Center, San Francisco, between 10am and 4 pm on April 19 and 20.

4/20/06 1906 Earthquake Centennial Symposium San Francisco State University, "Rising From the Ashes: The Role of Labor in Rebuilding the Bay Area After the 1906 Earthquake, panel discussion, Bill Issel (Professor, SFSU History Dept) "San Francisco Labor in the early 1900s: a slide show" Bob Mattacola (Carpenters Local 22) "Readings from the Diary of George W. Farris member of Local 22 in 1906" Dr Lee Davis (Director, SFSU California Studies) "Organized Labor and the Building of the 1906 Earthquake Cottages" Richard Schwartz (retrofitting contractor and author) "Chimneys, Freebies & Four-Footed Friends: Labor in the Immediate Aftermath of the 1906 earthquake" Aaron Cramer (SFSU Labor Studies student) "Organized Labor and the Rebuilding of the City in 1906" Maria Brooks (Filmmaker) Video preview "Rebuilding San Francisco"  For more information and updates on the program go to www. rebuildingsanfrancisco.org or call SFSU Labor Studies at 415-338-2885 SFSU Downtown Center, Room 301 425 Market St, San Francisco, 5-6:30 reception and 6:30-9:30 program

4/22/06 Albany Fire Department 1906 Earthquake Centennial Memorial and Preparedness, Richard Schwartz Earthquake Exodus, 1906 book signing, Albany Fire Department, 10am-2 pm. Albany

4/23/06 San Francisco Maritime National Park Richard Schwartz will sign copies of Earthquake Exodus, 1906 in the Maritime Store, located at 2905 Hyde St. Pier, corner of Jefferson and Hyde Sts. at the Hyde St. Pier. 415-775-2665. 1-3 pm

4/29/06 Society of California of Archivists, 35th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, The Paper Trail of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake & Fire: Three Researchers Look at the Evidence, Theresa Salazar, The Bancroft Library, Chair, Carol Prentice, United States Geological Society, Richard Schwartz, Independent researcher, Andrea Henderson, Stanford University. Sponsored by the Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley, Standford Court Hotel, 905 California Street-Nob Hill, San Francisco, California, 2-3 pm

4/30/06 Pardee Home Museum, Earthquake Exodus, 1906 illustrated lecture and book signing, "1906 Earthquake Centennial Book Reading and Signing. You are invited to a 1906 Earthquake Centennial Book Reading and Signing at the historic home of Dr. George C. Pardee, who served so nobly as governor of California during this enormous calamity. Please join us on Sunday afternoon, April 30, 2006, from 2 to 4 p.m. Richard Schwartz, author of Earthquake Exodus, 1906: Berkeley Responds to the San Francisco Earthquake and Dorothy Fowler, author of A Most Dreadful Earthquake: A First-Hand Account of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire will be reading and discussing their important new books in the front parlors. Book selling and signing to follow in the dining room, accompanied by refreshments. Admission to the event is free, but donations to the Pardee Home Museum will be graciously accepted. The Pardee Home is located at 672 Eleventh Street in downtown Oakland. On-street parking is plentiful on Sundays. Call (510) 444-2187 for additional information." 672 Eleventh St., Oakland, 2-4:30 pm

6/10/06 Piedmont Gardens, Oakland, Richard Schwartz gives lecture/slide show on the 1906 earthquake relief effort in the East Bay.

6/20/06 Berkeley Kiwanas Club, Richard Schwartz gives lecture/slide show on the 1906 earthquake relief effort in the East Bay.

7/14/06 Berkeley Breakfast Club, at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley, 7.30 am. Richard Schwartz gives lecture/slide show on the 1906 earthquake relief effort in the East Bay.

8/4/06 Oakland Museum, lecture/slide show on the 1906 earthquake relief effort in the East Bay. "First Fridays After Five: Shaken, Not Stirred."

8/13/06 Oakland Heritage Alliance Walk "The Redwoods of Oakland" led by Dennis Evonosky and Richard Schwartz, 10 am-12:30 pm. By reservation. The walk will cover the history of the largest redwoods in the world which were in Oakland and all logged by 1855. See the one remaining tree amidst the second and third growth. Richard will also cover the Indian presence in the very special area. Dennis and Richard will review the early Spanish, Mexican and American presence in these redwoods and the amazing events that transpired there. Call 510-763-9218.

9/9/06 KTVU Channel 2 Rosie Chu's show 'Bay Area People' will interview historians Dennis Evanoski and Richard Schwartz about the ancient redwoods that once existed in the Oakland hills, 6:30 am. in the morning.

9/14/06 California Historical Society An illustrated lecture by Richard Schwartz on the 1906 Earthquake refugees and relief efforts.

9/17/06 Oakland Heritage Alliance (second time) Walk "The Redwoods of Oakland" led by Dennis Evonosky and Richard Schwartz, 10 am-12:30 pm. By reservation. The walk will cover the history of the largest redwoods in the world which were in Oakland and all logged by 1855. See the one remaining tree amidst the second and third growth. Richard will also cover the Indian presence in the very special area. Dennis and Richard will review the early Spanish, Mexican and American presence in these redwoods and the amazing events that transpired there. Call 510-763-9218.

9/21/06 Berkeley Path Wanderers annual meeting at the Hillside Club, Cedar St., Berkeley, 7 pm. Richard Schwartz will give a lecture/slide show on Berkeley in 1906, daily life, damage in Berkeley from the 1906 earthquake, the Berkeley Relief Committee and effort, and how the events changed the course of Berkeley history to this day.

9/23/06 Oakland Heritage Alliance (third time) Walk "The Redwoods of Oakland" led by Dennis Evonosky and Richard Schwartz, 10 am-12:30 pm. By reservation. The walk will cover the history of the largest redwoods in the world which were in Oakland and all logged by 1855. See the one remaining tree amidst the second and third growth. Richard will also cover the Indian presence in the very special area. Dennis and Richard will review the early Spanish, Mexican and American presence in these redwoods and the amazing events that transpired there. Call 510-763-9218.

10/12/06 Berkeley Lions Club Richard Schwartz will speak to the club on Berkeley's role in the 1906 earthquake.

10/28/06 Cordonices Creek Watershed Council- watershed walk. Richard Schwartz will participate, speaking to the participants about what to look for in the way of historic artifacts, especially Iocal Indian artifacts, when doing creek restoration or when one is looking in their own back yard.

12/9/06 Contra Costa Historical Society. The featured speaker for the Christmas Diner of the Society will be Richard Schwartz. He will give an illustrated slide show on the effects of the 1906 earthquake on the east bay and contra costa county.

 

 

PAST Readings, Events, and Exhibits (2000-2005)

 

Reading/Speaking Engagements

1. The Alameda County Historical Society (quarterly diner guest speaker)

2. Alameda Museum Lecture Series 2003. May 29th at the Alameda Museum.

3. Barnes & Noble (Berkeley and Jack London Square stores)

4. Berkeley Architectural Heritage Society, What Life in Berkeley was Like in 1905

5. The Berkeley City Commons Club, guest lecturer

6. The Berkeley Historical Society- two lectures, one on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of Berkeley.

7. The Berkeley Path Wanderers

8. The Berkeley Rotary Club

9. The Berkeley Shellmound Conference of 2001 (featured speaker)

10. Black Oak Books, 2000 for Berkeley 1900 and 2005 for Earthquake Exodus, 1906

11. The Bellevue Club (Piedmont)

12. Boardecias Book

13. The Claremont Hotel Landmarks Committee

14. The Fifth Annual Watershed Environmental Poetry Festival (with U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Haas, poet Michael McClure, and author Julia Butterfly Hill)

15. Florey's Books (Pacifica)

16. The Lake Merritt Club

17. The Oakland Museum History Guild (featured speaker)

Photo installations

1. Cody's Books (Telegraph Ave.) 2000 display for Berkeley 1900 and 2005 display for Earthquake Exodus, 1906

2. The Berkeley Habitot Museum (turn-of-the-century children's photos)

3. Truitt and White Lumber Company (history of the Berkeley Lumber industry)

Television, live, and radio appearances

1. "The Natural History of the East Bay Hills and Man's Influence on Them" moderated by Sedge Thompson (KQED, West Coast Live) and also featuring Malcolm Margolin (Heyday Press) and Steve Edwards (East Bay Regional Park Botanical Gardens)

2. Fox Broadcasting's KTVU with Rosie Chu on "Bay Area People,"

3. KPFA with Denny Smithson on "Cover to Cover"

4. CBS radio with Mike Pulsipher

5. KQED Forum radio show with Angie Coiro on the Occasion of the 125th Anniversary of Berkeley

Print media mention/reviews

1. The Alameda County Historical Society Newsletter

2. The Berkeley Monthly (August 2000, Critic's Choice)

3. The Berkeley Historical Society Newsletter

4. The Berkeley Voice (eight month weekly syndication)

5. The California Monthly (University of California Alumni magazine)

6. The Daily Californian

7. The Daily Planet

8. The East Bay Express (Best Seller List for ten months)

9. The El Cerrito Journal

10. The Palo Alto Daily News

11. The San Francisco Chronicle (2000 Special Holiday Book Guide Pick)

12. The Sunday Oakland Tribune

13. The Sunday Times Sunday of Contra Costa County

Archaeological/historical consultant

1. Garcia and Associates (the firm hired by the City of Berkeley to study the West Berkeley Shellmound).

2. The State of California (the recording of about one hundred and fifty Native American archeological sites in Berkeley and vicinity, the vast majority of which were previously unknown).

3. Honored as a "Pioneer of Berkeley Archeology" by U. C. Archeology Chairman Kent Lightfoot at a lecture on Berkeley history at Finn Hall 2004.

 

RSB Books
Eccentrics, Heroes, and Cutthroats of Old Berkeley
Earthquake Exodus, 1906
Berkeley 1900
The Circle of Stones