The following is updated information on the Y2K preparedness conference for the Sonoma Valley. Please do what you can to start publicizing this conference, via e-mail and in person. We will want to print up a one-page flyer and distribute it in stores and businesses. Anyone willing to help with printing and distributing these please contact me (ralph metzner; rmetzner@svn.net) DATE: May 2nd, 1999 (Sunday) TIME: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm PLACE: Veteran's Memorial Building, 126 First Str. West, Sonoma. The conference is co-sponsored by the City of Sonoma, the Sonoma Valley Y2K Preparedness Group, and various businesses. The program will consist of a keynote speaker and three panels. Speakers and panels will have ample time for questions. There will also be informational exhibit tables. The precise participants in the program have yet to be all confirmed, but here is what we have so far. The confirmed opening keynote speaker is BOB BURNETT. Bob was one of the original developers of the COBOL programming language; was founding VP of Engineering at Cisco Systems; and since retiring has worked as a consulting technologist to businesses and non-profit groups. He heads the Y2K technical advisory group for the City of Berkeley, a group that meets weekly to review critical systems. The first panel will focus on Y2K Preparedness of Utilities and Infrastructure. It will include Wayne Wirick, who heads the Sonoma's office of Y2K Readiness; as well as spokespersons for PG&E, Pacific Bell, and the Sonoma County Water and Sewage Agency. The second panel will focus on Local Emergency Services & Disaster Preparedness. It will include spokespersons from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, from the City of Sonoma Police and Fire Departments, the local office of the American Red Cross, and Rick Barker, Director of Facilities for the Sonoma Valley Hospital. The focus of the third panel will be on Banks, Businesses and Neighborhood Preparedness. It will include Mel Switzer of the Sonoma Valley Bank, spokespersons for various businesses, and Ralph Metzner, from the Sonoma Valley Y2K Preparedness Group (a citizens' and neighborhood group).

The Sonoma Valley Y2K Preparedness Group has been meeting once a month since January at the Public Library. The next meeting had been scheduled for April 24th (it was so announced in the Index Tribune Magazine). In view of the May 2nd conference, we are cancelling the April 24th meeting. The next meeting of this group will be Saturday May 29th, 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Sonoma Public Libary.

-- Ralph Metzner (rmetzner@svn.net), April 01, 1999