L.A. Times story about RB's marketing team's work on Prop 65.

Largest Detention Basin in northern California

RB spearheaded a massive marketing/public relation project that resulted in the largest detention basin in northern California -- a 13-million-gallon detention basin along the South Fork Arcade Creek.

RB organized a task force that held numerous town hall meetings, where several hundred residents brought their flood photographs, FEMA documents, and then took turns drawing on a 6'x5' special-made plot map of the creek and its watershed.

RB had residents detail on the map the water flow in and out of their homes/ property and cost of damage. Many had documentation and photographs dating back to the floods of 1955, providing the task force with an accurate picture of the typical flood cycles and subsequent damage.

When the project was complete, RB's task force had the most comprehensive flood map of the watershed. The county, Army Corp. of Engineers, and FEMA secured copies for their records.

RB organized, negotiated with officials, wrote press releases, got the media to cover the issue, conducted meetings, directed volunteers, and handled media inquiries.

The task force consisted of many stakeholders: RB, community activists, hydrology engineers, EIR attorney, FEMA and Army Corp of Engineers participating with the task force's proposal.

Update: Because of RB's work, two more (small) detention basins were built further up stream.

Chair of Task Force

RB organized a group of stakeholders to create a task force to study and then make recommendations for improvements along a street that has three schools within six blocks with 800 children aged 3-12 years.

RB spearheaded the group and handled the public relations: Press releases, public awareness, public announcements, town hall meetings, direct volunteers, and handled media inquiries. See photo below.

The issue was that the road was narrow without sidewalks, crosswalks, and had deep and wide drainage ditches on both sides.

The task force consisted of: RB, county supervisor, county transportation engineers, sanitation officials, school bus-driver officials, CHP and sheriff’s office representatives, school district officials, PTA officials, the schools’ principal, and neighborhood leaders.

Illinois Avenue Safety Task Force findings and recommendations in pdf

The Solution

RB became the solution by securing the funding for the Illinois road project. She prepared the winning grant and then lobbied public officials to allocate matching funds. Federal and state officials chose 20 applications from the 680 entries throughout California.

Judges wrote that RB 's application showed remarkable attention to detail, excellent presentation, thorough background research, compelling photographs, timeline of events, and testimonials from previous generations of their efforts for a solution.

RB also had included many letters of support from community leaders such as the chamber of commerce, Lyons, Rotary, PTA, school principals, non profits, and business associations.

RB had created a database to make a timeline of the issues, solutions attempted, groups involved, and the result.

RB's grant application for Illinois Avenue pdf

Victorious Team Leader

The Desperados

RB, as captain, manager, and pitcher of the Desperados   --  a coed baseball team  --  lead them to five-consecutive seasons of first-place victories.

RB kept the team inspired by making the practices a fun event that included beverages, socializing, good music, and barbecues.

Also, by keeping detailed records, communicating effectively and often, and networking, RB kept the team connected and motivated to success, especially during off seasons.

The Rookies

RB, coach and marketing guru for The Rookies -- a girls softball team that was part of the Big Sister program.

RB designed the banner depicting the sponsor's logo of a bull with chef's hat and coat tails, holding a silver platter with its signature deluxe hamburger.

Increasing Business Revenue Through PR and Marketing Campaign

RB's winning market strategy meant a 20 percent profit increase within first six months. 

RB changed the format by building a stage in the corner of the back room and had local artists play; and held open mike night on Tuesday for comics. 

To promote the concept, she held special events and designed fliers and posters. Also got surrounding businesses involved.  RB ran ads in the college paper and local newspaper and got the local rock station to talk about it and promote it.

The art work in the background of the photograph.  RB had local artists do the promotional posters.

6.    A winning strategy

RB did a promotion campaign for Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run album.

RB did extensive research and interviews with young males (target demographics 13-25 age).

From RB's research, she then created the winning concept of making a three-dimensional display knowing the competition would have one-dimensional story boards.

The picture above shows the demo shoes.

RB’s team had less than 12 hours to create the art and then make the presentation to the client. RB purchased running shoes and then drew art, in a contiguous design. Filled in using acrylic paints.

One design flowed in to the next creating a never-ending art around the shoes, depicting motion.

8. CB's Home Makeover

Something unknown happened to CB in April 2008, and he laid unconscious for 5-1/2 days without food or water, before rescuers found him. He spent six weeks in ICU, had to learn to walk again, and underwent four surgeries. He then spent four months in a rehab center.

RB managed a project to provide CB with a complete makeover so he would have a fresh start on life when he returned home, which was in November 2008. It involved RB organizing volunteers and providing daily e-mail news updates on CB's progress and the volunteers progress for the massive job of clearing out clutter, cleaning, organizing, and installing improved features.

Copyright © 2009 by RB. All rights reserved. The material on this web site may not be copied, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. RB designed this web site and RB created all the original art on this site. Web Master.