the chapter executive from the central valley chapter is ellen knapp.ase join me in welcoming them to the bay area. [applause] we are very honored to have such a distinguished crowd here today. we have gathered to discuss the topic of the utmost importance. that is the disaster readiness for northern california. it is so important. we have seen what can happen in communities. we want to make sure we are the most prepared community anywhere in the world. it is hard to think about a place like japan suffering the way that is currently. back in 2009, in january, i had the privilege of being a speaker at the kobe earthquake symposium. the progress they have made since the earthquake was stunning. it was amazing to see how organized and prepared they were as a community. with all of their preparedness, no community can withstand the horrific series of disasters they had to face. 1st the earthquake, then the tsunami, followed by the radiation attacking the community as we speak. that is why we're here today, to figure out ways to make the bay area the most pr