April 2021

With vaccination rates increasing and warmer weather, I am thankful that we continue to see decreases in the spread of Covid-19. While feeling a sense of relief, I am also sympathetic to individuals who are still suffering from this illness and to those experiencing its long-term effects. For me, this pandemic has reinforced how fortunate it is to have friends, family, and our health not only in catastrophic times, but always.

I would like to thank the members of the PBC Sangha for their trust in our leadership to guide the temple through 2021. I admit that the pandemic has required us to be creative in the way we conduct business and how we communicate with you. Here are few things that have happened around our temple.

BCA Conference

Over two weekends on February 20, 26-28, David Unruhe and I attended the BCA National Conference. Representatives across the US met virtually via Zoom. Despite the large number of attendees on the call, this virtual conference format seemed to work effectively. Over Zoom, representatives could attend workshop breakout sessions. Some of the key BCA priorities discussed include:

1. Growing Jodo Shinshu membership through expanded outreach. Over the past 10 years, membership in most major religious groups have decreased.

2. Prioritizing Buddhist education and propagation

3. Utilizing technology and social media to reach a broad target audience.

4. Diversifying revenue and income opportunities to ensure financial sustainability. At PBC, income from the gas station lease, rental of the parsonage, and future rental from our 3198 Boyington Road property are examples of diversified incomes which reduced our dependence on fundraising activities.

Roof

I am pleased that the roofing project of the Education Building has started on the first weekend of March. Thank you for helping us fund this project through a successful 2020 Arigato campaign! I extend my sincere thanks to Frank Perrott for managing the project and contracting, Nob Nimura for undertaking the fascia of the building with Gustavo Ibanez and his son Ivan. Please see the article in this month’s bulletin.

Information Technology

Last month, a task group was organized to identify PBC’s information technology priorities. From this discussion, two priorities were identified:

1. Develop options to allow members and friends to donate through credit cards. This improves safety of processing checks and currency and automates documenting receipts.

2. Enhancing the security camera coverage of the PBC grounds. This enhancement was recommended in 2020 in a report prepared for PBC by the Central California Intelligence Center. This agency is funded by the Department of Homeland Security.

Portable Generator

I would like to extend our appreciation to Bob and Joan Nishimoto for donating a portable generator to PBC. With changes in PG&E’s practice to shut off power during high wind events, the generator would help us keep our lights on during these outages. In 2019, the wine tasting event was saved with a generator borrowed from Kelly Takemoto that powered our lights and PA system. Again, many thanks for your proactive support!

Gas Station

The owners of the Penryn 76 gas station recently approached PBC regarding proposed plans to expand their outdoor eating area, relocate their propane tank, and add a drive through. The PBC Board will discuss the plans and recommend actions.

Safety

I believe that one of the most important responsibilities we have at PBC is to ensure the safety of our members and our guests. These key safety measures may include our response to fire, physical threats, food handling, security measures, and education. It is important that everyone understand their roles in ensuring their own safety and the safety of others. Over next few months, the Board will reexamine our safety practices at PBC.

Presently, none of the temples in the BCA have reopened to services as safety has been a priority. Thank you everyone for your patience as we gradually begin to reopen activities at the temple towards the latter part of this year.

In Gassho,

Allan Yamashiro, PBC President