Tom Butt
Architect, Recovered Politician, Historic Preservationist and Author
This web page started as a political campaign resource in the early 1990s. After 28 years on the Richmond City Council and eight years as elected mayor, I termed out in 2023, having served longer continuously than anyone in Richmond history. I have now reverted full-time to the architectural profession.
I started the blog TOM BUTT E-FORUM in 2000 to fill in the gaps and misinformation from traditional journalism. Although I have transitioned away from the predominantly community and political content , I have continued the E-FORUM, and the Archives are probably the best resource available for Richmond political history 2000 – 2023.
Latest E-FORUM Articles
Law Firm Threatens AIA Members Opposed to Ballroom
Back in December 2025, I signed on to a letter from members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Historic Preservation Committee to Trump’s latest Ballroom architect, Shalom Baranes...
VISITORS WELCOME:– Next Rotary Meeting Friday, January 9, 2026 | Namu
Next Club Meeting Happy New Year!! Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, January 9, 12:30pm. Namungoona, Uganda Childrens Art Center Rotarian Tom Herriman Namungoona Childrens Art Center provides free...
New Book — The Old Sierra City School
My newest book, “The Old Sierra City School,” is now available on Amazon in either paperback or Kindle. When the population of Sierra City swelled during the Gold Rush, miners were awash in gold, the businesses serving their needs were thriving, and...
Bay Trail Richmond New Year Report – From TRAC
Friends of the Bay Trail in Richmond, Attached for your enjoyment is the 27th Bay Trail Richmond New Year Report prepared by TRAC, the Trails for Richmond Action Committee. 2025 was a remarkable year. Construction began on 2.5 miles of Point...
Eduardo Martinez Antisemitic Controversy, Conspiracy Theories, the RPA
The Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC) reported today that more than 80 mayors, council members, trustees, and community leaders from across the Bay Area have disavowed Mayor Martinez and his antisemitic posts in a signed unity letter including more than 60...
ZOOM LINK & In-Person Invitation to ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE JAZZ SERVICE
If you are looking for a perfect Christmas Eve Service, you can attend either in person or virtually. Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. Richmond First United Methodist Church Sanctuary and via Zoom The Kurt Ribak Quartet,...