Blog of Intellectual Capital

All,

Please accept a “heads-up” that we will perform our annual “9/11 Observation and Announcement” on Thursday, September 11, 2025 @ 0659 hours. On this 24th anniversary of this horrific day, we honor the 2,983 men, women and children killed in the attacks at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93. May we never, ever forget.

Anyone that would like to participate in the observation and announcement is welcome. We will gather at Station 17 flagpole at 6:55 in Marin County.

September 11, 2025, Observation & Announcement on the 24th Anniversary of 9/11

• This morning at 6:59 am (The time of the south tower collapse) the Marin County Sheriff Communications Center will ring down all Fire Stations in Marin, with a very special message and bells, to honor and recognize the 24th anniversary of that fateful day, 9/11.
• The alert to all stations consisted of the ring of the bells 5-5-5-5 (four sets of five chimes each)
• “Signal 5-5-5-5 is a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Fire Department of New York…  These bells honor the 343 FDNY Firefighters who answered their last alarm and made the ultimate sacrifice at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001…  

(5-5-5-5 Explanation…Long before telephones and radios, fire departments used the telegraph to communicate. When the handle was pulled on the once-familiar red fire alarm boxes found on nearly every street corner of America, a special code was transmitted to every fire station. When a firefighter died in the line of duty, the fire alarm office would tap out a special signal. That signal was five measured dashes, then a pause, then five measured dashes, another pause…then five more dashes. This became universally known as the Tolling of the Bell and was broadcast over all telegraph fire alarm circuits. This signal was a sign of honor and respect for all firefighters who had made the ultimate sacrifice and has become a time-honored tradition)

• May we never forget the time or place and the awe and shock of it all, the unthinkable acts that were committed and the unexplainable loss followed by unity, resolve and healing. 
• This day has been proclaimed as Patriot Day and we ask that you join the Nation and remember those lost to the tragic events that unfolded before the world on September 11, 2001. This special day is also designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance  when Americans across the country are called to volunteer in their local communities in tribute to the individuals lost and injured in the attacks, first responders, and the many who have risen in service to defend freedom.
• The World Trade Center stood for 56 minutes and 102 minutes respectively after being attacked. 
• The towers fell in 12 seconds. And while it’s said that “time heals” and that we are better prepared for the next terrorist attack and maintain an improved state of readiness, it doesn’t change the fact that 343 FDNY Firefighters and 71 NYPD and Port Authority Police Officers, never came home on 9/11 along with the 2569 innocent people that died from these unthinkable acts on that tragic day.
• Let us remain vigilant to take all possible precautions to limit exposure and be conscious of the importance of behavior health in our first responder communities.

Mark

Mark Pomi

Fire Chief

Kentfield Fire Protection District

1

Read Full Post »

Good afternoon

Steven R. Gerbsman, Principal of Gerbsman Partners, is pleased to announce the successful termination of a technology company’s prohibitive real estate lease. 

The technology company needed to accomplish the above in order to obtain the necessary “bridge financing” to provide runway for a round of “expansion capital funding”.

Gerbsman Partners assisted by:

1. creating a strategic plan to accomplish the successful termination of the prohibitive real estate lease
2. negotiating with the real estate lessor and finalizing the termination of the lease

 Gerbsman Partners is the “innovator” in creating strategies to terminate or restructure prohibitive real estate leases and senior and sub-debt obligations, as well as creditor issues.  To date, we have terminated or restructured over $810 million of such obligations for private and public companies, which has allowed the potential of returning the company to financial viability. 

About Gerbsman Partners

Gerbsman Partners focuses on maximizing enterprise value for stakeholders and shareholders in underperforming, undercapitalized and undervalued companies and their intellectual properties. Since 2001, Gerbsman Partners has successfully maximized the values of 120 companies in a wide and diverse spectrum of industries. In the process, GP has successfully restructured/terminated over $810 million of real estate executor contracts, creditor issues and equipment lease/sub-debt obligations, and has assisted in over $2.3 billion of financings, restructurings and M&A transactions.

Gerbsman Partners has offices and strategic alliances in Boston, New York, Washington DC, McLean VA, San Francisco, Orange County, Europe and Israel.

If appropriate, I am available to strategize and develop action plans for maximizing and monetizing value.

Best regards

Steve

l 

Read Full Post »

Mark – good morning

I have been reflecting on my 14 years as a Director of the Kentfield Fire District and would like to say “thank you” to you and the “team” for allowing me to be part of the “family”

It has been a very enjoyable experience for me and I trust that I have provided good and thoughtful advice and guidance over the years.

When I talk to people about KFD, I always focus on the high quality of the people, their commitment to “serve and protect” and their compassion to insure the health and welfare of the community.

As you and the team know, Marlene and I very thankful and grateful for the immediate response when she had a stroke in January.  They were key to saving her life and she and I will always remember the support.  I will also never forget your support of me in the hospital.  You stayed there with me for 3 hours, held my hand, comforted and supported me.  A tough night made a little bitter easier by your thoughtfulness and compassion.

When people ask me about First Responders, I always say “you don’t need them, till you need them” and they are always there when you need them.  So I always encourage all to support, respect and say “thank you” to First Responders and Fire Fighters.

It has also been my great pleasure to work with, support and watch the KFD team grow over the years.  As said above, I am in awe of their total commitment to their profession. 

Please pass along to the entire team my best wishes for continued success, good health to be safe as they perform their duties.

I have passed along to friends, family and business acquaintances the “Fireman’s Prayer” below and every time I read it, it puts into perspective the importance “duty, service and honor”.

With much respect

Steve Gerbsman

Director – Kentfield Fire District

Firefighter’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage;

Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age.
Help me embrace a little child before it’s too late
Or save an older person from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect their property.
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life;
Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.

Read Full Post »