Richmond police Chief Chris Magnus has plenty on his plate these days, but the Eye is happy to learn that Magnus still can find time to help out an older resident in need of a ride — particularly she is a relative of the Eye.

The relative in question, who is 87, called Supervisor John Gioia's office seeking directions to an event Gioia and Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner were hosting Oct. 17 to discuss county and state issues. A Gioia staffer gave her directions to the Marina Bay Community Association, then called back a short time later to tell her he had a better idea: Richmond's police chief would be happy to drive her to the event and back home.

Sure enough, Magnus, who knew nothing of the relative's relationship to the Eye, called the morning of the event to let her know he was on his way. He arrived promptly and they had a lovely chat during the drive about the city's history (she's been a resident since 1941).

Richmond's police chief, our relative tells us, is a delightful young man.

LAMORINDA PRIDE: The Eye is wondering who's the proud Orinda resident driving a green van with the license plate "ORINDAN." The van was spotted near City Hall on Tuesday, but Orinda officials say it's not a city vehicle.

City Clerk Michele Olsen said she saw the van in a grocery store parking lot Thursday and scanned the aisles for familiar faces but didn't see anyone she recognized.

So the Eye tips

SIGN LANGUAGE: Whilst rolling through West Berkeley, the Eye spied a yellow official street sign, "Speed Hump," which was somewhat disconcerting. The Eye has heard of speed dating, but this is ridiculous.

DID I SAY THAT? At the Mt. Diablo school board meeting Tuesday, two administrators accidentally said things they didn't mean — or even realize they said.

First, Interim Superintendent Dick Nicoll, introducing a vote on the appointment of a new social service worker named Benedict O'Meara, proudly announced: "It is my pleasure to recommend Benedict Arnold as a social work specialist."

O'Meara, not wanting to be confused with the infamous Revolutionary War traitor, gently corrected Nicoll from the audience: "Benedict O'Meara."

Surprised, Nicoll said: "Did I say something else?"

After the board unanimously approved his appointment, O'Meara stepped to the microphone to make a few comments. "First off," he said, "no hard feelings."

Later, Pat Middendorf, president of the United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation and athletic director at Clayton Valley High School, enthusiastically announced that an upcoming celebrity golf tournament was in the works to help support district sports.

"Jeremy Brigham, who played for the 49ers ..." she said.

A chorus of "no's" rose from the audience, where Brigham sat shaking his head and crossing his arms back and forth in football's "stop the clock" signal.

Catching herself, Middendorf continued, "Oh, did I say 49ers? The Raiders. He does a celebrity golf tournament and he, along with (radio personality) Bob Agnew, has agreed to donate all the profits of that golf tournament to the foundation."

Capping off her remarks, she added: "So, go Raiders!"

Hilary Costa, Theresa Harrington, Janis Mara and Jonathan Morales contributed to this column.