Bulletins - 2007 - 10/17/2007

This Week's Bulletin Was Written By Susan Bleicher

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

Mike Whitehurst rang the bell at 7:33 a.m. to start our weekly meeting.  Linda Jalving gave a wonderful invocation in honor of her mother who was a Soroptimist and Linda’s best friend in Michigan who is President of her Soroptimist club.  Scott Carr with dual citizenship, Canadian and U.S.A., led us in the pledge of allegiance and Linda Jalving led us in the song, “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head.” 

SGT. AT ARMS

Jonathan Stone talked about the Rotaract/Rotary Beach Party at Martin Blair’s house in Carlsbad on Saturday, October 13.  The Rotaracts won the volleyball challenge.  Jonathan attempted to fine members for not attending this event.  Jonathan auctioned off four tickets to the nightclub, “On Broadway,” for November 15 for $75.  Birthdays – Larry Nuffer’s Dad turned 75, Dave Ferguson’s Mother-in-Law is 95, and Cynthia Sener’s Grandfather is 100.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Sandra Schrift spoke about the donation she made to the radio station and how passionate we all must be about fighting breast cancer.

Physical Therapy Month – Mary Engles proudly put in a plug for PT.

The “Jug” was awarded to Martin Blair for the Rotaracts’ volleyball victory.

GUESTS

Pete McGuire introduced the numerous guests and four Rotaracts who joined us.  Visiting Rotarians included one from Vista, two from Club 33, one from the New Generation Club, and one from Belgium.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Karen Green spoke briefly about the Career Counseling panel held at St. Vincent de Paul on October 12 and staffed with six Rotarians from our club.  It was a tremendous success and she thanked everyone for their career clothes’ donations.

• October 20 – Clean up at Washington Elementary School (Dan Duncan sent a sign-up sheet around the room.)

• October 19 – Holes for Heroes Golf Tournament, volunteers needed for 8:00 a.m. set up.

• Mike Whitehurst announced the first meeting for the Annual Spring Fundraiser to be held at 4:00 p.m. on 10/17 at his office, 530 B Street, Suite 1430.

• Rotary International Convention in L.A. – Mike announced housing near the convention is selling out quickly.  Sign up soon for the best locations.

• Foundation Gala, 11/17, Hilton on Mission Bay, Tickets are $75/per person through 10/26, $100/per person after 10/26.

THIS WEEK'S PROGRAM

George Mullen introduced Mayor Jerry Sanders.  He was born in Long Beach, spent 26 years with the S.D. Police Department, prior Chairman of the United Way in San Diego, and the American Red Cross in San Diego, 2005 elected Mayor of San Diego, resides in Kensington with his wife and two daughters, 34th Mayor of San Diego.

Good Things That Are Happening in Our City:

Movement in San Diego (forging ahead every day)

Financial foundation

2005 audit complete

2006 audit complete by end of year

Credit ratings restored to where it was before

Strongest growth of any city

Keep our edge in global market

Clean tech market focus (cluster)

Two balanced budgets, reviewing processes, including technology on how we do business

Eight priorities in five year plan

• Payoff pension debt in 20 years versus 30 years (P&I), $27M+ to the repayment
• Liability of $1.4B of retired employees healthcare (25, 50, 75M increments)
• $600M in sidewalks, roofs, streets (five year plan of $37M this year, $120M next four years)
• $10M per year plus $2.5M for ADA compliance
• Reserve funds: 2.4% 20 months ago, 10% now (won’t stay that high, target is 8%), Wall Street thinks we’re on the right track to get back in the Bond market
• Crime is down: five weeks without a homicide, 7th largest city, every category is down except burglary
• Water and wastewater went up because of infrastructure
• Rolling five year plan, this year ($90M make up) will be tough, streamlining everywhere possible

Questions and Answers:

Qualcomm Stadium (only 22% of season ticket holders are San Diego residents), redevelopment zone (160 acres of prime property)

Health Benefits

Mayor Sanders is effectively running a $3B Corporation, had to hire outside counsel, City Attorney was Corporate Counsel in the past, he wouldn’t talk about City Attorney

Pension system is sound

Does not believe City should ever file bankruptcy

RFQ for new City Hall, CCDC is involved, 19 firms interested, $18M increase in city rent (all the different buildings downtown)

Environmental Services Department (#1 city in 2005), renewable energy, solar collectors (1 Megawatt now, will be 5 Megawatts)

Don’t know how much Mt. Soledad landslide will cost