Bulletins - 2008 - 03/19/2008

This Week's Bulletin Was Written By Paul Downing

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

President Mike Whitehurst rang the bell promptly at 7:30am.  Lucy Killea read a beautiful passage from the Book of John regarding love and related it to the work of Rotary.  Jonathan Stone lead the pledge followed by a (not so) rousing rendition of “Imagine” lead by Rosalie Kramm and Linda Jalving.  Rosalie reminded us all that the theme of this year’s Rotary fundraiser (May 10th at the Children’s Museum – silent auction prizes needed) just happens to be “Imagine.” 

SGT. AT ARMS

Ron Erbetta and Lynn Hamilton were the luck winner’s of this week’s raffle.   Basketball enthusiasts were encouraged to put “their money where their mouth is” by backing their team with a progressive “fine” based on how far their team goes in March Madness.  There were a number of brags, including one from President-Elect Mel Gallegos (accompanied by his favorite Rotarian, wife Jude) who just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary. 

GUESTS

Pete McGuire introduced a number of guests and visiting Rotarians, including Kevin Dunley who was visiting from the Chauncy, Kansas, club.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• President Mike described a wonderful dinner he hosted on March 14th for two Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars and three Fulbright Scholars.   The evening provided a wonderful opportunity to understand cultures and to better friendships.  Past President Maureen Eberle also attended the dinner.

• Larry Nuffer passed around a sign-up sheet for Rotarians at Work day on April 26th from 8am to noon.

• April 26th is also the date that the International Committee will visit the Foundation for the Children of the California's hospital in Tijuana.  Any Rotarians not “working” are invited on the visit. 

• Lynn Hamilton is also organizing a Rotary Day at the Padres’ game on June 22 that will also benefit the hospital.  Padres’ owner John Moores will match our club’s donation that day bringing the total to $3,000.   Ticket information will be forthcoming.

• Rosalie and Bobbi Spinner-Flack made a pitch for the May 10th Fundraiser at the Children’s Museum.  Rotarians have the opportunity to be $100 “Finger-Painting” sponsors, $250 “Play dough” sponsors and $500 “Running with Scissors” sponsors!

• Rotary’s very own “Night at the Opera” is scheduled for April 23rd and will include a special backstage tour.  Contact Pat Cowlett for ticket info.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PRESENTATION

Bobbi Spinner-Flack and Steve Seligman, on behalf of the Community Services committee, presented a $1,000 check to the Ronald McDonald House for all the good work they do assisting families’ with sick children undergoing treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital.

THIS WEEK'S PROGRAM

Superior Court Judge Jan Goldsmith, a candidate for City Attorney, was this week’s speaker.  He is running for the office because he “loves the law” and wants to make the City Attorney’s office the best “law firm” in San Diego.

The City Attorney’s office has 120 new attorneys.  Goldsmith contends that many of the hires have political agendas that are detrimental to the well being of the City and its citizens.  He chided incumbent City Attorney Mike Aguirre for chasing squirrels in Mission Bay, suggesting that all residents should have evacuated during the October wildfires and suing KPBS because his favorite show was canceled. 

But the last straw, according to Goldsmith, was Aguirre accusing Mayor Sanders and the City Council of being “corrupt.”   He said that good lawyers have must have credibility.  When you don’t have credibility, people no longer listen.  The current City Attorney’s office is dysfunctional in his opinion.

Goldsmith committed to “squeezing politics out of the City Attorney’s Office” if elected.  His primary concern would be to reconstruct the office and restore “real” independence – meaning his job is to give sound legal advice, regardless of whether others want to hear it.  

President Mike concluded the meeting at 8:30am sharp.