Bulletins - 2008 - 12/17/2008

This Week's Bulletin Was Written By Paul Downey

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

President Mel rang the bell promptly at 7:30am with stormy weather outside the windows of the University Club.  Gary Green provided a touching, holiday-themed, invocation followed by the pledge of allegiance and a rousing chorus of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” 

GUESTS

Pete McGuire introduced many visiting Rotarians and guests.  Mel asked the wait staff from the University Club to come out for a bow.  They received an enthusiastic standing ovation along with an envelope containing more tangible thanks for their efforts this past year.  

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Sandra Schrift reminded club members about the Peacemaker Awards nominations.  Nominations should be for people who have promoted tolerance, conflict resolution and peace in the San Diego region – and Rotarians are eligible.

• Susan Bleicher shared that the first visit of prospective new members is free and encouraged us all to think of folks we can introduce to the world of Rotary.  Mel, on behalf of Maureen Eberle, encouraged everyone to sign up for the fantastic Foundation Gala on January 10th.  Maureen is doing a terrific job chairing the event.

• As always, the Club shared good cheer during the holiday season by making donations to local organizations making a difference in our community.  Mel presented a $500 donation to Cheryl Wilson on behalf of the”Don’t Wait, Vaccinate” program to support its flu hotline. 
• Dave Ferguson and Jonathan Stone distributed the $55,000 net proceeds from the “Holes for Heroes” Golf Tournament to six organizations.  Two of the groups were on hand to receive their gifts.  Sally Zoll, from United for Reading, shared a moving story of a young Marine reading to his children prior to deployment.  Phil Landis, from Veterans Village, spoke of the 2,500-3,000 homeless vets on the streets of San Diego and how his organization helps.
• Leah Swearingen presented David Lynch a $1,000 check to support education efforts for children living in poverty in Tijuana. 

• Scott Carr and Bobbie Spinner-Flack presented Senior Community Centers a $5,000 check to support the organizations programs on behalf of low-income seniors.

THIS WEEK'S PROGRAM

This week’s program was brand new San Diego City Councilmember Carl DeMaio.  He outlined four key elements that he sees as necessary to get the City back on track:

The Councilmember also said his primary target for reducing the City’s budget will be wages and benefits of employees.  He described himself as “not being a friend” of organized labor – specifically the contracts negotiated by City labor unions.  He revealed that the fringe benefit rate for City employees is 61% and described the rich pension benefits that they receive.  He also said that he has refused to take the $28,000 pension match on his $75,000 salary and will use the money instead for another staff member.