October 22 2003

This week’s Bulletin was written by Mike Whitehurst

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

Great Fog Bank

Another View.

Frank and Barbara Warden

President Frank De Francesco called the meeting to order at 7:35.  Mary Dawe led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Tom Sayer read the, “The Cub Scout Parents Prayer”, for the morning invocation, and Linda Jalving led the group in Petula Clark’s popular song “Downtown”.  Pete McGuire introduced no visiting Rotarians (I think that’s a first), but several guests and proposed members were in attendance.  Donnie Finnell, guest of David Buro, and local pop & jazz singer took the microphone, only to inform the group that his band is performing at Bistro 221 in Escondido.  You’ll have to catch him there, to hear your favorite songs by Nat King Cole, Sinatra and others.  (This ad with the associated fine is brought to you by David Buro.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ø      Rick Logan reminded the group that the next Mexican home building project is on track, but asked if any of the volunteers have an SUV to help with the transportation.

Ø      Gary Green requested donations to the Rotary International Foundation.  Each member is encouraged to contribute $125.  The Paul Harris Foundation Dinner is November 1st.  If that’s not reason enough, Gary reiterated his pledge to match all contributions up to $12,500. 

Ø      Martin Blair and Evan Papel reminded the group that the San Diego Downtown Rotaract Club would be holding its Jazz Charity Event on Thursday, October 23rd at Thin (852 5th Ave) at 7 pm.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.  Proceeds from this event will help fight Juvenile Diabetes.  Martin Blair (in the true spirit of Rotary) went on to pledge a matching donation to the Rotary International Foundation equal to the sum total of the morning’s ticket sales.  Let’s see, with Gary Green matching that amount, each $20 for Juvenile Diabetes, nets another $40 for Rotary International.  Way to go guys!

Ø      Mary Dawe distributed announcements for Malashock: Sacred & Profane.  This is a modern dance performance at the Sherwood Auditorium in the Museum of Contemporary Art in LaJolla.  Performances are October 31st, November 1st, 8th & 9th in the evening.

Ø      Tony Eppert read, from a partial list, the many prizes and awards that will be given away at the Celebrity Golf Tournament to be held at The Meadows Del Mar Golf Club on November 4th.  We are still looking for roughly 17 more foursomes to complete the field of golfers.  Tim Montague reminded all that if you can’t attend the golfing event, we would still like to see you at the dinner.

DRAWING OF THE DAY

Bill Poirier announced the drawing number for this week’s winner of a $25 gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris, plus a zip-it sock.  After some suspense Tony Eppert declared he was…not the winner.  The winning ticket belonged to Carol Jensen.

Bill gave Happy Birthday wishes to Gary Green and Pat Cowett.  Happy Anniversary wishes go to no fewer than nine of our members, with Pete Tereschuck at 37 years and Jill Houska at 1 month, rounding out the range of wedded bliss.

Finally, Bill reminded the group to stop by the chili cook off this Saturday at the Portuguese Hall in Point Loma.

SPEAKER

Mary Dawe introduced Barbara Warden, President of the Downtown San Diego Partnership.  Barbara is a fellow Rotarian and Club 33 member.  She remarked on the changing face of Rotary over the years.  In 1988, while playing golf in Rancho Bernardo, a club member asked if she was a Suroptimist.   When Barbara said she was not, her inquisitor, a Rotarian, remarked, “Good, we have to take women, and were taking you.”  Rotary has never looked back.

Most recently in her distinguished career, Barbara Warden served on the San Diego City Council for seven years until1993.  She then joined the Downtown Partnership, an organization that traces its roots back to 1953.  The Downtown Partnership is a leading advocate for the economic growth and revitalization of Downtown San Diego.  Since the 1970’s, a blighted area has been transformed as evidenced by 10,000 new housing units with another 11,000 housing units on the drawing board.  The Convention Center expansion and Ballpark redevelopment are expected to encourage more business in this vital area.  Looking ahead the redevelopment of the North Embarcadero, and new main library are planned improvements. 

Barbara spoke about the benefits to be derived from improvements to the “C” Street corridor and a redevelopment of the Civic Center Complex.   She also talked briefly about the many good programs sponsored by the Downtown Partnership: namely, the Clean & Safe Program, A Taste of Downtown, and Project Heartbeat.  Project Heartbeat is equipping downtown businesses with defibrillators, which are already credited with saving lives.

Barbara addressed questions about the hotel room tax, a proposal to honor Dr. Suess with a city park, the important work performed by Father Joe and St. Vincent DePaul, and the soon to arrive USS Midway. 

To learn more about the Downtown Partnership, please visit www.downtownsandiego.org. 

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