September 28, 2005

This Week’s Bulletin Was Written By Tom Sayer

THIS WEEK’S MEETING

George Mullin’s invocation reminded us of the blessings of Democracy.  Maureen led the pledge and Linda led us in, “You’re A Grand ‘Ole Flag.”

Announcements

Ø      Tom Courtney from Cholla Elementary School was with us this week to talk about leading a Rotary Group Study Exchange to Ethiopia and Kenya.

Ø      Phillip Gates, the new General Manager of the University Club, introduced himself to the Club.

Ø      Caroline Chen introduced Falis Buduk to us again, to say a few words about the Micro Enterprise Sewing Center founded with a grant from the Golden Triangle Club.  We added our support in the form of a $2,000 contribution.

Ø      Leah Swearingen and Rosalie Kramm, our 2005-06 Public Relations Committee, introduced the 10 Things Every Rotarian Should Know.  Well, eleven things, actually, but it’s the thought that matters…(Anyone remember Tom Lehrer’s New Math?)  Anyhoo, the truth be known, all y’all are our PR Committee!  So commit these ten or eleven things to memory so you will know what to say when someone looks at you with their eyes glazed over and asks, “So what’s Rotary all about, anyway?”  Click Here For The List.

Ø      Reminder that September is women’s suits month.  If any Rotarian wants to bring in women’s suits this month, Cynthia will bring her car to your car to gather the clothes.  The blouse box was passed around to collect cash in order to purchase blouses for women to wear with their new suits.

Ø      Melissa Blackburn and Gary Green gave a quick update on the Golf Tournament and reminded everyone they are collecting money, foursomes, and tee/hole sponsors for our golf tournament on October 14, 2005.  We had two instant Pet Hole Sponsors, with Nancy Vaughan and Caroline Chen sponsoring a hole dedicated to their pets, and Maureen Eberle and Jenny Goodman following suit.  How cool is that!  More foursomes are also needed.

Ø      October 11th – District Council Dinner at the La Jolla Marriott at 5:30 p.m.  Guest speaker, Paul Downey, President/CEO Senior Community Centers.  First 10 members to sign up for this event will be hosted by our club.

Ø      October 4th is the next Rotaract meeting at Kansas City BBQ.

SERGEANT AT ARMS

Ø      Larry introduced the newest raffle concept.  Dan Cleaves got the first ticket and Larry gave him the option or picking the Padres or their opponent in the first playoff game.  Dan chose the Padres (how could be do anything different!)  The second ticket was Mike Jones, so he is betting on the opposition.  Somehow one of these guys will win some money and the Club will gets some too.

Ø      Susan Bleicher was recognized for being “overwhelmed” with all the temporary workstaff in the economy.  She also invited us all to participate in the Camp Pendleton Rotary "Charter Event" on October 21 from 6-10:30 p.m.  Sign up for this great event on the District Website:  http://www.rotary5340.org  Or contact Neil Black 760-438-2739  neilblack7@yahoo.com.

Ø      Joe Ciokon showed off his new Navy flight jacket, earned by volunteering over 1000 hours on the Midway.  He also bragged about his daughter being in Navy boot camp.

Ø      Caroline Chen won the, Name That Rotarian contest by correctly naming Linda Jalving as having a degree in landscape design and having sung at the 9/11 rally in Balboa Park.

Ø      Steve Waterman paid for his son winning a number of tennis tournaments.

Ø      Larry couldn’t escape a fine for his father appearing prominently in the U/T for his knowledge of Ernest Hemmingway.

PROGRAM

Nancy Vaughan introduced Nick Inzunza, the Mayor of National City.  Mayor Inzunza is a 4th generation San Diegan on both sides of his family, with great grandparents settling in what is now Coronado and later crossing the bay to what is now National City.  Virtually his entire family has been involved in public service for many generations.  His father was a City Councilman for National City, and Nick would join him after weekly Council meetings for dinner at Denny’s with the other Councilmembers.  He would then take various staff positions with politicians from both parties, and he worked for some time with labor unions.  But eventually he tired of this public service and and took a position with the Auto Trader.  But when the longstanding Mayor of National City finally retired, his name was floated as a possible candidate.  His Denny’s dinners combined with his political credentials gave him the support of the sitting Councilmembers, and he was a shoe-in without any serious campaigning at all.  The position grew on him and he changed.  When he had to run for a second term, he campaigned in earnest and walked every precinct.  His trademark “tennis shoes” are now a testament to his dedication to spending time with his constituents and learning what they want so that he can, “Build The Will Of The People.”  He has taken this mantra to heart and has turned National City into the fastest growing city in the State, with a seriously declining crime rate.  He lives two blocks from City Hall in the toughest precinct in the City to prove that National City has no “unlivable” area.  His agenda includes such excellent projects as an Art Center, Public Library, Aquatic Center and Community Theatre.  Mayor Inzunza feels that the role of government is to provide the infrastructure and facilities for public use, but that the actual social services should be provided by churches and other private charitable organizations.  Thanks for sharing your vision with us, Mayor, and keep those tennies moving! 

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