Oakland Rotary News

Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, October 21, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,362nd Civic Thursday meeting of the Rotary Club of Oakland to order at 12:31 p.m. He reminded us that under Alameda County’s health protocol, everyone in the Ballroom must wear a mask when not eating or drinking.

Tommy Edwards encouraged us to maintain a life-work balance. His observation is that everyone is working 1 ½ to 2 FTEs per month. Instead, knock off at quitting time, go home and start enjoying your life. Take your vacation – ALL of your vacation. He also shared a quote from the Dalai Lama: “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other one is called tomorrow. Today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.”

President Dudley then led us in reciting the Rotary International Vision Statement

On Zoom, Fiona Doyle was a guest of Steve Blair. In the Ballroom, members introduced their guests.

Past Pres. and Nominating Committee Chair Sean Marx instructed members on voting for the individuals who will serve on the Nominating Committee. Two weeks ago, 12 candidates were nominated. At this time seven are to be elected. Those elected are tasked with coming up with a slate of Board Directors for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2022, and a nominee for Club President for the year 2023-2024. Rotarians in the Ballroom were provided with paper ballots and those attending Zoom were provided with an electronic ballot. Members could cast seven votes for the individuals of their choice. At the end of the meeting the following members of the Nominating Committee were announced: Ana-Marie Jones, Robert Kidd, Jack McAboy, Elida Scola, Pat Williams, Shannon Hackley and Karen Friedman.

Ana-Maria Jones introduced a new corporate member, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and two members, Maren Amdel and Isa Chu. She shared two fun facts about each: Maren is originally from Seattle and is an incredible singer. Isa is a marketing maven with a love for purses and bad jokes.

Keith Uriarte introduced Liz Ortega and Cathy Jackson-Gent. Liz has been at the forefront of keeping the A’s in Oakland in her work as Executive Secretary-Treasurer at Alameda Labor Council. Cathy is Founder/CEO of Global Investment Company. Welcome Maren, Isa, Liz and Cathy!

Past President Ces Butner presented a check for $1,000 to Jen Liggett of the Salvation Army. Last year, Oakland Rotary partnered with the Salvation Army to provide necessity item kits to homeless individuals in Oakland. The Salvation Army was instrumental in distributing the kits via its network of services. This is part of a $3,000 gift the Club has given to the Salvation Army for this project.

Ralph Sklar came to the podium to join Pres. Dudley is recognizing several generous donors to the Rotary Foundation who have become Paul Harris Fellows by donating $1,000 or more to the Foundation. They are:

Robert Spencer – Paul Harris Fellow

Isaac Kos-Read – Paul Harris Fellow

Sean Marx – Paul Harris Fellow +4

Robert Kidd – Paul Harris Fellow +7

Karen Friedman – Paul Harris Major Donor, Level 1

Alex Poulsen – Paul Harris Major Donor, Level 1

Ces Butner – Paul Harris Fellow Major Donor, Level 3

Isaac shared with us the importance of supporting The Rotary Foundation.

Bruce Nye introduced our speaker, Sabrina Landreth, General Manager of East Bay Regional Park District. Sabrina is no stranger locally. Previously she has served as Budget Director for the City of Oakland, and later City Administrator. She also served as City Manager for Emeryville. She joined East Bay Regional Parks in March 2021.

Her topic, What’s Right about Regional Parks, provided a broad overview for this district that was founded in 1934 when in the depths of the Great Depression, citizens in Berkeley and Oakland voted to tax themselves in order to save the local ridge tops from development.

Today, the District manages 73 parks, serving 3 million residents in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. There are 1,500 miles of trails, 55 miles of bay shoreline and over 1,000 employees. When the pandemic shut down local parks and playgrounds, the two counties deemed Regional Parks as a vital resource and it stayed open during this time. As a result, there has been an increase in use over the last 18 months and it now welcomes 30 million visitors a year.

Some of the newest parks include Thurgood Marshall Regional Park, currently in land bank status in Concord, the Judge John Sutter Regional Shoreline at the Bay Bridge, and the new Dumbarton Quarry Campground near the Dumbarton Bridge.

Partnerships and stewardship of wildlife species will continue to be priorities. Maintaining and strengthening partnerships with the 33 cities within the District’s boundaries will be important.

Click here to watch Sabrina Landreth video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

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Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, October 21, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,361st Civic Thursday meeting of the Rotary Club of Oakland to order at 12:31 p.m. He reminded us that under Alameda County’s health protocol, everyone in the Ballroom must wear a mask when not eating or drinking.

Sarah Chavez-Yoell invoked the wisdom of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor who said, “Success has its special reward; but failure will teach us valuable lessons and should not be feared.”

President Dudley then led us in reciting the Rotary International Vision Statement.

Past Pres & Past District Governor Ed Jellen reported that no visiting Rotarians had checked in on Zoom, but later Sandeepa Nayak reported a very special guest on Zoom – Concha Delgado Gaitan, Pres. Dudley’s wife. Members in the Ballroom introduced their guests.

President Dudley informed us about World Polio Day that will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24. For this important anniversary, he reminisced about a time during his childhood when his family took a detour around a local town that suffered from a polio epidemic; and he recalled a neighborhood friend’s gallant efforts to overcome the debilitating effects of polio. Turning to Rotary’s Polio Plus campaign, Dudley emphasized that, although polio has now been eradicated from over 99% of the world, we have to keep working hard with more immunization drives to cross the 100% goal. Still, we should feel pride in the many lives and $ billions that have been saved as a result of Rotary’s initiative.

Ruth Stroup came to the podium to join President Dudley in recognizing several generous donors to the Rotary Foundation who have become Paul Harris Fellows by donating $1,000 or more to the Foundation.

President Dudley announced that starting next week and continuing to Thanksgiving, all Thursday meetings will be held in the Ballroom. Be sure to bring gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves for the Winter Wear Donation Drive.

Past President Robert Kidd then introduced our speaker, Margaret Gordon, the Co-Founder and Co-Director of the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project (WOEIP). Margaret gave an inspiring talk about her long history as a community activist and her organization’s successful battles against the air pollution that has long plagued the West Oakland community, especially the toxic diesel particulate pollution from diesel trucks and other vehicles going to and from the Port of Oakland.

Under Margaret’s leadership, WOEIP has focused on the strategy of conducting careful research producing convincing data that educates the community and policymakers to take action to mitigate the sources of this insidious pollution. For example, using state-of-the-art scientific measuring instruments, WOEIP has demonstrated that diesel exhaust and other airborne toxins are dramatically more prevalent in West Oakland than other areas of Alameda County. Their research further demonstrated that this heightened exposure is correlated with corresponding high rates of cancer, asthma, and other debilitating and fatal illnesses in the community.

Largely as a result of WOEIP’s environmental advocacy, the Legislature passed AB 617 in 2017 that requires local governments to collaborate with local residents in devising solutions to a community’s air quality problems. Through AB 617, WOEIP has played a leading oversight role in the West Oakland Community Action Plan that is forcing significant reductions in deleterious emissions. Because of the Action Plan and related legal initiatives, vehicular, train, and cargo ship diesel emissions are expected to decline significantly over the coming years due to the transition to electrification of motors and other improvements. WOEIP has also been engaged in other environmental issues that affect West Oakland, including its advocacy for mitigation work to protect the low laying parts of the community from the rising sea levels that will likely occur due to climate change.

In addition to many other awards, Mayor Dellums recognized Margaret’s preeminent role in the environmental justice movement by appointing her to the Oakland Port Commission on which she served from 2007 to 2012, and she was also appointed to the panel of clean air advisors to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2010. It is not surprising that she has a large seat at the table where the Oakland A’s ballpark plan or any other issue that affects her community is on the agenda.

For more information, see WOEIP’s website at: https://woeip.org

Click here to watch Margaret Gordon video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

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Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, October 14, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,360th Civic Thursday meeting of the Rotary Club of Oakland to order at 12:32 p.m. He welcomed Rotarians and guests and invited us to join him in reciting the Rotary Vision Statement.

Lou Rigali offered some short, sweet and effective words to live by: “nurture yourself, others and nature, each and every day for the rest of your life.”

Rotary Foundation Co-Chair Joe Goralka introduced recognition of the club's newest Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow is named after Rotary's founder and acknowledges individuals who contribute or who have contributions made in their name of $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation. Multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognition is extended at subsequent $1,000 levels and those who reach the $10,000 level are deemed major donors. Joe noted four lives are saved with every $1,000 donated to The Rotary Foundation. This means our club’s collective total donations have saved 660 lives.

Joe started the recognition by awarding Dudley Thompson his Paul Harris Fellow +4. President Dudley then introduced the additional new honorees

Shannon shared how grateful she is for the flexibility as well as the comfort in knowing her gifts to the Rotary Foundation made a difference when disaster struck around the world. She invited all of us to share in making an impact and the good feeling she has enjoyed.

President Dudley asked for a moment of silence to honor the passing of Bob Hamilton, a former 20-year member of our club. His interesting life story is presented in an online tribute by his daughter-in-law and Club member Linda Hamilton, available here: http://www.lindaparkerhamilton.com/blog/2021/10/12/100-day-challenge-54-...

Keith Uriarte introduced new member Jason Toro, noting that Jason was Keith’s guest at a recent meeting. He is currently the Director of Diversion and Reentry Programs at La Familia Counseling Services and has expertise in serving previously incarcerated individuals. Welcome, Jason!

Even though we are just beginning to feel a chill in the air, our Saroni-Lena Scholarship Committee Chairs are inviting club members and their businesses to offer a 2022 Paid Summer Internship to a Saroni-Lena student. The internship program was successfully launched two years ago as an additional real-life learning opportunity for Saroni-Lena college scholarship recipients, who receive a $2,000 per year college scholarship for each of their four-year undergraduate degrees. Last year nine out of 30 students were able to be placed as paid interns, so more opportunities for placements are desired, as are the variety of industries being offered — insurance, law, real estate, financial services, retail, hospitality, nonprofits and more. Rotarians interested in the details can contact Fred Morse at FredAMorse@gmail.com , Steve Blair at blair5200@gmail.com or Pat Williams at patwilliams3708@gmail.com.

Allison Bliss invited everyone to sign up for the first of three Community Service Days this year being organized by the Community Service Committee. The first is Saturday, October 23 when we will help prepare meals for the unhoused clients of St. Vincent de Paul in Oakland. Sign up on the club website calendar page if you are fully vaccinated, and can help make a difference with some of the more than 500 meals a day served to the hungry. A signed waiver form is also needed.

Sean Callum introduced our speaker, Linda Mandolini, President of Eden Housing, where Sean serves as a member of the all-volunteer Board of Directors. Eden has worked in partnership with cities and other partners to develop or acquire more than 10,600 homes in the state, currently serving a diverse population of 22,000 low-income residents from all cultures and backgrounds. Collectively it has served over 100,000 since its founding years ago. Mandolini stated the three key ingredients necessary to provide more affordable housing in California: money, land and the political will to make affordable housing and low-income housing a reality. One of the biggest problems is the fact that land in California is priced at approximately $1 Million per acre, notwithstanding mitigation and offset fees that can run as much as $200,000 per project.

More than anything, Mandolini stated, there must be the political will to commit to the affordable housing challenge. Our Governors Newsom and Brown have been willing to work on this challenge and help fund it. Oakland has done a reasonable job of committing to funding more affordable housing elements from planning to permit stages, but there are challenges in money availability.

Click here to watch Linda Mandolini video segment

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Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, October 7, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,359th Civic Thursday meeting of the Rotary Club of Oakland to order at 12:30 p.m. He welcomed all Rotarians and guests as all previous presidents have done for 113 years.

Mike Mowery offered a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. that related to the speaker's discussion of housing discrimination: “We are tired of living in rat-infested slums. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children."

President Dudley led the audience in the recitation of the Rotary Vision.

Past-president and Speakers Committee chair Robert Kidd introduced Gene Slater, chair of CSG Advisors of San Francisco. Gene has 40 years of experience structuring financing, development programs, and real estate transactions for public agencies throughout the United States. His book, entitled "Freedom to Discriminate" is available through Amazon, Heyday Books, or at your local bookstore.

Mr. Slater reviewed the role played by realtors in segregating American communities and in shaping modern conservative ideology. In the early 20th century, neighborhoods were racially mixed. The first model for residential segregation was created by developer Duncan McDuffie in Berkeley. McDuffie imposed deed restrictions (covenants) on buyers of his high-end homes in Berkeley. These covenants included prohibitions on non-Caucasians from living in the homes (except as servants).

In 1916, single-family zoning was implemented in Berkeley which was used to establish low-density neighborhoods only open to wealthier, white families. In 1917, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it was illegal for local government to use zoning for purposes of racial segregation but allowed restrictive covenants. In 1948, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that courts could not enforce restrictive covenants. In 1963, California passed its first fair housing law, the Rumford Act. This resulted in a campaign by realtors to pass Proposition 14 which nullified the Rumford Act and allowed property owners to continue racial discrimination. [Editor's note: the California Supreme Court later ruled that Proposition 14 was unconstitutional.]

To defend all-white neighborhoods, realtors invented the concept of "colorblind freedom" that allegedly allows anyone to discriminate as a matter of individual choice. Conservative politicians used these arguments to lay the groundwork for many of the current conservative strategies.

President Dudley announced the death of member Marion Sims and asked for a moment of silence. Marion was a three-sport athlete at McClymonds High School and a three-sport star at Santa Rosa Junior College. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Marion served as the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland for 27 years and was a 24-year Oakland Rotary member.

Professor Dudley presented his lecture entitled "Oakland Rotary Charitable Campaigns Made Easy." Dudley reviewed the differences between the club and the endowment and highlighted the fundraisers coming up this Rotary year. He also reviewed the differences between Rotary International and its charitable arm, The Rotary Foundation.

ORE president Leeann Alameda hosted the recognition of the club's new Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow is named after Rotary's founder and acknowledges individuals who contribute or who have contributions made in their name of $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation. Multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognition is extended at subsequent $1,000 levels and those who reach the $10,000 level are deemed, major donors.

Lane College Food Pantry

The Laney College Food Pantry project is back. Kerry Hamill reported that an energetic group of members met at Laney College to pack 200 bags of food from the Alameda County Community Food Bank for distribution to Laney College students. Members must sign up in advance on the Club website calendar page. Then join this hands-on service project taking place every Tuesday from 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Coat Collection Project

Renia Webb announced that this year's We Lead Ours (WELO) coat collection drive has started. Please bring a new or gently used coat for a man, woman, or child to a Thursday lunch meeting in October, November, or early December. Hats, scarves, and gloves are also needed.

Community Service Day at St. Vincent de Paul

President Dudley substituted for Community Service Committee chair David Kittner and urged everyone to save Saturday, October 23rd for a service day at St. Vincent de Paul in Oakland. Participants must be fully vaccinated. Sign up on the club website calendar page in the listing starting at 8:30 a.m.

Click here to watch Gene Slater video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

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#serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #rotaryclubofoakland #rotaryopensopportunities

Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, September 23, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,357th Civic Thursday meeting to order at 12:30 pm and welcomed those in the California Ballroom, as well as those attending online.

Kim Cohn shared a thought for the day from Ray Charles: “What is a soul? It’s like electricity – we don’t really know what it is, but it’s a force that can light a room.”

Past President Robert Kidd introduced our speaker, Professor Benjamin Madley. Professor Madley is a historian and expert on Native America, the United States, and genocide. His extensive research is recorded in his book, An American Genocide. He reported that between 1846 and 1873, the Native American population in California declined from 150,000 to 30,000. The California Gold Rush stirred vigilante violence. The Federal Government negotiated treaties in the mid-1800s and 119 tribes were recognized. But state and federal governments spent at least $1.7 million on the broad societal, political, and judicial campaigns that supported genocide. Today there are 109 tribes in California.

President Dudley announced the passing this week of Past President Lloyd MacDonald and asked for a moment of silence in his memory. Lloyd joined the Club in 1960 and was President in 1980-81. While he was a staunch supporter of raising funds to support Oakland Rotary Endowment and community projects, he also saw the need to encourage “hands-on” involvement by members. 

Derreck Johnson introduced a new Rotarian, Kristen Cook. Kristen works for AB&I Foundry. He revealed two fun facts: she loves shoes, and she is an incredible single mother of one son.

Isaac Kos-Read introduced a new Rotarian, Ed Brail. Ed is the manager of Chapel of the Chimes Oakland. He previously worked in Glendale, CA. Welcome, Kristen and Ed!

HOPE Committee

Teresa Weyand, HOPE (Help Oakland Pupils Excel) Committee Chair, gave an update on activities and needs. Teresa revealed that because of Rotary she believes she has become a better person. HOPE is currently mentoring seven students throughout their high school years. The Committee needs additional mentors for students. Contact Teresa at tweyand@wynlaw.com for more information.

Laney College Food Pantry

Karen Friedman announced the great news that the Food Pantry operated at Laney College is back in business starting October 5th after being shut down by the pandemic. All food is now pre-bagged, each with 13 or so items. Volunteers are needed to put together 200-250 bags of food. She needs 8 – 10 volunteers. Contact Karen at ktfriedman@gmail.com if you can help in this very vital activity.

Rotary District 5170 Avenues of Service

Past District Governor Ed Jellen invited members to attend the annual District 5170 Avenues of Service conference. This year it will take place in two sessions. On September 30th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm the breakout sessions will be via Zoom. On Saturday, October 2nd, the sessions will be in person as well as live streaming from 10:30 am – 2:15 pm at Alameda County Fair Amphitheatre, Pleasanton. There is no cost for the Sept. 30th session. The cost for the in-person October 2nd session is $50. Our club will reimburse members for the registration cost. Register in advance on the Rotary District 5170 website home page.

Business Development Committee

Jesse Schmidt, Business Development Committee Chair, presented an update on the committee. He invited Rotarian leaders of nonprofit organizations, businesses, and others with a business interest to join the committee. The committee is hosting a Summer Sunset Mixer in honor of National Small Business Week on September 30th, 5:30-7:30 pm at the home of Keith Uriarte. Jason Wizelman is sponsoring the event.

Cocktails with the President

Ruth Stroup announced the next cocktail with the President will celebrate Oktoberfest on Thursday, October 7th. Join fellow Rotarians, President Dudley, and guests at Hofkuche, 478 25th St. at 5:30 pm. Rotarians are encouraged to invite potential members to join the fun. September 29 - Next First Five Civic Wednesday Meeting

Wine Bottle Raffle Winner

The winner of the final bottle of wine donated by Karen Friedman turned out to be Mike Bruck. Pres. Dudley pulled the winning raffle ticket off the floor by the podium after tossing all of them in the air – with due flair!

Robert Kidd announced that on Wednesday, September 29 at noon the First Five Clubs (Chicago, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, and Los Angeles) will meet via zoom. The topic is Membership. Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta will be a featured speaker. This replaces our usual Thursday time. Advance registration is required. Sign up on the Club website, Upcoming Speakers page. The special Zoom link will be sent after you register.

Click here to watch Benjamin Madley video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

Click here to learn more: https://www.oakland-rotary.org/calendar

#serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #rotaryclubofoakland #rotaryopensopportunities

Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, September 16, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,356th Civic Thursday meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. and welcomed those in the California Ballroom, as well as those attending online. Dudley asked that visitors attending online enter their names in the chat box to be acknowledged later in the meeting.

Past President Sean Marx, reflecting on his life purpose of serving others through his career and actions, shared a quote from John F. Kennedy. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”

Past President Jack McAboy introduced a new Rotarian, Phil Holt. Phil buys and sells businesses. A former Navy Seal, he worked on the Apollo Discovery recovery, has biked from Canada to Mexico, and is the longest-serving volunteer of the Alameda County Food Bank. He is a former member of the Alameda Rotary Club.

Joe Goralka introduced a new Rotarian, Adam Tobin. Adam is the Executive Director of Chabot Space and Science Center where he is now working hard to reopen in November with a new partnership with NASA. He has a BA in music from Brandeis University, is a nationally recognized toy inventor and a mechanical artist.

President Dudley presented each new member with their red badge, Rotary pin, Four-Way test, member roster, and Centennial book.

Past President David Stein introduced Cat Brooks as Speaker for the Day, who has been engaged in the struggle against state violence for well over a decade. After losing her father at the age of eight to the Nevada Penitentiary System, Cat continued to witness the ways in which law enforcement brutalized Black and Brown communities. Cat is co-founder of the Anti Police-Terror Project; a Black- Led coalition that seeks to build a model to eradicate police terror in communities of color. APTP supports families surviving police terror in their fight for justice: documenting police abuses and connecting impacted families and community members with resources, legal referrals, and opportunities for healing. Cat also serves as Executive Director of the Justice Teams Network. In addition, Cat is a poet, playwright, radio host, ran for mayor of Oakland in 2018, and mother to one daughter.

Cat began by asking Rotarians to observe a moment of silence for all lives lost to violence. Ms. Brooks shared several examples of young lives that were victims of Oakland, Los Angeles County, and Vallejo Police Departments. She reminded the audience that OPD has been under federal oversight for two decades. Her organization, the Anti Police-Terror Project (APTP), does not hate police but rather the institutionalized violence and brutality against marginalized communities and people of color. The APTP works closely with families and communities to fight for justice. Black and brown families have the “talk” with their children on how to behave toward the police, so they do not become victims.

Business Development Committee

Jesse Schmidt, Business Development Committee Chair, presented an update on the committee. He invited Rotarian leaders of nonprofit organizations, businesses, and others with a business interest to join the committee. The committee is hosting a Summer Sunset Mixer in honor of National Small Business Week on September 30th, 5:30-7:30 pm at the home of Keith Uriarte. Jason Wizelman is sponsoring the event. Interested Rotarians are asked to RSVP via the Club website, Events page.

Cocktails with the President

Past President Linda Boessenecker announced the next Cocktails with the President will celebrate Oktoberfest. Join fellow Rotarians, President Dudley, and guests at Hofkuche, 478 25th St. at 5:30 pm. Rotarians are encouraged to invite potential members to join the fun.

Environment Committee

President Dudley reminded everyone that Joel Parrott is chairing the Environment Committee, a new program about protecting the environment. (Supporting the Environment is a new major focus added by Rotary International this year.) The committee is looking for members. Contact Joel at jjparrott83@gmail.com to get involved. Dudley asked us also to consider joining ESRAG, a national organization that is doing some interesting things regarding the environment as well. Their membership fee is $30/year.

September 29 - Next First Five Civic Wednesday Meeting

The First Five Clubs zoom meeting will be Wednesday, September 29 at noon. Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta will be a featured speaker. This replaces our usual Thursday time. Advance registration is required. Sign up on the Club website, Upcoming Speakers page.

Click here to watch Cat Brooks video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

Click here to learn more: https://www.oakland-rotary.org/calendar

#serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #rotaryclubofoakland #rotaryopensopportunities

Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, September 9, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,355th Civic Thursday meeting to order at 12:30 p.m. as he greeted many smiling faces in the California Ballroom as well as Rotarians on Facebook and Zoom. To provide everyone with a safe environment, masks are required in the Ballroom except during eating or drinking.

Mary Rudser shared a quote from Marie Curie: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”

Ed Jellen introduced today’s speaker, Erwin Chemerinsky. Dean Chemerinsky, author of 14 books, founding Dean of UC Irvine Law School, past Law professor at Duke and USC and a legal scholar in the area of Constitutional Law and federal civil procedures, gave an insightful talk on the Supreme Court. He highlighted the makeup of the court over the years moving back and forth between conservative and liberal to currently being staunchly conservative. Two important areas we can expect rulings on during this session are abortion rights and gun rights.

Renia Webb introduced our newest member, Jimmie Wilson, with a few interesting facts. Jimmie was a football wide-receiver in high school and at San Jose State University. He was a plumber and pipefitter for 16 years before going to UC Hastings College of the Law where he earned his law degree. He has been a Deputy District Attorney in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office for 16 years. Renia also revealed that his older brother and sister bestowed a special nickname on him as a child: “J Sweet''.

-High Adventure Committee Co-Chair Tom Limon said there are still about 25 tickets available for the soccer game between Oakland Roots and Los Angeles Galaxy teams on September 18th at 5 p.m. Go to the club website, event listing page to buy tickets.

-Rotary District 5170 Avenue of Service Pres. Dudley invited us to attend the upcoming District Areas of Service meeting. You’ll get a chance to see what projects clubs in our district are doing. You can participate via Zoom or in person on Saturday, October 12th. The price is $50. Register online at the Rotary District 5170 website.

-Environment Committee Joel Parrott is chairing the Environment Committee, a new program about protecting the environment. (Supporting the Environment is a new major focus added by Rotary International this year.) The committee is looking for members. Contact Joel at jjparrott83@gmail.com to get involved. Dudley asked us also to consider joining ESRAG, a national organization that is doing some interesting things regarding the environment as well. Their membership fee is $30/year.

-September 29 - Next First 5 Civic Wednesday Meeting The First 5 Clubs will meet together on Wednesday, September 29 at noon. Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta will be a featured speaker. This replaces our usual Thursday time. Advance registration is required. Sign up on the Club website, Upcoming Speakers page.

Click here to watch Erwin Chemerinsky video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

Click here to learn more: https://www.oakland-rotary.org/calendar

#serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #rotaryclubofoakland #rotaryopensopportunities

Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, September 2, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,354th Civic Thursday meeting to order and shared impressive Rotary historical facts worthy of repetition. Founded in 1908, our club is the third oldest in the world amongst more than 36,000 clubs, in more than 200 countries. Oakland Rotary has nearly 300 members joining together in “Service Above Self”.

Merlin Edwards shared an uplifting quote from Nelson Mandela: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

President Dudley deemed the month of September “Membership and Committee Month”. Keith Uriate, Membership Coordinator, shared three key focal points: Inviting New Members, Member Engagement and Membership Retention. Noting we are well on our way towards the goal of over 300 members, Keith reported that since July 1st, the club has inducted ten new members with five more inductees scheduled this month. He appealed to the 59 members attending today’s meeting to “each one bring one”. Fifteen people raised hands in the Chat to indicate their commitment to bring guests, and prospective new members, towards reaching or exceeding the goal over the next 10 months!

Isaac Kos-Read introduced today’s speaker, Hayward Councilmember Aisha Wahab. Aisha is the U.S. born daughter of Afghan refugees from “an earlier wave of immigration”, during the Soviet invasion of the late 1970s-80s. Isaac noted how her inspiring personal story of loss and resilience influenced her public service today such as to “uphold the 4-Way Test!”

Aisha Wahab was the first Afghan-American woman elected to public office in 2018 as a Hayward Councilmember, and in 2020, colleagues chose her to became Mayor Pro-Tempore. She is now running for State Senate, District 10.

In context of today’s crisis and refugee situation facing Afghanistan, Aisha provided a richly detailed, yet concise history of the country, which previously enjoyed a roughly 40-year period of stability, peace and diplomacy under King Mohammad Zahir Shah, who had been a guest of Pres. John F. Kennedy. Previously in 1919 under Queen Soraya, women were granted the vote and freedom of dress. The country has been rife with corruption and questionable US policy since, resulting in today’s crisis.

Many Rotarians asked questions in Chat of how best to offer humanitarian aid and support to refugees. Aisha shared the following strategies: provide safe pathways for exit, support vs re-settlement, decriminalization of refugees, stop the forced return, and cooperate with local entities for welcoming and protections.

Click here to watch Aisha Wahab video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

Click here to learn more: https://www.oakland-rotary.org/calendar

#serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #rotaryclubofoakland #rotaryopensopportunities

Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, August 26, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,353rd Civic Thursday meeting of the Rotary Club of Oakland to order at 12:30 p.m. and was greeted by a large audience of Zoom and in-person attendees. He noted his agenda and notes were missing from the podium, so he decided to “wing it”.

Past President Peter Sherris introduced our speaker, Dr. Monica Gandhi. She is a Harvard Medical graduate and a member of the UCSF faculty. In recent years, she has achieved national prominence as the Associate Division Chief (Clinical Operations/ Education) of the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at UCSF/ San Francisco General Hospital and as the Director of the UCSF Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) and the Medical Director of the HIV Clinic at SFGH. From the outset of the Covid pandemic, she has lectured and published extensively on the science behind the spread of the disease, mitigation strategies, and natural and vaccine-induced defenses. Dr. Monica Gandhi discussed the state of the COVID 19 pandemic, where we are headed and how will it end. She expressed confidence our population will soon reach a level of immunity, caused by the combination of vaccination and the fact that Delta variant will infect almost all the un-vaccinated, that the pandemic will burn out relatively soon.

President Dudley shared the sad news of the passing of Michael Morgan, Musical Director of the Oakland Symphony. A minute of silence was observed in his memory. It was only two weeks ago that Michael and the Symphony were inducted to Oakland Rotary through corporate membership.

Past President and Past District Governor Ed Jellen appeared through his special Zoom “TV channel” circa 1950, to great visiting Rotarian District Governor Richard Flanders. Members in the ballroom introduced their guests.

President Dudley reminded everyone that the September 2nd meeting is Zoom only. The September 9th, 16th, and 23rd Club meetings will be in the Ballroom as well as on Zoom. He urged everyone to arrive in person at 12 noon for those meetings in order to mingle with fellow Rotarians. The last meeting in September will be a Zoom-only meeting on Wednesday, September 29th when the other First Five Rotary Clubs (Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle) will join us.

Click here to watch Dr. Monica Gandhi video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

Click here to learn more: https://www.oakland-rotary.org/calendar

#serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #rotaryclubofoakland #rotaryopensopportunities

Rotary Club of Oakland Civic Luncheon Meeting, August 19, 2021

President Dudley Thompson called the 5,352nd Civic Thursday meeting of the Rotary Club of Oakland to order at 12:30 p.m. Jennie Hunsburger gave a very insightful thought for the day about gratitude. Jennie said she is grateful for her home, business, family and appreciates the unseen benefit of the pandemic that has given her gratitude for some overlooked areas in her life.

Past President Robert Kidd introduced the speaker of the day from PG&E, Robert Kenney. Mr. Kenney is vice president in charge of local government affairs and community relations. He has been working for PG&E since 2015 and serves on the public utilities commission as well. A host of members introduced their guests: -

Robert gets to blend the desire to serve the public with his entrepreneurial spirit. PG&E’s responsibility to provide safe, reliable, and clean energy to its customers is paramount. Since emerging from bankruptcy, they are working to improve safety and reliability, but not ignoring clean energy. As an Oakland resident, Robert is excited to embed PG&E into Oakland more thoroughly. He announced that the corporate move to Oakland is underway in phases and will be accomplished in early 2022, when they occupy space in the Kaiser building at Lake Merritt. Robert spoke about many new initiatives taken by PG&E to deliver better outcomes.

Bob Barth told us about Rotary’s work to assist people in Haiti who have been impacted by the two earthquakes and numerous hurricanes in the past few years. The most recent 7.2 earthquake has affected 40% of everyone living in the area with 2,000 people killed and 8,000 injured. Rotarians can make donations to help the needs of Haitians by visiting the Disaster Network of Assistance Rotary Action Group (DNA RAG) website at https://dna-rag.com

President Dudley reminded everyone to sign up for a committee. The Club has 30+ committees from which to choose. He encouraged members to visit a committee and try something new.

President Dudley announced the start of a weekly raffle courtesy of Karen Friedman who re-donated five bottles of wine she won at the Gala. Each bottle has a value of over $50. One bottle will be raffled each week. Everyone in the ballroom was given a raffle ticket. The winner of the drawing this week is David Kersten. Thank you, Karen!

Click here to watch Robert Kenney video segment

Missed our meeting but interested in checking out the next one?

Click here to learn more: https://www.oakland-rotary.org/calendar

#serviceaboveself #rotaryinternational #rotaryclubofoakland #rotaryopensopportunities