What’s Rotary?
 
We’re a leadership organization of local business, professional and civic leaders.
 
We meet regularly, get to know each other, form friendships, and through that, we’re able to get things done in this community.
 
Who we are and what we do.
 
Club Stories
Baseball and Beyond at Petco Park
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Feb 10, 2019
Matt Clark from the Padres organization
 
Sergio Del Prado (Sergio del Prado, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships) and Matt Clark (Director of Group Tickets & Hospitality) joined our February 7, 2019 meeting to talk about the upcoming Padres season and events at Petco Park. Although the Padre’s 2018 season was lackluster (40% win rate), the concerts, including the Eagles, Doobie Brothers, Def Leppard and Journey, held at Petco Park set attendance records, the sixth installment of Pedal the Cause raised nearly $3 million to benefit cancer research conducted in the San Diego area, and Trevor Hoffman was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
 
Petco Park continues to be one of the top-ranked ball parks in Major League Baseball, but despite this success the Padres organization is still working to improve the facilities. The Premier Club is undergoing a significant refresh and the updated version will be ready for the 2019 season. The Park at the Park will be updated to provide a better experience for fans attending concerts and many fans will be looking forward to the Paul McCartney concert on June 22.
 
On the baseball side, 2019 is the Padres’ 50th anniversary. The outlook for the upcoming season is good, particularly given that the team has 10 of the top 100 prospects and one of the best farm teams in all of major league baseball. Young players to watch include Fernando Tatis, Jr., MacKenzie Gore, and Luis Urias. Our District 5340 will continue to host baseball nights, so 2019 looks to be a great year to watch some baseball downtown. 
Farewell and Good Luck to Ressa
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Feb 10, 2019
Donna Fipps with CCI puppy in training, Ressa
Ressa in June, 2017
 
Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) puppy Ressa, came to Donna Fipps nearly two years ago. At the February 7, 2019, we bid farewell to Ressa as she moves on to undergo intensive training at the CCI Southwest Training Center in Oceanside.  Ressa was in frequent attendance at our meetings and events, and never failed to wag her tail whenever someone greeted her.  We wish Ressa every success going forward! 
Vocational Series: Ryan Riell and Real Estate
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Feb 10, 2019
 
As the first in a series of vocational talks, Ryan Riell discussed his work in San Diego real estate with the Wannebo Real Estate group. Vocational presentations will follow a similar structure: (i) Why the speaker chose his/her career path; (ii) The most rewarding/difficult aspects of their vocation; (iii) Impacts of technology; (iv) Trends, opportunities/challenges; (v) Ethical issues; and (vi) Advice for those looking to enter the vocation.   
 
Ryan entered the real estate profession because he wanted to help people solve problems and navigate one of the biggest purchases they will make- a home. He noted that over 93% of new agents wash out in the first year of this “learn-as-you-go” profession. Technology has definitely impacted real estate with the advent of the multiple listing service (MLS), which gives equal access to those in the housing market, but can also serve to drive up prices and increase competition among both buyers and sellers. From an ethical perspective, all agents have a fiduciary obligation to act in the best interest of their clients, regardless of how those actions affect other parties involved in the transaction.
 
Ryan gave a brief snapshot of the Del Mar/Carmel Valley market. The current median price for Del Mar is $2 million, up by $185,000 relative to 2018, whereas the median price in Carmel Valley is $1.055 million, also up by $185,000.  The Days on Market for Del Mar and Carmel Valley is 36 and 21 days, respectively, and the Months of Inventory is 7 and 1.6 months. If >7 months represents a Buyer’s market and <4 months a Seller’s market, Del Mar is currently slightly favorable for buyers while sellers have the advantage in Carmel Valley. Ryan said that new agents should consider joining in with a team who can provide valuable insights into the workings of the real estate business. 
Hands of Peace and the Power of Dialogue
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Feb 03, 2019
Hands of Peace Site Director Sarah Heirendt with Program Chair Scott MacDonald
 
The interfaith organization Hands of Peace (HOP) seeks to empower young people to find their voice and raise their voice as agents of change. San Diego Site Director Sarah Heirendt, our speaker at the January 31, 2019 meeting, explained how HOP brings together Palestinian, Israeli and American teenagers between 15 and 17 years-old for intensive summer programs held in San Diego and Chicago. During the summer program, the participants engage in daily dialogue sessions about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict that are moderated by professional facilitators, take part in team building and leadership exercises, as well as educational and cultural activities. They also have free time with members of the group and the HOP community. 
 
HOP youth who do not live in the San Diego area are hosted by one of 30 volunteer host families. The program also involves over 200 volunteers during the program and throughout the year. 
 
The Summer Program is the first of three phases of the HOP journey. In regional seminars held throughout the subsequent year, new alumni of the summer program have the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face as they take their newly gained knowledge and understanding back to their home communities. Older alumni are encouraged to continue their role as leaders of a new generation through internal dialogue or partnerships with other organizations. 
 
HOP has a strong connection to Rotary. Multiple clubs in District 5340 have worked with HOP, and the HOP has received District Grant funding over the past four years. HOP is currently working toward securing a Global Grant. There are multiple ways to get involved in HOP, including being a host family, encouraging local youth to apply to participate, volunteering time, and donating funds.
Happy 100th Birthday to Honorary Member Al Graff
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Feb 03, 2019
Al Graff (center) with Ed Siegel and Bessie Floyd
Dessert for the day was, of course, cake!
 
We were delighted to help Honorary Member Al Graff celebrate his 100th birthday at our January 31, 2019 meeting. Al was born in North Dakota, but spent much of his life in Southern California. He attended Catholic grade school and Loyola High School in Los Angeles before studying mechanical engineering at UC Berkeley. He and his wife Marianne had 5 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. 
 
Al said that when he was ordained as a deacon in 1983, he was told that the most important thing deacons can do is to help the poor. He recalled several projects he co-founded or served that had a primary mission of helping those less fortunate. Al co-founded Esperanza International, which provides housing and medical care for residents of Tijuana. In 1991, Past President of Rotary Club of Del Mar Dr. Dick Wheelock approached Al to ask if he could find some space at St. Leo’s where he could see patients, which was the beginning of St. Leo’s Medical/Dental clinic. Al was instrumental in finding a home for Head Start chapters around the county, as well as for encouraging Rotary Club of Del Mar, which he joined in 1990, to sponsor a holiday party for Head Start students.  He also served on the boards of the Community Resource Center and the Mexican American Education Guidance Association (MAEGA) that raises funds for college scholarships for children of Mexican Latin American descent. 
 
To honor all of Al’s contributions to the community, Mission Circle, together with the St. James Scholarship Fund, established the Deacon Al Graff Scholarship that will provide tuition support for children of immigrants and low-income families to receive a Catholic education.  Al considers the tuition support he received to attend Loyola High School an instrumental part of his successful life. Please consider donating to the fund to help other young children receive similar support.
Making Del Mar Plaza a Community and Cultural Centerpiece
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 25, 2019
Marc Brutten, Founder and Chairman of Brixton Capital, owner of Del Mar Plaza
Del Mar Plaza now...
... and then
 
Marc Brutten, Chair of Brixton Capital Group, was our speaker at the January 24, 2019 meeting, when he outlined the history and future plans for Del Mar Plaza. Among the 140 commercial properties owned by the group, the Plaza is unique in size, location, and meaning to the community it occupies. The ~76,000 ft2 Plaza that was spearheaded by developers David Winkler and Ivan Galyer and designed Jon Jerde was narrowly approved by Del Mar voters. In 1989 it superseded the previous, more traditional 1950’s-era shopping center that housed a grocery, dry cleaner and bank. Over the past decade, however, the Plaza lost some of its original appeal, particularly when it was owned by a German investment group that had little expertise in managing retail properties. Brixton Capital acquired the Plaza in 2017 with the goal of returning it as one of the centerpieces of the Del Mar Village.
 
The Brixton group seeks to create a lifestyle-focused environment for the Plaza that engages the community to a better degree than in previous years. In addition to hosting events like our Sunset Soiree, the Plaza restored Seaside Sessions that feature local musicians and encouraged patrons of the Twilight Concert Series to dine at the Plaza prior to heading down to the concert. The Plaza hosts “Lil Tritons”- targeted at families with children that brings folk music and child-friendly activities. Over the holidays, the Plaza held pop up artisan markets that offered unique gifts made by local artists and a movie screening of “Elf”. 
 
Plans are also in place to bring a new restaurant to occupy the old Epazote site. The Social Syndicate restaurant group will bring in Waterproof, a gastropub restaurant with a tapas-style menu that will give Plaza visitors a moderately-priced dining option that can be visited regularly, rather than just on special occasions. 
 
The Rotary Club of Del Mar is grateful to the Plaza for supporting its main fundraising event, and we look forward to enjoying the newly revitalized Plaza.    
January Social at West End Bar & Kitchen
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 25, 2019
Salvatore Ercolano (far left) with club members and guests (frong row, l-r) Walt Strangman, Donna Fipps, Suzy Wagner, Keith Ward, Linda Strangman, (back row, l-r) Tony Villasenor, Matt Kurth, Karl Wagner
Enjoying good food and company in the evolving restaurant interior
 
Salvatore Ercolano, owner of Seasalt, recently acquired another restaurant on Carmel Valley Road, which he’s named West End Bar & Kitchen.  Although the restaurant isn’t yet open for regular business, he welcomed our January social as part of a “soft open”. The chandeliers are in place and will eventually hang over booths as part of the reconfiguration of the space. 
Vickie Barks Rotarian of the Day
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 25, 2019
 
Cans of PBR awaited all attendees of the January 24, 2019 meeting, courtesy of Rotarian of the Day Vickie Barks, who brought them in recognition of National Beer Can Appreciation Day.  We surely appreciate having Vickie as an active member.  Read more about Vickie’s current pursuits (and her shout-out to Rotary Club of Del Mar) in a recent Del Sol Magazine article. 
Welcome Guests
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 25, 2019
USD Rotaract Club President Alvin Seepaul (center) with club advisor Cynthia Villis (left) and President Don Fipps
Sisters Kit Leeger (left) and KC Vafiadis (right) with Susi of Susi & Joni clothing boutique in Del Mar
Don Fipps with Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe members Mary Murray (left) and Assistant District Governor Susie Callahan (right)
 
Plenty of guests came to our January 24, 2019 meeting. We welcomed:  Jason Davis, Vice President and Private Banker at Union Bank; KC Baivatas, daughter of Jim Watkins and Kit Leeger’s sister, who introduced her friend Susi Wyetter, owner of Joni & Susi clothing boutique in the Del Mar village; and Nat Read, frequent visitor from Rotary Club of Pasadena. Past President John Sorenson (RY 1998-1999) was getting his fill of fish tacos while visiting from Minnesota.
 
The Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe was well-represented with members Susie Callahan (Assistant District Governor), Past Chief Assistant District Governor Ole Prahm, and Mary Murray, Vice President at Union Bank.
 
Alvin Seepaul, President of the University of San Diego Rotaract club- now 24 strong- attended along with Club Advisor from the Rotary Club of La Jolla Golden Triangle, Cynthia Villas.  Rotary Clubs of Del Mar, La Jolla Golden Triangle, and Coronado are proud to sponsor this Rotaract Club. 
Yasser Tahboub Inducted as New Member
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 25, 2019
Welcome to our newest member, Yasser Tahboub
 
At the January 24, 2019 meeting we inducted our newest member, Yasser Tahboub, who recently moved to Del Mar from Bahrain, where he was a member of Rotary Club of Sulmaniya.  We are delighted that he chose our club to continue as a Rotarian in the United States. Yasser said that he’s been volunteering since his youth and sought out Rotary as a way to continue volunteering as part of an organization that has a global reach.  
 
Sharon Schendel Paul Harris Fellow + 1
 
I’m proud to receive my second Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Given the many ways that Rotary helps, I can think of no better organization to support.
Area 4 Annual 7-way Meeting
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 20, 2019
Featured Speaker and Rotarian Amy Scruggs shows this picture taken on a recent safari as illustration that satisfying needs can sometime involve discomfort
MC Don Fipps studying his schedule- done in characteristic military detail that kept the meeting to time
Walt Strangman with Sharyn Daly
Karl and Suzy Wagner
Klaus Gubernator, Gabrielle Benot, Dugan Moore and Barrett Smith
 
Area 4 Annual 7-Way Meeting
 
Last year it was the 6-way meeting, but District 5340 Area 4 has grown by one club to include the Rotary E-club of San Diego, whose members joined those from Rotary Clubs of Del Mar, Del Mar Solana Beach, Encinitas, Encinitas Coastal, Rancho Santa Fe and Solana Beach Eco, at the Hilton San Diego Del Mar. Over 100 Rotarians (including Current District Governor Mel Gallegos, District Governor Elect Steve Weitzen, Assistant DGs Susie Callahan and Ole Prahm) attended to hear club presidents showcase their club’s activities. Our own Don Fipps acted as MC.
 
  • Rotary Club of Del Mar Solana Beach: 30 members, meets Fridays at 7 AM. President Ken Barrett told about their Bocce Ball tournament that raised funds to support Just in Time for foster youth and Solutions for Change that helps homeless families re-integrate into society.
  • Rotary Club of Encinitas: 95 members, meets Wednesdays at noon. President Deb Vaughn-Cleff said that funds raised at their annual Food and Wine Festival (June 2 this year) go to support over 14 organizations, including their Home Team that provides help with household projects for seniors.
  • Rotary Club of Encinitas Coastal: 44 members, meets Tuesdays at 12:15, President James Owen. Their fundraiser, the Golf Ball Drop, supports the Navy SEAL Foundation and other organizations.
  • Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe: 80 members, meets Wednesdays at noon. President Michael Taylor noted that their Taste of Rancho Santa Fe event has an attendance of nearly 800 to raise funds that support over 10 charities and organizations, including Spay-Neuter Project (SNAP), ConnectMed, and Future Legends.
  • Rotary Club of Solana Beach Eco: 18 members, meets Tuesdays at 6 PM, President Dave Peiser. This club focuses on projects that promote environmental responsibility and sustainability, including Latrines for Life in Cambodia, Project Amigo in Mexico, and Shelter Box. When they’re not meeting at LePort School in Solana Beach, club members take frequent field trips to environmentally sustainable projects.
  • Rotary E-Club of San Diego Global was founded in 2015 and has 15 members from all over the world, including San Diego.  They meet both electronically and face-to-face.  Treasurer Janet Mikelson summarized the e-clubs activities, including their partnership on a Global Grant Train for Change that will train teachers in Honduras, and equip these teachers with skills to train new teachers to decrease the high school dropout rate. 
The featured speaker this year is Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe member, and nationally known singer and performer Amy Scruggs. She spoke of the many times her “life GPS” had to “recalculate”.  From becoming a mother at a young age, to multiple job changes that eventually led her to become an established entertainer who opened for multiple country music stars, Amy related the importance of being “Contagious, Not Competitive”. 
 
Fellowship Reception for District Governor Elects
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 20, 2019
Don Johnson (left) and Karin Davies (right) with DGE Joe Otin from District 9212 (center)
PDG Marty Peters hands out "Goodbye Polio Thanks Rotary!" bumper stickers
Donna Fipps and Ressa were at the San Diego airport with members of San Diego E-Club global greeting arriving District Governors
 
We are fortunate that Rotary International holds its annual International Assembly right in our own back yard, at Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego. Each year, District Governor Elects (DGEs) are required to attend the Assembly to take part in training that will be critical for effective leadership of their districts. Their spouses are also encouraged to attend programming tailored to their role. Local Rotarians host DGEs and this year past DG (PDG) Janice Kurth and her husband Matt Kurth, together with PDGs Marty Peters and Philippe Lamoise, invited seven DGEs and their spouses to their La Jolla home. Each DGE has some connection to Rotary Club of Del Mar- either through personal friendships or international projects on which the club partners. This year we were joined by: PDG Jean-Pierre Noirtin (District 1510, France) ;  DGE Peter Oser-Veltins and Suzanne Veltins (District 1900, Germany); DGE Anna Tumanova and her daughter Varvana (District 2223, Russia); DGE Pasha and Shakila Zameer (District 3000, India); DGE Jim Henry (District 5870 Austin TX); DGE Delma and Audley Maduro (District 7020, British Virgin Islands); Training Leader Najoua Azouz and his wife Lotfi, along with DGE Noureddine and Danielle Hafsi (District 9010, Tunisia); DGE Xavier and Brenda Sentamu (District 9211, Uganda); DGE Joe Otin (District 9212, Kenya- this district encompasses Ethiopia). We congratulate all the DGEs and wish them every success in their Rotary year.
 
Bruce Bekkar and Climate Action Campaigns
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 13, 2019
Dr. Bruce Bekkar spoke about actions everyone can take to mitigate climate impacts
 
Bruce Bekkar, M.D. practiced as a Board-certified Ob/Gyn before becoming a full-time climate activist.  As a physician, he was acutely aware of the many negative health effects that arise from a damaged climate. In his talk at the January 10, 2019 meeting, he outlined ways that climate is changing for the worse and the health impacts such changes can have. He handed out cards that listed ways to mitigate personal impacts on the climate. For transportation, individuals can choose to walk, bike, use public transit or carpool, or drive a hybrid or electric vehicle.  In living spaces, simple changes are switching to LED bulbs and “smart thermostats”, and bigger changes involve retrofitting windows, adding insulation and installing solar panels.  Overall lifestyle changes include water conservation, composting, shopping local and reducing meat consumption.  Advocacy for community choice energy, both locally and across the state can promote use of energy from renewable sources, and support of local climate action plans is important for creating large-scale changes that can turn the course of climate change. 
 
Dr. Bekkar co-chairs the health group of Al Gore’s Climate Reality Leadership Corps, serves on the board of San Diego’s Climate Action Campaign and is Vice Chair of the Climate Defenders Action Fund. He served as Vice Chair of the Sea Level Rise Technical Advisory Committee for the City of Del Mar and on a sub-committee for California's Fourth Climate Assessment.
Torrey Pines High School Robotics Club Millennium Falcons
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 13, 2019
TPHS Robotics Club President Danny Maas points out the club logo on the Millennium Falcons team T-shirt worn by Jonathan Mi, Head of Design and Build
"Darth Elevader"- the team's robot for the 2018 season
 
We welcomed as our special guests at the December 20, 2018 meeting members of the Millennium Falcons, the Torrey Pines High School Robotics Club.  Team leaders Danny Maas (President and grandson of well-known Del Mar resident and former city mayor Earl Maas), Jonathan Mi (Head of Design and Build), Emmie Yao (Head of Business), and Farrah Kaiyom (Head of Outreach) brought this year’s robot “Darth Elevader” that had lift and climb abilities to satisfy goals for this year’s FIRST challenge.  Click here to watch the lift mechanism in action. The team works with an annual budget of $50,000 that covers the cost of building their robots as well as the team’s outreach activities that include teaching local elementary school students the basics of robot design. They mentor the Technobotic Dolphins at Del Mar Heights Elementary and helped the Casa di Amistad engineering club acquire a 3-D printer. The Falcons thank Rotary Club of Del Mar for being one of their Platinum-level sponsors. 
Welcome Guests
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Jan 13, 2019
Monty Woolley with his grandson, Anthony Gallo
President Don Fipps presents Americana restaurant owner Randy Gruber a plaque recognizing his prize-winning chili at the recent Chili & Quackers event
 
At our December 20, 2018 meeting we welcomed Patricia Wimmer, a member of the Rotary Club of Rochester Rotary Risers in Rochester, Minnesota; Janie King, Jim King’s wife of 68 years; and Steve Ford, new editor of Del Mar Lifestyle magazine. We also welcomed back prospective member Yaser Tahboub from Rotary Club of Sulmaniya in Bahrain.  At the first meeting of the new year on January 10, 2019, we were joined by frequent guest Ole Prahm, Adrienne Hurt of Lakeland Noon Rotary Club in Minocqua, Wisconsin, Nat Reade of Rotary Club of Pasadena, Gabrielle Benot, an artist who lives in Del Mar, and Anthony Gallo, Monty Woolley’s grandson who is a senior at Colorado State University.  Randy Gruber crossed the street from his restaurant Americana to accept a plaque recognizing his prize-winning chili at our October Chili & Quackers event. 
Rotary Club of Del Mar Sponsors Marine Safety Center for Rosarito Beach
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Dec 16, 2018
Deputy Chief Lifeguard for Del Mar Mark Rathsam and Lifeguard Kaitlyn Rosenthal demonstrate the features of the Aqua Lung rescue equipment
Brett Mattei outlined the need for a oceanfront Marine Safety Center in Rosarito Beach 
 
As St. Peter’s hosts the Interfaith Shelter, we moved our meeting site to Powerhouse Park in Del Mar on December 13, 2018.  The meeting included a thanks from Deputy Chief Lifeguard for Del Mar, Mark Rathsam for rapid response gear that will be critical for finding and rescuing swimmers in distress around Del Mar.  Lifeguard Kaitlyn Rosenthal demonstrated how quickly and easily the ~$2,000 Aqua Lung kits can be donned.  The club donated funds for purchase of two of the kits that will be part of the Del Mar Lifeguards battery of rescue equipment.
 
Our speaker for the meeting was President-Elect Brett Mattei, himself an experienced lifeguard, who is leading the effort to build a new Marine Safety Center for Rosarito Beach in the town of Rosarito, which lies just 10 miles south of the US border and is a popular destination for San Diegans and tourists alike.  
 
Brett explained that Rosarito Beach has around 800,000 patrons annually and is staffed by two year-round on call lifeguards and around 20 seasonal guards. Nonetheless, around 5 swimmers drown each year at Rosarito Beach- an unacceptably high rate that can be attributed in part to extended response times associated with the remote location of the lifeguard headquarters that are about 6 blocks from the beach.  The proposed Marine Safety Center will provide an oceanfront facility that will dramatically decrease response times and increase situational awareness of the lifeguards who staff the station. The project will be a collaboration between Baja and Southern California Rotary Clubs, with Rotary Clubs of Del Mar and Playas de Rosarito acting as leads.
 
Designs for the center were donated by club member Kit Leeger and her team with assistance from McKinley Associates. The advance team had located a site for the Center, and the local governmental agencies were highly supportive of the project, but unfortunately agencies at the national level already had plans in place for the proposed site, so the team is now looking for an alternate location. The budget for the project is $120,000 and is slated for completion between 2020 and 2021. Brett will be visiting clubs around District 5340 to seek support for the project and will also welcome donations that are designated for the project, as well as assistance with design of promotional materials.  Together, these efforts will realize a Marine Safety Center that will increase the confidence of visitors to Rosarito area beaches.  
Children’s Christmas Party at La Colonia Branch of Boys & Girls Club San Dieguito
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Dec 16, 2018
Lots of soccer balls got pumped up
Kathy Reed's decorated pine cone station
Patti Kurtz helps with the fused bead ornaments
Mary Rawlings helps put the finishing touches on a succulent planter
Tony Villasenor and Don Fipps doled out dinner
 
We had a great evening on December 12, 2018 at the La Colonia Community Center in Solana Beach where we hosted our annual children’s Christmas party for the members of the La Colonia Branch of the Boys & Girls Club (BGC) San Dieguito. The afternoon of the party, Donna and Don Fipps, Klaus Gubernator, Brett Mattei, Barrett Smith, and Chris Stewart inflated soccer balls that would be given to the kids when they got their presents later in the week.
 
Dozens of children and their families came to make ornaments, visit with Santa and enjoy a home-cooked dinner that featured tamales and rice. Kathy Reed oversaw the decorated pine cone station, Patti Kurtz helped kids make several different kinds of ornaments, Bill and Mary Rawlings along with Brett Mattei guided the kids as they made succulent planters, using cuttings from Klaus Gubernator’s garden, Donna Fipps brought out the beads and pipe cleaners for jewelry making, and lots of kids were sporting green lips after eating their creations at the station where they decorated ice cream cone “trees” that was staffed by new member (and BGC San Dieguito COO) Joe McLeod.  See all the pictures at our Facebook page or the club website.
CRC Holiday Basket Packing
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Dec 16, 2018
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Don Fipps, Tom Ryan and Chris Stewart take a break from the assembly line
Just a few of the 350+ boxes we packed
Matt Kurth manned the stuffing station and Tony Villasenor helped stack the completed boxes
 
Each year the Community Resource Center (CRC), helps residents of San Diego North Country, particularly women and children and families, maintain self-sufficiency by providing domestic violence programs, food programs and emergency and transitional housing. During the holiday season, the CRC Holiday Basket program offers a free shopping experience to over 6,000 of our neighbors, including more than 3,000 children, 300 seniors and survivors of domestic violence. The centerpiece is a 50-pound food box that carries two weeks’ worth of nutritious staples and, when supplemented with a turkey and fresh produce, has all the trimmings for a full holiday meal.
 
Club members staffed the December 11, 2018 shift to pack boxes specifically for seniors in need.  During our two hours, we packed over 375 boxes that were chock full of pasta, beans, canned goods, energy bars, oatmeal and peanut butter.  Check out all the photos at our club website or our Facebook page. 
Holiday Party 2018
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Dec 16, 2018
The party filled Parish Hall
Monty and Anne Woolley getting ready to enjoy carved prime rib
Dugan Moore, Janice Kurth and Philippe Lamoise
Five blondes a brunette
Kathy Reed secured the centerpieces for the tables
Joel and Kristi Candib with Caroline Morin and Brett Mattei
No shortage of cookies!
Bill Rawlings made the suggestion for the YouTube yule log
 
Over 50 members and guests gathered at St. Peter’s Parish Hall for our annual holiday party.  Flavor Chef again lived up to its name by providing a delicious prime rib dinner.  There were plenty of cookies to exchange- each baker told a bit about what made their cookies special, and Donna Fipps’s reindeer sugar cookies prancing among a pine tree forest were declared the winner.  We also had over 5 dozen cookies left over that we donated to the Interfaith Shelter.  Check out the photo album on our Facebook page or on the club website.
Taking Action to Help Stop Child Abuse
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Dec 02, 2018
Brett Mattei presents Dr. Shalon Nienow with a challenge coin in thanks for her presentation
 
Dr. Shalon Nienow, a pediatrician at Rady’s Hospital who specializes in treating children who have been abused, joined our November 29, 2018 meeting to outline ways to recognize and report child abuse.  Although many people may think of child abuse as physical injury, the majority (60%) of child abuse referrals are for neglect, which can include failure of parents or guardians to provide adequate food, medical care and/or education.  Over one quarter of all referrals are for sexual abuse. An estimated 1 in 3 females and 1 in 20 males are victims of sexual abuse by the age of 17, although these rates, particularly for boys, may be higher since many victims never disclose their sexual abuse. Children can also experience psychological abuse, most commonly bearing witness to domestic violence.  In 2017, San Diego County Child Welfare Services received over 50,0000 allegations of child abuse, of which nearly 70% were investigated. In total, 11% of allegations were substantiated.
 
Dr. Nienow said that there are multiple factors that contribute to the incidence of child abuse.  Among factors associated with adults, substance abuse is foremost, but domestic violence, mental health issues, lack of education about parenting, or simply inappropriate expectations of how a child should behave are also prominent. 
 
Typical childhood behaviors such as excessive crying can provoke abusive behavior, as can toilet training accidents, interruptions of parental activities or refusal to eat.  Frequently, children placed in the care of non-relatives such as new boyfriends/girlfriends, who are often unwilling caregivers, are at risk of abuse.
 
Dr. Nienow next defined the term “mandated reporter”, which in California encompasses a broad range of occupations and volunteer activities.  Rotarians who are youth-certified and participating in Rotary-sponsored events such as RYLA are, in fact, mandated reporters. Mandated reporters who fail to report suspected abuse may be held legally liable.  Dr. Nienow emphasized that all suspicions of abuse should be reported- reports are kept confidential and the suspicions need not correct.  But in cases where abuse is occurring, timely reporting can help children, and their caregivers get the help and resources they need. 
 
Dr. Nienow noted that people often don’t report because they don’t want to get in trouble, don’t want to get involved, or don’t think that they’re right in their suspicions. But she said that the question they should ask themselves is: “Could I be right?”  
 
In terms of how to empower children to avoid abuse, Dr. Nienow said that teaching kids the proper terms for body parts is important, both so they can articulate what’s happened to them and so that they don’t feel that such parts are secret or shameful to discuss.  Children should also learn that no one has a right to touch their body without their consent and be able to identify several adults who are not their parents who they could tell if they are being victimized. 
 
If you suspect a child is being victimized, please report your suspicions. For emergent situations, dial 911, or call the 24-hour hotline at San Diego County Child Welfare Services: 1.800.344.6000.  Your actions could help save a child.
 
Thank you to Marty Peters for arranging to have Dr. Nienow speak to our club.
Dan Blacker- Trainer of Winning Thoroughbreds
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Nov 18, 2018
Dan Blacker, trainer of thoroughbred racing horses
 
Trainer Dan Blacker came south from the Santa Anita track to join our November 15, 2018 meeting to talk about his career training race horses.  He said that a trainer, in essence, gets horses ready to race.  To do so involves overseeing the workout schedules of the horses he trains as well as the workout riders, hot walkers, grooms, farriers and veterinary care. 
 
Dan has always had a love for horses, ever since he saw his first one when he was 4 years-old in Oxford, England.  He rode competitively as a teenager before attending the University of Edinburgh to study Environmental Geosciences with an eye to working in the oil and gas industry. In addition to his studies, he worked with several horses trainers, and his love of horses eventually drew him to a career in the racing industry.   
 
He graduated from the Goldolphin Flying Start program where learned about horse racing and breeding at major sites around the world.  This training was instrumental for him to establish his own training enterprise, DB Racing, which he began in 2011 when he was not yet 30 years-old. He saddled his first winner as an independent trainer just weeks later.   
 
Dan answered many questions from club members, who are eager to better their typically dismal record at our annual Day at the Races. Dan said when he’s looking for horses for his clients, he looks for, among many things, credentials, breeding and conformation (e.g., longer legs). He finds the mare to be more important in selecting horses. Whereas a stallion might have some 200 progeny a year, of which maybe 20% are good, a mare will have just one foal.  When asked about claiming races, Dan explained the several levels of races: stakes, allowance, and claiming.  In claiming races, anyone can buy a horse running in the race and if a claim is put in, as soon as the gate opens the claimant owns that horse. 
 
Member Scott MacDonald is one of Dan’s clients- Scott owns a share in “Sir Eddie”, a horse that Dan described as “laid back” and “polite” meaning that he’s often likely to let another horse go ahead of him. Nevertheless, Sir Eddie usually manages a show or place and those results yield a payout check for his owners, including Scott.   
Rotarian of the Day: Ryan Riell
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Nov 18, 2018
 
Ryan Riell did double duty as Rotarian of the Day at the November 15, 2018 meeting.  Not only did he highlight November 15 as Great American Smokeout Day (which is also the 10 year, 10 month, 15 day and 2 h anniversary of Ryan’s last cigarette), but he gave his “Who Am I” as part of his Red Badger tasks.  Ryan grew up in Mesa, Arizona, a place that was to be a stopping point on his parents’ journey back to San Diego from Virginia, but ended up being their home.  Ryan majored in Chemistry at Arizona State University and started a PhD program in Chemistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago, but the September 11 attacks changed those plans. He joined the Army and in 2004 accepted a commission before serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom between 2005 and 2006.  After leaving the service, he transferred back to UIC to continue his PhD work, but instead took a master’s in Exercise Physiology. That expertise landed him a position working with the USA Triathlon team back in Arizona, where he met his wife, Kristi. Ryan moved to the San Diego area in 2014 and is now working in real estate. Ryan and Kristi are now proud parents of Adeline Marie, who will turn one year-old in just a few weeks. You might have caught a glimpse of Adeline’s happy smile at our recent social at Americana. Rotary is a family tradition for Ryan- his father was a long-time Rotarian- and he welcomes the opportunity to be a part of Rotary and give back to his community and local area. Ryan is part of the Youth Services Committee and the Vocational Committee, and will be working to update our social media presence to highlight the club’s activities and recruit new members. 
An Ambitious Climate Action Plan for Del Mar
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Nov 10, 2018
Clem Brown, Environmental Sustainability/Special Project Manager for Del Mar
 
Clem Brown Environmental Sustainability/Special Project Manager for Del Mar was the speaker at our November 8, 2018 meeting. In his talk he told us about his role in developing strategies to ensure that Del Mar achieves the goals set forth in its Climate Action Plan (CAP) that was approved by the City Council in June 2016.
 
The plan involves first assessing how current lifestyles, including transportation, energy use, and waste affect the environment. Building on that information, Clem and his team are generating a road map to help the city reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50%, use 100% renewable power for city facilities, and generate zero waste by 2035.
In 2012, the GHG Emission inventory indicated that the bulk of GHG in Del Mar could be attributed to residential energy use (21%) and transportation (57%). To reduce GHG from energy production, the city is pursuing the concept of Community Choice Energy (CCE) in which North Coast cities of Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside band together to purchase power directly from suppliers that will give the city more choices, particularly the choice of renewable power. One other step to addressing GHG related to energy production is already in place at the new Civic Center in Del Mar. Housed in the basement is a new photovoltaic and energy storage system that provides up to 90% of the power needs of the facility, even those at night when the sun isn’t shining. The Civic Center also has charging stations for electric vehicles, and the city is streamlining the permitting process for Del Mar residents to install charging facilities in their homes. These actions likely will help increase the city’s already high rate of electric vehicle ownership.
 
To reduce the car trips, Del Mar is exploring “Micro Mobility” solutions by allowing neighborhood electric vehicles, and facilitating adoption of bike and scooter sharing in the city, which would be coupled with increasing the safety of bike lanes and making the city more walkable through the new Streetscape project that will involve the area between 9th and 15th Street.
Clem pointed out that Del Mar has a number of ways to meets its Zero Waste goal. In addition to banning single use Styrofoam food containers and plastic straws, Del Mar will focus reducing the amount of organic waste (currently 34% of all waste generated in the village) by examining solutions that involve composting or other types of recycling.
 
Under Clem’s leadership, Del Mar is already well on its way to achieving these important goals that will mitigate our impacts on the environment. 
November Social at Americana
Posted by Sharon Schendel on Nov 10, 2018
Gathering on the patio outside Americana
Philippe Lamoise and Scott MacDonald
Ryan Riell and his wife Kristi with their daughter, 11 month-old Adeline
Sherry Ryan offers Marty Peters some warm apple crisp
Reunion of Ressa and Daisy
Jim and Karin Davies, Joel Candib and Don Fipps enjoy happy hour drinks
Patti Kurtz, Dugan Moore and Suzy and Karl Wagner
 
We had a great turnout for our November social on November 7, 2018- pushed back one day to avoid conflict with election day.  Over 21 members and guests enjoyed Americana food on the patio.  The fish tacos and pastrami sliders were especially good.  The social was one small way to thank Randy Gruber for his faithful support of our fundraising events. 
 
The Rotary Club of Del Mar is a registered 501c4 non-profit organization.
 
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Weekly Meeting

Thursdays

12:00 to 1:30 pm

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Parish Hall

334 14th Street

Del Mar, CA 92014

 
Speakers
(Click on the Speaker for More Information)
Local High School Instrumentalists
Feb 21, 2019
District 5340 Music Competition Local Finals
Richard Lederer
Feb 28, 2019
The Original Verbivore
Heather Johnson Soto
Mar 07, 2019
Club Rotario Tijuana Kumiai- Making a Difference in Baja, California
Linda Olson
Mar 14, 2019
If I Can Do It, You Can Do It
Gary London
Mar 21, 2019
San Diego Real Estate Prospects
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Upcoming Events
 
Club Executives & Directors
President
Don Fipps
President Elect
Brett Mattei
Vice President
Sharon Schendel
Secretary
Donna Fipps
Treasurer
Kathleen Reed
Sergeant at Arms
Chandra Collure
Past President
Klaus Gubernator
Community Service
Barrett Smith
International Service
Dugan Moore
Program
Scott MacDonald
Foundation (TRF)
Matt Kurth
Director
Anthony Villasenor
Youth Service
Larry Cook
Membership
Brett Mattei
Club Service
Susan Wagner
Vocational Service
Daniel Smargon
 
 
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Rotary Service Committee Meetings are held at 11:30 am every month:

1st Thursday: Community Service
2nd Thursday: International Service
3rd Thursday: Youth Service
4th Thursday: Vocational Service

 
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