Monthly Archives: April 2017
NEXT MEETING: April 28, 2017Consul General of Mexico Gemi José Gonzalez
The Consul General of Mexico Gemi José Gonzalez will address current issues affecting Mexico-US relations. With the election of President Trump, these issues have risen to the forefront. The Consul General will help us understand what is happening on the diplomatic front. MEETING OFWelcomePresident Josh Surowitz presided over the meeting. Members dutifully pledged allegiance to the flag. Herb Cole led an invocation. And Sid offered a thought-for-the-day, one spoken by a former Californian: “The most terrifying words in the English language: I’m here from the government, and I’m here to help.” -Ronald Reagan Al Nero was welcomed as new Rotary member. To earn his Blue Badge Al will need to attend a Board meeting, attend a meeting at a neighboring Rotary club, join a committee, and present a “Who am I”. Old Timer’s New StoriesSpeaking of which, Sid kicked-off the first of a series of Old-Timers’ “Who am I” presentations. (Been in the club since the end of the Paleolithic? Then think of this as an opportunity to spotlight an updated version of yourself.) Sid was born in Spindleltop, Texas on December 12, 1938. His grandma earned money working on Louisiana shrimp boats, and his grandpa lost it gambling. His dad was a Richmond carpenter. Sid attended Richmond High School. He recently attended his 60th high school reunion, which prompted this quotable observation: “What they tell you about retirement is a lie. It’s a 1,000 times better.” Sid joined Rotary because of poker buddy, Herb Cole. He’s been asked 8 times to be president and has yet to do so. (But the threat of his changing his mind remains.) Visiting Rotarians and GuestsEdgar de Leon was once again a guest, though his status may soon change. Edgar introduced a friend, Greg Collins, of San Francisco Achievers, which promotes scholarships for African American. Liliane Koziol introduced UC Berkeley students Chadlia Jerad (from Tunisia) and Hsjen-Wen Kuo (from Taiwan). Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMLooking Back and Ahead on California Droughts and Floods .Liliane Koziol introduced Tim Stroshane, an environmental planner and expert in California water policy with Restore the Delta, based in Stockton. Mr. Stroshane is the author of “Drought, Water Law, and the Origins of California’s Central Valley Project.” The book relates the history of struggle over water rights and the legacy of monopoly power over its usage. The 1977 drought triggered Mr. Stroshane’s interest in this subject. Mr. Stroshane’a book explains that the Central Valley Project was designed to address the ongoing issue of water rights in California. Along sixty miles of the San Joaquin River, from Gustine to Mendota, four corporate entities called “exchange contractors” retained paramount water rights to the river. Their rights descended from the days of the Miller & Lux Cattle Company, which amassed an empire of land and water from the 1850s through the 1920s and protected these assets through business deals and litigation. Many in the San Joaquin Valley regard that company’s practices as wasteful and unreasonable. Drought and legal conflict have shaped statewide economic development. The grand bargain of a San Joaquin River water exchange was forged out of this natural and legal landscape, and set the stage for future water wars. Technology to the rescue? Desalination, extracting water from the air, and wastewater reclamation all show promise as potential long-term solutions. |
NEXT MEETING: April 21, 2017Looking Back and Ahead on California Droughts and Floods
This is a must-attend program for those concerned about the effect of public policy on our environment. (Cast your mind back to the recent Oroville dam incident.) Tim Stroshane is an experienced environmental planner involved in California water policy and water rights issues with Restore the Delta, based in Stockton. He is the author of “Drought, Water Law, and the Origins of California’s Central Valley Project.” The book relates how drought and legal conflict shaped statewide economic development. More water wars are in our future. MEETING OF April 14, 2017WelcomeCharming and insightful as ever, Josh Surowitz presided over today’s meeting. Visiting Rotarians and GuestsCecilia Orozco, a prospective member, returned as a guest. And John Lawlis brought the “other” Darlene as a guest. [Today’s scribe was Darlene Drapkin. – Ed.] Also among our guests was Eleanor Vogelsang of the Close Up Foundation. Eleanor came to thank Rotary for its support, having sponsored Richmond High School students for a visit to Washington D.C. to learn about government. Another guest, Valerie, works at Richmond High School, where she focuses on crime prevention and helping students tackle issues that may prevent them from staying “on track.” Valerie introduced two of four Richmond High School students who recently participated in the Washington D.C. field trips. The students gained much from the experience. Lisa Vera, a senior at Richmond High School, was very excited to see DC and visit the Holocaust museum. For Patrick, a junior, the trip was a major opportunity since it was his first trip outside of California. The trip was also a challenge because English is his second language. Both students felt inspired to make a change in Richmond. AnnouncementsBARSHEEP members will be bowling-for-dollars on May 20 at Albany Bowl 5 -7 PM—that is, dollars to support Rotocare. A team of four, led by Josh Genser, has already formed. The club is looking for sponsors to support another team. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMMaking Waves Academy
Today’s presentation was given by Alton Nelson, the Executive Director of Making Waves Academy since 2011. Making Waves is a middle school and high school with an annual budget of $16 million. The Academy’s mission is to rigorously and holistically prepare students to gain acceptance to and graduate from college. Of its 800 students, 50% are learning English as a second language. The school does not “cherry pick” its student, instead using a lottery to choose among its applicants. Not surprisingly, the Academy prides itself in its academic success, despite its policy of not discriminating on the basis of prior academic achievement. Many of its graduates go to prestigious colleges around the country—but not including Central Michigan University, a fact Josh Surowitz lamented. (Hmm…where college did Josh attend?) Mr. Nelson made three requests of the Richmond Rotary:
Finally, Mr. Nelson informed us that Making Waves has purchased land adjoining their location on Lakeside Blvd., including the West County Times building. To learn more about Making Waves Academy, please visit its website. -Darlene Rios Drapkin, Scribe |
NEXT MEETING: April 14, 2017Making Waves Academy
At this Friday’s meeting we will learn about Making Waves Academy, a 5th-12th grade, public charter school. The Academy’s mission is to rigorously and holistically prepare students to gain acceptance to and graduate from college. The larger goal is for their students to ultimately become valuable contributors to the workforce and their communities. MEETING OF April 4, 2017WelcomePast President Alan Blavins called the meeting to order and asked Jon Lawlis to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Herb Cole asked for silent prayers for peace, hope, and justice. Sergeant at Arms Sidney Chauvin offered a quote for the day: “Talk is cheap… except when Congress does it. Visiting Rotarians and GuestsDan Tanita, DDS brought several visiting dentists from Russia as part of an ongoing international Rotary program: Ilya Zhotnikov, Lyudmila Smolyankov, Andrey Migas, Irna Kostrimitina, and Vladimir Muzyukin. Mike Winters brought Cecilia Orosco Jon Lawlis brought the lovely Darlene Speaker James Kennedy brought Regina Ames, Janet Kennedy (Martinez Rotary), Mila Coffey, and Rosemary Viramontes.
Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMKennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund
Stacey Street introduced today’s speaker James Kennedy. He runs the Kennedy-King Memorial Scholarship Foundation. This program is celebrating its 49th year. In 2016, Kennedy-King awarded 28 scholarships to students from Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College. Over 744 scholarships have been awarded. Scholarship alumni spoke about their experiences. Here’s what they said: Alfonse Upshaw is a 1992 graduate of Contra Costa College. Studied business. Community college and Kennedy-King were very transformative for him. He received the scholarship and then transferred to Cal and landed a job as a CPA at Deloitte. He now is an accounting officer at Kaiser. He enjoys being engaged in the community. Mila Coffey was awarded a Kennedy-King scholarship. It was $2000. They are now $10,000. She is now a CPA and financial planner. Contra Costa College and San Francisco State. She enjoys giving back to the community. Her education turned her life around. She studied hard, held 2-3 jobs as a single parent, and struggled financially. The scholarship allowed her to get a B.A. at Cal. Rosemary Viramontes was a 1992 graduate from Contra Costa College and scholarship recipient. She works for the City of Richmond in work force development. Regina Amos was a 1982 sports scholar. She had to leave Contra Costa College to raise her family and work, but after a divorce, she went back to Contra Costa College while working three jobs. She was awarded a scholarship and transferred to Holy Names College. Having people believe in her helped her through the tough times. She works to empower others and help them transform their lives. For more information about and to donate to this amazing program: www.kennedyking.org
- Shana Bagley Howe, Rotating Scribette |
NEXT MEETING: April 7, 2017Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund
Join Jim Kennedy, Chair of Donor Relations for an update on the Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund. Accompanying Jim for the presentation will be the following individuals:
These alumni will discuss their personal experiences and the impact of the scholarship. MEETING OFWelcomePresident Josh Surowitz called the meeting to order. Visiting Rotarians:Mack Lingo from Berkeley. Rotarians with guests:Jerry Feagley brought retired Richmond Fire Chief Al Nero, who will be inducted as a member next week. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMUnderstanding the Kaiser Ethics Committee
Nick Despota introduced his friend, Dr. David Rosen, a Kaiser physician and a long time member of Kaiser’s Ethics Committee. The committee intervenes when there are intra-family conflicts about end-of-life decisions. Dr. Rosen answered some questions about directives and told some stories about difficult transitions. He also told us he was a volunteer at the RotaCare clinic in San Rafael and recounted a very moving occasion when he was able to offer counseling to young woman who was exploited by cross-border sex-trafficking.
- Josh Genser, Rotating Scribe |
