California, The Economic Powerhouse!

Posted by Kevin Smith-Fagan on Jun 02, 2017

“It’s about money,” pronounced guest speaker Allan Zaremberg, perhaps stating the obvious when it comes to health care reform (and other political issues).

Zaremberg, the CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce, sprinted across a wide range of political hot buttons in his comments. Tax reform in 2017 seems unlikely. The Republicans will probably hold Congress in the midterm elections. The state’s new gas tax might be loathed, but it was overdue. California’s high-speed rail may never be realized. Tunnels or not, the state needs some conveyance of water from NorCal to SoCal. Immigration, impeachment and road repair also got covered in Allan’s sweeping commentary.

Earlier in the meeting, Robyn DeLong (Coldwell Banker) delivered “The Optimist’s Creed” as the Thought for the Day.

Several generous club members were recognized for their giving. Steve Heath (Capitol Health Network), treasurer of the RCOS Foundation, presented Eddie Mulligan recognition pins to John Wheaton (Mariposa Petroleum), Brian Van Camp (ADR Services), Thom Gilbert, and Ed Willey. Steve presented a Paul Harris pin to Nian Roberts.

Kelley Moran (Moran & Associates) cleaned up with two Eddie Mulligan pins and a Paul Harris pin.

Though competing with meatloaf servings the size of doormats, the club announcements nevertheless held the room rapt. Some key takeaways were:

. Mystery Trip this Saturday (June 3, 9:30am-3:30pm) has a few slots remaining at $95 - a great time and bottomless mimosas were promised by Jack Anderson (Dick James & Associates)

. Sons Day on June 13 will feature SR-71 Blackbird pilot Jerry Glasser, said chair Dennis Cook (Cook Brown LLP)

. a Rotary medical mission trip to Jamaica is slated for February 2018, reported Past President Dr. Wesley Yee (Yee Dental Care), who encouraged attendees regardless of medical background.

Roast Boast and Toast

Kathy Herrfeldt (Home Care Assistance) has joined the Advisory Board of the Health Communication Research Institute Inc., and Michael Bullington (Pacific Advisors) as he will become a grandfather for the third time.

Along the way, President Dan McVeigh thanked several Rotarians who helped make the day a success, including:

. wine reception sponsor Tom Engel, and pianist Jack Anderson.

. greeters Diana Spencer (Shriners Hospital), Margo Fawkes (OnTarget Consulting) and Luann Richardson (Re/Max Gold), and

. sound system maestro Aaron French (Zanker Recycling).

Larry Booth (Frank M. Booth) served as Chair of the Day.

Thank you John Swentowsky (Swentowsky Photography) and President Elect Elect Diane Woodruff for the photos!