Written By: Kevin Smith-Fagan
Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn drew a big crowd for the Tuesday club luncheon, and spoke about building a new level of trust between his department and the community it serves. His insights are summarized below.
Saluting the May 1 date, Jim Culleton (Strong and Associates) delivered an opening thought on the roots of May Day - from workers’ rights to the international distress call.
Dr. Paul Keefer (Pacific Charter Institute) was inducted as the club’s newest member. Paul serves as executive director of PCI, which runs four charter schools that emphasize service to students with academic deficits.
Meeting sponsor, Mike Bullington (Northwestern Mutual Financial Network) extolled the reasons for entrusting your finances to Northwestern Mutual, which include trustworthiness, broad resources, focus on the client rather than shareholders, and expertise in retirement planning.
Foundation President Jeanne Reaves (Jeanne Reaves Consulting) presented Eddie Mulligan recognition pins to Judge William Shubb (U.S. District Court), Jim Streng (Streng Bros Rentals, LLC), Larry Gilzean (Spare Time Clubs), Ted White (Sacramento Delta Property Management), and a Paul Harris pin to Jim Leet (Boutin Jones).
The club observed a moment of silence to remember Jack Higdon, a longtime club member who died in April.
The club’s Armed Forces Day is May 15 and Past President Thom Gilbert encouraged strong attendance as we honor the 60+ veterans in our club.
Laurie Wright (Tri Counties Bank) hilariously donated $100 toward her “Eddie Bauer” after President John noted the attention Laurie enjoyed in the Sacramento Business Journal for her role in a recent fundraiser by the Association of Commercial Realtors. Ted Grebitus (Grebitus Jewelers) made a donation in honor of his dad Ed's 92nd birthday.
Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn was introduced by Rick Davis (U.S. Air Force, retired). Chief Hahn talked about his upbringing in Oak Park, a neighborhood where he witnessed a homicide at age 9, got arrested himself at 16, and eventually would lose a brother to drug violence. His widowed mother gave him a loving home and a tremendous example of service and kindness, which he carried into his law enforcement career.
Chief Hahn cited a need to reconnect Sac PD with the community, and pointed to the public outcry over the police shooting of Stephon Clark as an example of a trust deficit. He talked about initiatives he is advancing to help his police officers deal effectively with mentally ill citizens, and to equip the cops for the challenges posed by homeless citizens.
President John saluted:
- wine reception sponsor April Javist (Sacramento Public Library Foundation)
- piano player Jack Anderson (Dick James and Associates)
- greeters Ted White, Steve Ruland (Ruland’s Office Furnishings) and Jim Raney (Raney Real Estate).
Next week’s speaker will be the new head of the Sacramento Zoo, Jason Jacobs, who will outline a $75 million overhaul coming to the zoo.
As always, a mighty thanks to John Swentowsky (Swentowsky Photography) for photos of the meeting.