“How did Bill Shubb get to be a federal judge?” A question pondered by many Rotarians over the years was answered fully in a colorful presentation by the meeting’s featured speaker, longtime club member Hon. Bill Shubb, who walked the group through the laborious machinations by which federal judges are selected.

After a call to order by President Todd, Dee Johnson delivered a thought for the day on justice, both as the heart of our democracy and as a tenet of our Rotarian values.

Sponsor of the Day Virginia Varela from Golden Pacific Bank highlighted the merge of her boutique bank into the digital personal finance company SoFi.  “Golden Pacific Bank members can expect an elevated digital and more robust mobile banking experience to serve local businesses and individual customers,” she reported.

It was World Polio Day, and Rotary International remains committed to eradicating polio worldwide. President Todd highlighted significant gains, noting that only Afghanistan and Pakistan still have active cases of wild poliovirus. With all Rotarian donations getting matched dollar for dollar by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation toward a $50 million goal, a frenzy of Rotarians pledged donations!

Club Announcements:

Networking Night – Megan Wygant invited everyone on November 16th at 5:30pm to Wildwood Bar and Grill.  Appetizers will be provided, and Rotarians will buy their drinks.

Fireside gathering - President Todd thanked Bob Daly and wife Rosita for hosting the recent Fireside, which was highly successful.

President Todd updated the club on club administrator LaToya Wong’s absence as she cares for her husband recovering from surgery.

Let’s Go Skiing! Among those hitting the slopes with generous gifts to their Paul Harris or/and Eddie Mulligans were Liz McClatchy (family wedding!), Dee Johnson (reunion), and Mik Miklaus  as repeat winner of small mortgage broker of the year (small company, not small mortgages).

Chair of the Day, our own Honorable Kim Mueller, introduced her U.S. District Court colleague, the Honorable William Shubb. Bill shared his journey from attorney to the bench, recalling that even early in his career he was interested in federal judgeship. While in private practice in Sacramento, he made the short list and in 1990, Senator Pete Wilson called asking if he would accept a nomination – which he didn’t hesitate to grab since Bill had made his interest known. After thorough vetting by both the FBI and the American Bar Association, and even a physical exam, he was told to expect a morning call from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Which he missed. He called back and spoke with the commander in chief, President George H. Bush, who after some conversation told Bill words that have stuck with him, “I am pleased that someone with your qualifications would take this appointment.” Off to DC for smooth Senate confirmation hearings, then a call from the U.S. attorney general as a formality, and Bill Shubb, son of an Oakland newspaper seller, was at last a federal judge.

President Todd saluted the many club members who made the day possible – greeters Past President Linda Geery, Past President John Frisch and Jamie Furlong, photographer John Swentowsky, Pulse reporter Christie Holderegger, logistics crew Past President Susan Sheridan, Justino Santana, Kathy Herrfeldt, Robyn DeLong and Past President Jim Leet – and especially wine reception host Dee Hartzog!