President Paul Keefer called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m. with David Bowie's Changes - an appropriately subtle hint that the meeting might not go exactly according to script.
To borrow Paul's baseball analogy, several generous pinch hitters stepped in for our starting greeters. A special thank-you to Justino Santana, Michelle See, and Craig Taylor for welcoming every Rotarian and guest with a home-run smile.
Smiles were plentiful, giving our photographer, John Swentowsky, plenty to work with as he captured the spirit of the day. Our Pulse reporter was Matt Page.
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Sacramento for generously sponsoring the wine and setting a smooth, Pinot Noir-appropriate tone for the afternoon. Rotary fellowship, it turns out, pairs nicely with a good red.
In her Thought for the Day, Shirlee Tully offered a thoughtful reflection on change - perfectly in tune with the opening song. She noted the week's shift in weather and read Mary Oliver's poem Peonies.
Elfrena Foord helped us get to know fellow Rotarian David Brandenburger a little better. David is a Managing Director at Newmark, a national commercial real estate firm, where he focuses on office leasing and sales. David returned to cycling through the Sacramento Century, where he built a relationship with fellow club members Ruth Tesar and Brad Schmidt of Northern California PET Imaging. When Ruth and Brad decided to purchase a building, they turned to David. He brought two key advantages: a relationship with the listing agents, and lender connections that opened up several financing options.
Brad Schmidt delivered several well-timed high-fives to the head table before reminding everyone that the Sacramento Century is coming up on October 3, 2026. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are still available, and the ride still needs cyclists. Spread the word.
President Paul asked who was feeling generous, and the room answered with enthusiasm. Paul led the way with a $50 Eddie Mulligan contribution in honor of a backpacking trip into Desolation Wilderness. A partial list of other generous contributors: Megan Wygant; PEN Jamie Furlong celebrating a trip to Las Vegas and time spent with Maggie Hopkins; PP Kerry Wood for summer travels and 35 years of wedded bliss; David Brandenburger for hosting a water polo event at his Tahoe lodge; Len McCandliss for his 40 years in Rotary; and PDG Fred Teichert, also celebrating 40 years in Rotary.
Club Announcements: . Caregrams - Steve Huffman is collecting notes of support for Kent Kjelstrom, husband of Judy Kjelstrom, who is facing serious health issues. . Wine sponsors - Tom Bacon is still seeking wine sponsors. . Brown Bag lunches - Megan Laurie said more hosts are needed for the September 22 Brown Bag lunch day. . Communications Committee - PP Kerry Wood is forming a new communications committee and looking for volunteers. If you have opinions about commas, this may be your moment. . Point West brewfest- Tim Maliepaard of Point West Rotary promoted their brewfest on September 12 at Discovery Park. Tickets are available at www.calbrewfest.com.
David Lichtman, recently retired from the Sacramento Business Journal, was our guest speaker and offered a cautiously optimistic view of the Sacramento economy. David noted that local business journals remain a bright spot in today's media landscape. Along with The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, they are seeing readership growth.
Turning to the local economy, David identified four developments that have helped the region thrive since the 2008 financial crisis:
Keeping the Kings in Sacramento
Michael Teel's purchase of his family's interests in Raley's, keeping the company locally owned
LDK Ventures' purchase of the Railyards
The formation of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council.
Together with housing costs that remain lower than those in the Bay Area, David said these developments have helped Sacramento build a distinct, opportunity-rich identity of its own.
After a Labor Day observance, our weekly club meetings will resume on September 15, with guest speaker Gregg Fishman of Sac RT.
