Aaron Falk has served as the President and CEO of the Kern Community Foundation since 2021.
Aaron grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from Stockdale High School. He has a degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters of Business Administration degree from California State University, Bakersfield. He also completed the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College as a civilian.
Aaron lives in Bakersfield with his wife Lauren and daughter Mia.
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Invocation: Clinton Trimmer
Flag Salute: Jorge Barrientos
Song: My Country, ‘Tis of Thee
Roving Mic: Juan Bustamante
Good News & Announcements
- DT Rotary welcomed back pianist John Calanchini. Andrea Hansen praised his piano teaching, costing her $10.
- Clinton Trimmer and Salvation Army partnered with Feed The Children to distribute 400 food boxes in Delano; Salvation Army is also celebrating National Donut Day, honoring their tradition of generally providing free donuts to American GIs in foreign wars.
- Toni Harper announced that Waterman scholarships have been awarded worth $44,000 this year.
- Joe Hay shared that Ford Motor Company purchased and renovated Michigan Central Station, making it the largest restoration project in American history. Ford fully funded the renovation. In other news, new car prices are up 60% over the last 10 years. Heckling provided by Jorge Barrientos and Bill Lever.
- Jim Damian was roasted in absentia for appearing on the prestigious Seven Oaks magazine cover—no sign of a Rotary pin or mention of Rotary in the article. Financial compliance incentive is forthcoming.
Guests
- Jordan Kaufman brought Mari Perez-Dowling, United Way Central Eastern California.
- Kristen Watson brought Steven Bloomberg, Kern Community College District.
Program
Through new construction and extensive renovations, Layton is significantly expanding the services provided for Mercy Southwest, such as cardiology, neurosurgery, women’s services, and others. A ground-up, four-story patient tower will include 106 patient rooms, 18 NICU rooms, a 24-room ICU, six ORs, cardiac catheterization suites, and oncology and orthopedic units. The scope also includes an expanded emergency department, additional parking, a campus redesign, and remodeled admitting imaging, and public areas. The most complicated part has been building a bridge to connect facilities. Layton expects construction finished next summer and follow-on renovations finished a couple of years later. Mayor Goh asked about the challenges of construction in California and Layton blamed refrigerators.
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