Invocation: Garro Ellis (quite the riveting prayer)
Flag Salute: Jeff Gutierrez (a rousing rendition)
Song: Jordan Kaufman – America the Beautiful (from a distance)
Greeter: Jason Cater (I think – he tried to make me do double duty)
Roving Mics: Mike Willis (Thank you)
Spoke Guest Editor Profile:
Traco MatthewsTraco is the Chief Program Officer at CAPK. He brings extensive leadership skills and deep community connections to this critical position in Kern County’s official anti-poverty agency. He uses his experience providing leadership development for administrators and directors, contributing strategic analysis, delivering HR expertise, and building a trusted brand through proficient community relations to empower that commitment.
New Member:
Meet our new member and point guard (if we had a basketball team), Vin Dang.
Born in Paris, France, Dr. Dang grew up in the suburbs of Paris. He moved to the United States at the age of 16. Dr. Dang earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of California San Diego and went on to receive his Doctorate in Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry. He received his Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry in the fall of 2016.
Dr. Dang is very tech-savvy and is always on the lookout for the newest electronic gadget. In his leisure time, he enjoys spending time with his family and playing pickleball.
Good News & Announcements
- Charlie Moe: The US Forest Service has approved the rebuild of the Camp Kern Boy Scout’s camp.
- Bob Burdette: Bob is feeling better after experiencing side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine for a number of weeks.
2 truths and a lie: Stories of success (by President Leland)
- Doug Pierce has lived in 5 houses in 7 years, married his high-school sweetheart against her better judgment, and has successfully hiked the John Muir trail!
- Sam Newland has also completed the John Muir trail. Great to see that so many club members have achieved that goal on their first attempt. 😉
Program
Speaker: Erik Bartsch, CEO of Aera Energy
Topic: State of the Oil & Gas Industry in CA
- The industry is facing quite a few, with permitting at the top of the list. Because permitting equals jobs for people in Kern County, it is important that the State finds a way to work with the O&G industry to leverage enduring opportunities.
- There are great opportunities for the State to partner with industry and allow them to play a constructive role in solutions. The criticality of the commodity remains; we must all acknowledge the fact that demand is not diminishing. As production drops, exports will rise. It makes sense to work together to implement science-based, fact-based, reality-based decisions in this space.
- It’s important to figure out what we want, not just what we don’t want. We can partner to:
- Develop an energy mix that meets the needs of people in CA.
- Create a Plan B that does not negatively impact people.
Advocate for the O&G industry to partner on carbon sequestration. They have the tools to lead the way.
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