Senior Deputy Anthony Goldner and his four-legged partner Thor gave a presentation about the Sheriff's canine program at our meeting January 28, 2026.
Mike Dutra, District Governor for Rotary District 5240, spoke to our club at our meeting January 21, 2026. Our District includes 65 Rotary clubs, 4 Rotaract clubs, and 56 Interact clubs in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Kern Counties. Mike discussed how we can further the District goal of Unite for Good.
Rotary Club member and renowned surgeon Dr. Mel Cheatham gave a presentation at our meeting January 14, 2026, describing over 25 trips to North Korea doing charitable work for Samaritans Purse. Mel and Sylvia Cheatham embody the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.
The Rotary Club of Ventura hosted the Ventura Art & Chalk Festival in September. Not only was the event a lot of fun, it raised $10,000 for the Julius Gius Memorial Rotary Foundation (Rotary Club of Ventura Foundation) which supports local nonprofit organizations.
We welcomed local author Elizabeth Moore Kraus as our guest speaker at our meeting Jan. 7, 2026. Liz shared her life as a "late bloomer," starting college at 42, getting her Master's Degree in English Literature. and teaching high school. Stuck at home during the COVID pandemic, she decided to type up her travel journal notes from a trip with her two sisters. She developed it into her first book: 3 Sisters 3 Weeks 3 Countries (Still Talking). Liz gave us insider tips on how to publish and market the book you've always dreamed of writing.
As our members do each year, we served as Bellringers on December 20, 2025, raising funds around the city for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. The Salvation Army is one of our partners in serving 1,816 residents at our free Mobile Eye Clinic, and this year distributed food boxes to over 50,000 Ventura County residents, served Thanksgiving meals to 671 residents, as well as providing school supplies, diapers, and utility assistance. Thanks to all who participated and donated to this great organization!
Members of the Pacific High School Interact ran our weekly Rotary meeting on December 10, 2025. They introduced themselves, reviewed their activities of the year, and conducted a trivia contest. Interact clubs are Rotary's organization at local high schools where talented students serve the community and develop leadership skills.
On December 13, 2025, we gave hundreds of coats and toys to West End kids, with earrings for Mom and photos with Santa. This event culminates our annual Coats for Kids donation drive. Thanks to all who volunteered and contributed to support West End families!
Members of the Rotary Club of Ventura, along with other Rotarians and Interact members, built several CAN-trees on December 6, 2025, to support Food Share of Ventura County.
Members of the Ventura Rotaract recently traveled to a remote area of Vietnam and finished building a school there. Rotaract member Derek Eidson (who is also President Elect of the Rotary Club of Ventura - East) gave a presentation about the project at our meeting December 3, 2025. Rotary's Rotaract clubs are leaders ages 18-30. Next year's project will build a house in one day (April 18, 2026) for a deserving family in Tijuana, Mexico.
The Rotary Club of Ventura is one of 45,000 Rotary clubs throughout the world. During a recent trip to Austria, club member Mike Schwartz visited Rotary Club Vienna Maria Theresia. The meeting featured a presentation and discussion about Save Ukraine, which assists war-affected children. The club members were very welcoming and epitomized Service Above Self.
Bill Frank, Chair of the Ventura County Taxpayers Foundation, gave a presentation at our meeting November 19, 2025, explaining the taxes and fees added to each gallon of gasoline we buy that makes it the most expensive in the country.
Speaking in jibberish, a spirited argument about picking toppings off pizza, Oscar winning scenes from the never-to-be-produced (I hope) film "I Stole My Mother's Washing Machine." Four very talented improvisers from the Ventura Improv Co. gave a hilarious demonstration at our luncheon meeting Oct. 15, 2025. Upcoming performances at NAMBA Arts, 27 S. Oak St., Ventura, 7:00 p.m., on Nov. 4, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, and Feb. 13. Lotsa Laffs!
Connor Larkin gave a presentation about Artificial Intelligence (AI) at our luncheon meeting October 8, 2025. For the meatbag computing systems in the audience (our members and guests) he explained how AI works, the terminology necessary to understand it, and where AI is headed in the future.
Rotary "Craft Talks" are designed to learn more about our members. At our meeting Oct. 1, 2025, retired psychiatrist Dr. Leo Pisculli shared his fascinating career as a Navy medical officer, giving the historical background of the military conflicts and world events during different phases of his work. He discussed his work at Subic Bay base in the Philippines, his travels with his wife and children, his later work at the VA, and his therapeutic use of hypnosis. For 35 years, Dr. Pisculli was a member of the Rotary Club of Bishop, California, serving twice as president and also as assistant district governor. He became a welcome addition to our club when he recently moved to Ventura.
Attorney Ron Bamieh gave a presentation about driving under the influence at our meeting September 24, 2025. He discussed the dangers of intoxicated driving and what you are and are not required to do if stopped by police. He told us the 100% effective way of not getting convicted for DUI: don't drive if you are impaired. Ron Bamieh is the founding attorney of Bamieh & De Smith, which handles criminal defense, personal injury, family law, and civil litigation.
Bob Cheatham, who recently rejoined the club, gave a "Craft Talk" at our meeting September 17, 2025. He discussed his education, his background working for the Department of Defense and MetLife, and his current work at Integrity Wealth. He has created YouTube videos to guide different generations of school teachers in their retirement He also discussed Qualified Charitable Distributions, which provide a tax-free alternative for seniors who are required to make Required Minimum Distributions from their retirement accounts.
The Rotary Club of Ventura hosted the Ventura Art and Chalk Festival on September 13 and 14, 2025, at the Ventura Harbor. Twenty-five artists created incredible chalk art on the sidewalk and 30 vendors sold a variety of artwork and crafts. Attendance was free. Thanks to all the participants, volunteers. and sponsors who made this event a success!
Mario de la Piedra gave a presentation at our meeting September 10, 2025, about H2-A and H2-B visas for agricultural workers. The visas allow agricultural workers from Mexico to work in the U.S. legally. Mario's company, Seso, provides software and other support for employers to utilize the program.
The Rotary Club of Ventura
STRATEGIC MISSION STATEMENT
Why We Exist: We believe in the power of community and the profound impact of service above self. Our purpose is to bring like-minded individuals together, and through trust and support, we uplift each other while working tirelessly to improve lives, making Ventura and the world a better place.
How We Achieve It: We create a warm, friendly, and welcoming environment where fellowship, philanthropy, and friendship thrive. Through collaboration, we open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed, enabling both personal fulfillment and collective accomplishment. By partnering with and empowering other non-profit organizations in Ventura, we amplify our impact, ensuring that good deeds reach those who need them most.
What We Do:
- Foster a sense of extended family and community through networking and support.
- Engage in philanthropic activities that enhance the well-being of our local and global communities.
- Promote peace and understanding through our service projects.
- Provide platforms for community leaders to meet, collaborate, and drive positive change.
- Act as caretakers, leaving a legacy of betterment and a measurable impact.
Our Belief: We are better together and can achieve so much more as a united group. We exist to give back, meet community needs, and create a brighter future. As the Friendliest Club in Rotary, we take pride in our commitment to making our community a better place for everyone, ensuring that our existence means something significant.
