While his high school classmates were flipping burgers or handing out bowling shoes after work, Eric was working as a part-time photojournalist for the local community newspaper.
In the mid-90’s, and after three years as a community newspaper photojournalist, Eric saw the coming digital transformation and pivoted his career to the burgeoning online space. As a self-taught web designer and engineer, he worked for the next 15 years to build audience, revenue and adoption of the still-growing digital news environment.
In 2009 Eric was named Publisher and President of The Modesto Bee and The Merced Sun-Star, two publications owned by The McClatchy Company in California’s Central Valley. Eric was the first Publisher in the 150-year history of the company to come from digital operations; during his tenure the publications leaned into digital audience and revenue growth – an emphasis that continues today.
In 2014 Eric joined the Seattle-based Pioneer News Group as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for more than 24 publications and 500 employees across five northwest states. He was instrumental in leading a variety of key projects for the company, including overall improvements to digital platforms and sales efforts, centralization of key functions such as news page design, customer service and ad design. He also placed heavy emphasis on fostering a culture of diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
In 2022 Eric was named Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Sonoma Media Investments. Headquartered in Santa Rosa, CA, the local, privately-owned company publishes The Press Democrat, two-time winner of The Pulitzer Prize, The Petaluma Argus-Courier, The Sonoma Index Tribune, The Sonoma Gazette, La Prensa Sonoma and Sonoma Magazine.
Dedicated to the preservation of community publishers and journalism, Eric is an active board member of the California Press Foundation and the Press Democrat Journalism Trust. Eric currently lives in Santa Rosa with his wife Susan.

LINK TO VIRTUAL MEETING INFORMATION

Melissa Stewart, the Executive Director of Chops Teen Club, was our speaker on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Melissa has been with Chops for 23 years, spending much of her time as the Program and Events Director. Melissa is a native of Santa Rosa and is a mother of young adults. She was introduced by Dan Rosaschi, who serves on Chops’ Board. Melissa also gave a shout-out to Rob Sanville, who was instrumental in developing Chops’ current technology system.

The Chops story began with Charles (Chops) DeMeo, a well-known attorney in Santa Rosa, who lived a very frugal life and bequeathed $16 million dollars to the Santa Rosa Community Foundation with instructions to create a safe and productive place for teens. Chops DeMeo lived across the street from Ridgway School and developed an understanding of the special needs of teens in our community. The bequest allowed Chops to own its own building debt free near downtown Santa Rosa! 40% of Chops’ operating budget still comes from the DeMeo endowment. Now, however, the building is getting older and renovations are expensive.

Chops’ mission is to provide a safe, fun, and productive place where Sonoma County teens can connect and discover their true potential. Chops serves Sonoma County youth in grades 7 through 12. Chops’ membership is 1,000, with 500 teens consistently using the facility. They typically see 50-70 kids per day. Teens sign a code of conduct when they become members and are conscientious about the conduct requirements. Chops has several key program areas, including art, college and careers, culinary, leadership and development, music, sports and recreation, technology and gaming, and café and club 509. It has a music and records studio, a night club and café (at the former Lena’s), a sports and fitness center, and a technology lounge with 11 computers. Teens are mentored by program staff, who are experts in their respective fields.

Chops has a new Development Director, Angela Sanville, who has been instrumental in obtaining funding from outside sources. It has recently remodeled its tech lounge, built a new rock wall capable of serving 5 kids at a time, and improved its security and surveillance system. Chops also has an expanded work ready program and has partnered with the Metro Chamber of Commerce, Winter Lights, and Summer on the Square to improve job opportunities for teens. Chops is even more important than ever to help with the ongoing gang and teen violence by giving kids a sense of belonging and security. Chops has an active violence prevention program and works with Santa Rosa Schools to ensure that the schools have what they need to combat teen violence.

Melissa invited us to support Chops by visiting and taking a tour, attending an event, donating, and becoming a board member! Thank you, Melissa, for the great presentation and for working so hard to support teens in Sonoma County!

Click HERE to view a limited time recording of Melissa's engaging talk.

On a regular basis, our resident photo pro Warren Smith, submits pictures of what is going on at the weekly meetings. You can always find the most recent pictures at the websites photo journal called "Meeting Sighting" Please note that all the meeting photos for the entire Rotary year are at this location with the most recent on the last page.

Thanks for all the great pictures Warren! Link to Meeting Sightings. The most recent are on the last page!