Candidate Bill Jones

California Secretary of State Bill Jones, who is running as the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate this November was given an introduction by our Congressman Ed Royce. This impressive array of elected leaders was itself heralded by Fullerton Member Dick Jones. (Dick allowed how his relationship to his namesake went all the way back to Arkansas (which was DIS-allowed by our speaker!)

Secretary Bill Jones has an impressing record of legislative accomplishment having been a California State Assemblyman, and State Secretary of the Nation's largest State. He is most well known as the originator of the state's THREE STRIKES LAW. The keystone of his address to our Club emphasized the principal role of government is to provide for the security of its citizens. Since the passage of his THREE STRIKES LAW crime rate has diminished as well as there are 2 million fewer victims of crimes by parolees. This in face of a rise in State populations since 1994 when the law was passed. It is a good law as presently stands.

Propisition 66 on the November ballot aims to water-down the effectiveness of the THREE STRIKES LAW. It will remove burglary as applicable as a third felony. Judges will be permitted to exercise independent judgment in defining felonies. What may seem like a "misdemeanor" third crime charge not to be included, often finds that the defendant possessed a past record of serious felonies and repeated past parole violations. In light of the volume of criminal case load, our courts tend to favor liberal plea bargaining to the disadvantage of THREE STRIKES LAW effectiveness.

Secretary Jones emphasized the importance of citizen volunteer organizations such as our Rotary Club of Fullerton provides. Participation by all members is the key to success.

The welcome appearance of candidates in the upcoming November election is being scheduled by our Program Committee Chaired by Alt Tetreault. State Proposition issues and a Fullerton City Council candidates forum are on tap for October meetings. .

Opening Ceremonies: Following the traditional Pledge (Art Levine), and the Rotary Quartet of Howard Wood, Ray Ashcroft, Bob Savage, and Jim Young, a very moving testimonial was given by Bob Sattler. In fact, it could have been listed as a Craft Talk. His words told of the value of Rotary when the closeness of one's mate is lost in death. Men do not always recognize the importance of little good and bad everyday relationships between a husband and wife in the forging of a successful marriage. There is an irreplacable void in death that Rotary helps to heal.

Bob's testimonial, one of the most moving we have heard, received a warm, spontaneous applause from Rotary colleagues.

Visitors: Jim Crain guest of Bob Sattler.

Bill Klinghoffer -- A new member, but lunch paid for by sponsor Don Bankhead. That's a twist!

Bill Berry -- Guest of grandma Franki Berry

Gloria Radde -- guest of Bob Radde.

Maryalice Jeremiah-- Ray Hansen applying to remove her status as "former Rotarian".

Anouncements:

Fullerton City Golf Classic, Mayor's Cup Challenge. Coyote Hill CC.. Friday September 10, 2004

(Those participants with golf scores less than the Mayor's will be assessed $100 campaign donation).

The YMCA Great Crab Feast and auction Under the Stars Saturday, September 18, 2004 6:00 PM till 10:00 PM, or until the crustaceans run out.

Finemaster (Nate Kvetny): Bob Clark, Bob Jahncke had the same anniversary, Bill Hite, had a birthday in his spousal relationship. Chet Schultz almost won the Raffle Jack-pot by guessing the Club's membership was 142.

It is actually 135. Prez Greg Franklin refused to allow that the honorary members would count. He used this point to make a pitch for Members to bring in new members. We need 15 this year to keep pace!.

Next week the meeting is at Southern California College of Optometry.