Introductions

William Peloquin brought his wife Wilma, and Vern Andrews introduced his son Dean, and Jim Williams introduced his wife Sally. Marty Burbank introduced Doug Young, and Jeff Anderson of Long Beach visited our club and was saved from a large fine when Jim Williams pulled away the microphone when it appeared he was going to start giving a plug.

Announcements

Dan Ouweleen (of “End Polio” fame) announced that the next planning meeting is Tuesday Sept. 30 at PacMin at 4:30PM. Meg Crider is asking for more manufacturers/vendors (related to Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics to participate in the upcoming Vendor show. Please contact Meg ASAP if you have some ideas!

Sandy Hayes has again stepped up to organize our Fellowship Luncheons, a low-key but effective way we can get to know each other. We had a good response this time and more are encouraged to contact Sandy so she can assign you to a small group.

Terri Grassi reminded us of a racy Rotary event that will tale place October 25 at Los Alamitos Race Track. You can bet it will be a fun evening!

Theresa Harvey of the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce announced a Candidates Forum featuring school board of trustees is coming up on Monday Sept. 29 at 6:30PM at Arborland Educational Center 2121 Hughes Drive. Another forum for the city council candidates will take place 6:30PM Sept. 30 at the city hall council chambers.

Zoot Velasco reminded us of a Gatsby event at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center on Sept. 25.

Dick Mathewson was named by President Bill Schenk the club’s “Rotarian of the Month” for his “Reading by Nine” organizational efforts. He can revel in this title during the month of October.

Recognitions

Bill Peloquin returned from a trip to Montana and was recognized for his consistent donations to the Rotary water project in Myanmar (aka Burma) which was highlighted during last week’s program. Terri Grassi celebrated a birthday on Sept. 20th. Bill Klinghoffer’s B-day was the 23rd Bob Muschek’s wife Doris celebrated a birthday and Raco celebrated his 37th anniversary.

Diane Masseth-Jones of YWCA fame received a Chamber “Quality of Life” award. Joe Lins vehemently denied that he is auditioning for club president, but I must confess that he appeared quite presidential when doing so. Ray Hansen was recognized as being in Rotary for over 60 years and with perfect attendance as well, as I recall.

Opportunity Drawing

Kimberly Barlow had a chance to pick the sole red chip from President Bill’s magic bag but didn’t succeed this time.

Program

Bob Radde introduced our Fullerton City Manager, Joe Felz. Joe said the #1 topic is our city’s infrastructure like water, sewer streets and parks. Parts of the water system is ~100 years told and the city sustains about 1000 breaks a year. We have been working on maintaining the sewer system for the past several years so as to avoid the significant fines that comes with most spills.

Although funds were just unfrozen last year, the plan is to make 6-10 miles of street repairs per year. Joe explained that the spacing of street lights was originally decided on by the original developers/homeowners.

Homelessness is another topic on people’s minds. There are about 200 homeless in Fullerton and there are many resources for the homeless in our city, like feeding programs at local churches. Fullerton is relatively respectful place for the homeless. Mental illness and substance abuse are significant factors, but many of the homeless like to use their knowledge of the rules to get people to back off. Another issue is some homeless using the library as a hangout, taking areas that are intended for library patrons. About 50% of police calls deal with homeless individuals. The county has about 200 beds spread amongst 5 emergency shelters and Fullerton is working with Anaheim for a project near Harbor and Lemon.

There are about 10 housing development projects in the works and about 1000 units around the area should be completed within the year. The Beckman property consists of about 40 acres and will have about 1000 homes.

Streets improvements for State College and Raymond was discussed. State college should be done in about 2 ½ years.

President Bill Schenk gave Mr. Felz a “Four Way Test” Rotary coin as a thank you.

Doug Young, son of recently departed Jim and Dottie Young, spoke for a few minutes just before the meeting concluded related to us how Jim and Dottie loved Rotary and its members largely because Rotary represented faith and love.