El Cerrito Rotary: The Wheel May 27, 2010

Editors:  Gary Buffon & Michael Dougherty & Charlie Weaver
Week of May 27, 2010     
(www.rotary5160.org) 

President Tracy welcomed everyone to the Friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club.  Mark F led the flag salute and Michael D provided the thought for the day.

Secretary John:   announced we had no visitors today.

4-Way Test Presentation:    Leeza led the 4-Way Test recital

Announcements:

• Tracy gave a summary of the GGF’s concession stand fundraiser
• Karen announced the BARSHEP is having a social event on July 17 at the Oakland Museum.  There will be signups for this event in June.
• Karen also announced the 10K run that the Pleasanton Rotary is putting on Father’s Day

Lee presents Kanti with his second Paul Harris Fellow pin -
President Tracy looks on

Happy dollars:   

Jack is happy that Tracy demotion dinner is coming.  It will great fun (BE SURE YOU ATTEND IF AT ALL POSSIBLE – IT IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR).  Pat is happy the demotion dinner is being held at the Berkeley City Club as she is a member there and a docent for the historical building.  Lee is happy to be attending a “Rock Paper Scissors”  fund raising event in Sonoma on June 6.  Wants to see if this is something we could do as a fund raiser.  Michael C is happy to be going to Hawaii.  Mike G is happy his youngest daughter graduated from college.  Jim Spain is happy to see Mike in attendance.   Charlie is happy his son has been visiting.  Kanti is happy his youngest daughter has got her Masters at USF.  Leeza is happy son Nico is doing so well reading in Kindergarten. 

Birthday Girl Leeza:  Did some catch up today by acknowledging Lance and Andy for birthdays in December and Joe who celebrated an anniversary in Dec.

Sgt at Arms Nancy:   Nancy began by recognizing those who did not sign Jim Sheppard’s new member roster.  Then she shifted to trivia and collected $$ for club coffers by stumping us with interesting trivia questions.

Today’s Program: 

Paul introduced his boss El Cerrito City Manager Scott Hanin to provide us an update on the state of the city.  Scott  began by sharing the good news about situations in the City. The new Safeway store that will occupy the vacated Target building, up to three new restaurants, the swim center and recreation programs being entirely successful and filled, new plant along San Pablo that save 2 million gallons of water per year, a new dog park that was build almost entirely from contributions from the residents as well as the dramatic improvement of the streets in the city. 

On the less positive side there is the 1.2 million dollars taken from the redevelopment agency by the state.  There is the possibility a $500K may need to be taken from the reserve fund to balance the new budget. 

In addition, the state may find additional ways to reduce revenue to the city so it can be used to address the budget shortfall we have statewide.   At the end of his presentation Scott answered many questions asked by the Rotarians. 

This was a good presentation.  We enjoyed having Scott for provide an update on the city.

Scott Hanin, City Manager gives us a state of El Cerrito

Genie Stone:  Jim Sheppard won the magic stone and will be telling us things about his business and himself.

Today’s Lottery Winner:   Frank had his ticket drawn for the bottle of wine and Charlie had his ticket drawn for the jackpot and pulled a catseye marble.   At our next meeting the jackpot is $125.. 

Thought for the Week:

Good government is no substitute for self-government.

--Mahatma Gandhi