ROTARY CLUB OF RANCHO BERNARDO
June 23, 2022
Co-President Athenea brought the meeting to order, noting that this is the 51st meeting of the Rotary year, and was followed by the members reciting of the 4 Way Test. The Pledge was led by Jim Sommer. Ken Heinz gave the Inspiration message. Ken challenged the group to recognize the author of the quotes he read, vowing to give $5.00 to Happy Bucks if someone did. The author was identified: “Mr. Rogers”.
Tom Murphy was greeter today, and recognized our visitors. Joel Doss led the Welcome Song. Co-President Athenea announced that Bill Brehm is taking over from James Kaspar as Club Photographer.
Co-President Athenea reminded the group of the Governor’s Dinner on June 30th, at the Del Mar Hilton, 5:00 to 8:00. Don Glover requested sign ups for volunteers for the Spirit of the 4th and the Parade. Jim Hyldahl said the Vines and Vittles still needs members to sign up to volunteer. V&V sponsors have raised $44K thus far. The Music Camp committee is looking for volunteers and hosts for this years Music Camp. Young musicians coming from all over the world will need transportation, as well as a place to stay, while practicing for the concert with San Diego Youth Symphony.
John O’Neill, speaking for Family of Rotary, said Arilla St Laurant has had her surgery and is recovering in the Health Care unit at Casa de las Campanas. She is able to have visitors, but it was suggested that you text her first to find out when is a good time. Dan Barrios said his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, has had surgery and is recovering. Following a few fines by our lauded Fine Master, Happy Bucks flowed, with many honoring Athenea, who is presiding at her last meeting as Co-President.
Frank De Francesco gave his “Who Am I” presentation today. From growing up as an avid sports fan in Brooklyn, Frank had an extensive career in radio network administration. He has been an active volunteer for many years. Following his talk, Mike Stelman awarded Frank his gold Rotary badge.
Gary Saks introduced today’s speaker, Adrian Vore, who is the Union Tribune newspaper Reader’s Representative and columnist. With the aid of a slide show, he gave a history of the newspaper from its beginning in 1868 when it was first published as the San Diego Union. In 1895 a competing paper, the Evening Tribune was launched. The two papers were purchased in 1928, by Ira Copley, and remained in the Copley family until 2009. Copley News Service was developed to cover international news, competing with other wire services in 1955. In 1995 the paper entered the computer world with a free on-line edition called “SignOnSanDiego”.
In 2008, the paper won the California Newspaper Publishers Association General Excellence Award.
The paper was sold again in 2009 to Platinum Equity, and in 2010 the paper was redesigned as the “San Diego Union Tribune”, then sold again in 2011 to the Manchester company. It was sold again in 2015 to Tribune Publishing, which moved the printing and operations of the paper to Los Angeles.
The papers contributing staff have won 4 Pulitzer Prizes, 1979, 1987, 2006 and 2009. Many of the contributing staff now works remotely from San Diego. The paper now is “delivered” not only in print, but also on the website and in Podcasts and video. There is now a UT Española website available.
This year, UT print delivery personnel will be given a July 4th day off for the first time ever.
The guest book was presented by Terry Heck.
With a reminder that next weeks meeting is Demotion Party, which will begin at 11:45 (doors open at 11:15), the meeting was adjourned.
