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RANCHO BERNARDO ROTARY CLUB ZOOM MEETING
NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Meeting called to order by President Alex Robertson at 11:04 am.
John O’Neill led members with the pledge of allegiance in place of Jim Sommer.
Cheryl Roop followed with the inspirational message quoting a 6th Century Chinese philosopher, stating, “If you are depressed in the past, if anxious in the future, if in the present, at peace. Also every day is a gift.
Virtual greeter, TerryHeck, introduced Cozette Vergari, today’s speaker, Barb Crew, Rachel Peniche from Vista Hill, Connie Alvarez from Boys and Girls Club, and visiting Rotarian soon to be new member, Jan Goldsmith.
Next President Alex inducted and we welcomed Jan Goldsmith as our newest member. It was provided with his red badge, pin and new member packet. His sponsor, Joe Leventhal and mentor, Gary Saks. Welcome Jan.
President Alex presented the Rotarian of The Month to Bill Angus thanking him for his production of the newsletter weekly and internet and committee work on behalf of our club.
Charlie Crew presented a check for $2000 to Rachel Peniche of Vista Hill. Vista Hill was a sponsor of 2019 Vines and Vittles fundraiser. Vista Hill still serves clients mostly virtually. On Track Program taking a hiatus except on an individual referral basis. More home based issues now with Covid.
Arilla reported nothing to report from Family of Rotary which was good news meaning everyone healthy. She told us Sonny, Dave King, and Michael Ortiz enjoyed birthdays in November. Although definitely there were shortcomings we “sang” happy birthday to the birthday “kids.”
John Goodrich introduced our speaker, Cozette Vergari, from District 5280 Westminster, California. Cozette represents Rotary Human Tracking Foundation. She is a trust/estate attorney and former District 5280 District Governor. Member of Rotary Club of Westminster more than 25 years.
The title of her very interesting and informative presentation was “Why Do We Care?” California, Texas and New York lead the United States in human trafficking. It is a worldwide issue affecting every country and city around the world. There are various forms of trafficking including with children. $975 billion dollars goes to sex trafficking and drug trade yearly. With sex trafficking can sell product over and over usually involving a minor child. Big issue in California especially in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego areas. Human trafficking worse here than overseas. Involves 96% female trafficking, 82% sex trafficking, 11% labor trafficking and 7% other trafficking. Over 150,000 individuals held as sex slaves. Involved children with average age of 12. 50% of minor children involved in sex trafficking up to 5 times a day. On average every two to five hours a child is taken for sex trafficking. They keep the situation secret. Not getting love at home. Promised love. If not cooperative, drugged and beaten. Can be sold 5 times a day earning $150,000 a year. An example is a father who gained custody of his 5 year old daughter then trafficked her for 5-8 years.
Met victim who was studying for her masters degree at Cal State Northridge. Cautious. Met guy online. After two months, grooming period, met him for dinner. Exploited her sexually and drugged her. Physically and emotionally abused her. Humiliated her.
79% of known victims are minor children. 5X minor children versus adults. 84% female, 24% know their victims and are US citizens.
What can we do? Talk and raise awareness with 4th to 12th grade students, parents, faculty, superintendents. Become educated. Victims vulnerable and come from abusive homes. Sometimes contacted through the “dark net.” Look out for our own families. A truly informative presentation which opened everyone’s eyes to what is going on in our community.
There are Rotary Clubs who are cause based on this issue. Latest one chartered in August with 30 members.
Terry Heck thanked Ms. Vergari for her presentation telling her it is the custom of the club to donate a book to the Bernardo Heights Middle School Library in her name. He chose the book, “Champion,” because of the goals and aspirations of all those involved in ending human trafficking.
Fine Master, John O'Neill found us to be a very good group this week so we were fine free. Happy Bucks provided by Cathy Glover, $25 for annual See’s candy drive now underway, $25 from Jan Goldsmith on arrival of 5th grandchild, $84 from Sonny on the occasion of her 84th birthday and $20 from Don Glover recognizing the Scripps Poway article about the End Polio Skypark adventure.
Dan Barrios presented a Major Donor pin to Charlie Crew. We have 16 Major Donor members in the club. Quite an achievement. Mike Stelman at Level 1 having donated $50,000.
Mike Fuqua attended the recent Foundation Seminar and happily let us know Rancho Bernardo Rotary was well represented as one of the top 3 clubs in the district for giving in several categories. Very impressive acknowledgment of our “giving” efforts by each member of the club. Once we return to BHCC and regular meetings our new banners will be on display.
Thanks to Zoom set up, Mike Fuqua, Newsletter, Bill Angus and Scribe, Diane Remick. Next meeting will be December 3 at 11:00 am.
Meeting adjourned at 1:15 pm.
