On a sunny and warm Friday afternoon, Former President Suzanne Scar gaveled the meeting to order so that Rotarians could share in fellowship and service.  Suzanne thanked all those whose service made the meeting possible.

 

Guests for this afternoon’s meeting included:

·        Ross Anderson

·        Bowenlee Park Skirbo

·        Linda Steis

·        Chris Gardner

·        Johnny Johnson

·        Paola Lule

·        Carolyn Von Driska

·        Beth Prinz

·        Robert Poddick

 

 

 

 

Dr. Pops was greeted with a desultory applause as he approached the microphone;  he responded in kind.  Dr. Pops asked a series of questions on the topic of the Revolutionary War and 4^th of July.  Bret Bradigan astonished the Rotarians with his intimate detailed knowledge of the history of the period. 

 

 

 

Kay Bliss re-introduced Paola Lule, a Nordhoff graduate who is now working in Turkey to aid the refugees from the Syrian crisis.  Allen Jacobs gave a heartfelt testimonial to Paola for a letter she wrote thanking the Jacobs family foundation for their assistance in her education.  Allen said Paola’s letter was powerfully inspirational and has helped Allen raise over $500k in funds for educational purposes.

 

Suzanne announced that our club has been awarded a Bronze  medal for our consistent support of important Rotary initiatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over the past several months, the City Council has been debating whether and how to allow Short Term Rentals (STR) in Ojai.  Speaking in favor of the idea was Chris Gardner; speaking in opposition was Vickie Byrne. 

 

Pro:  Chris Gardner’s major arguments in favor were:

·        $3-$5 Million in additional spending for Ojai’s merchants

·        $300k-500k in additional yearly tax revenues.

·        STR’s are a better alternative to additional hotels

·        STR’s will produce good jobs for Ojai residents

 

Con:  Vickie Byrnes major arguments in opposition were:

 

 

 

·        Additional revenue cannot be measured with confidence

·        Existing accommodations are sufficient

·        Arial  mapping shows over 245 STR’s in Ojai Valley

·        The proposed initiative has unconstitutional and unenforceable provisions

 

Suzanne rang the bell at 1:35pm.  Happy 4^th of July!