12:05 Via Zoom President Edwards welcomed Rotarians and Guests to the best club she knows!
Brian led the club with the flag salute and Leslie led the invocation.
The meeting was called to order at 12:35 PM. President Edwards thanked Brian for the flag salute and Leslie for the invocation.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests
Guests were welcomed: Dr. Robert Skankey, Dr. Bruce Brockman, and James Vega
Announcements
Sue Gilbreth encouraged members to participate with the Help of Ojai Food drive. Specifically, the food bank is requesting staple items: Rice, canned chili, pasta sauce, canned fruit. Please contact Sue for more information.
Kay Bliss gave an update of the International Service Committee. The Committee is working with NOMAD Foundation to provide resources and education to the Wadabi Tribe to combat COVID 19. Dr. Skankey also shared how this information and resources would benefit the tribe.
Deidre encouraged the club in participating in Paying it Forward to support Ginger. Please contact her if you’d like to Zelle or Venmo money to support her. Additionally, Deidre will be coordinating a Talent Show for the next fire side chat. She encouraged club members to think how they can participate by sharing 3-5 minutes of their time in a future evening for a talent show.
Don Reed shared that the next RCOEF (Rotary Club of Ojai Educational Foundation) meeting is Tuesday, April 14th at 4PM. An email will be sent providing details of the next online meeting.
President Edwards provided February’s Rotarian of the Month award to Dr. Fauvre. Dr. Fauvre thanks for all that you do for our Club and our community!
Brett Bradigan shared an Amazing Moments in History: Specifically, that the phrase "Blood is thicker than water" originally derived from the phrase "the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb", implying that the ordinary meaning is the opposite of the original intention.
Haady Lashkari gave an update on COVID 19 and what the Ojai Valley Community Hospital and Ojai is doing to be prepared. Please support healthcare workers by continuing to follow the Ventura County Health Officer’s stay well at home orders and continuing to practice social distancing standards.
Cartoon
The Program-James Vega, Ojai City Manager
Rotarian and City Council member, Bill Weirick introduced James Vega, City Manager. Mr. Vega served as Interim City Manager for two months, following the resignation of the previous City Manager. Prior to that, Mr. Vega had served as Assistant to the City Manager since 2017. Before coming to the City of Ojai he served in many roles at the City of Oxnard, including 9 years in the City Manager’s office. Mr. Vega, an attorney, was born in Sacramento but grew up in Ventura County. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in English from California State University Channel Islands and obtained a Juris Doctorate Degree from the Santa Barbara and Ventura Colleges of Law. He became a member of the California State Bar Association in January of 2013.
Mr. Vega’s presentation consisted of 2 parts: 1) The City’s response and planning for COVID19 information on this can be found at http://ojaicity.org/covid-19-information/ and 2) the Impact that COVID19 is having on the City’s Budget. Mr. Vega shared that the continued Stay at Home orders if extended through the end of May means a $1.25 mil short fall to the City’s budget. He noted that the City is grateful for the passage of Measure C as this will be helpful as the City reopens in the future.
President Edwards thanked the City Manager and essential workers for helping the community get through this period of time.
Final Thoughts
Strong health and disease surveillance systems halt epidemics that take lives, disrupt economies, and pose global health security threats.
Tedros Adhanom
Stay safe and healthy!