In the Beginning…

Rotarians and guests braved the brutal winter climes of the low 80s to gather in fellowship, fun, food, and frivolity.

Former President Wendy Barker rang in the huddled masses, graciously covering for Sue. It was wonderful to see Sue in attendance.

Catherine Lee ably led the Pledge of Allegiance to our great flag.

Inspirational Moment – Mike Weaver

Yesterday, I turned 80 years old. I have been blessed in my life and am very thankful for my wonderful family, the friends I have made, and the many experiences I have had along the way.

Turning 80 is a time not only to reflect on what has been, but also to make a pledge about how to spend the years ahead.

Making a sincere attempt to live by a set of values—and to be as clear as possible about the moral framework within which we make our choices—is essential to a fulfilling life. We all have the ability to consciously choose between right and wrong; to choose compassion over bitterness, empathy over hate, justice over anger, and love over self-interest.

Our choices and actions add to the good in the world—or take from it. We can deny this truth or run from it through daily distractions, but the necessity of choice is always there, confronting us with each new decision.

Pope Francis may have said it best:

“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself; flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”

Rotarian Visitors and Guests

We welcomed Steve White from the Bellingham Rotary, a winter resident of our fair valley.

Our speaker, Matt LaVere, and his assistant, Anna Malgoza, were warmly welcomed.

Thank-Yous…

• Tech & Setup: Dave Watson, Bill Prather, Catherine Lee

• Greeter: Liz Sampson

• Pledge of Allegiance: Catherine Lee

• Inspirational Moment: Mike Weaver

• Roving Mic: Fern Barishman

• Fining: Dave Watson

• Newsletter Editor: Carl Gross

• Treasurer (Pay your dues!): Dave Brubaker

• Purveyor of fine comestibles: Jayne Cruise

Thanks to all! You make our meetings special events.

Announcements

Dr. Jerry Maryniuk was recognized for his AED project. We now have accessible, on-site defibrillators: one located outside the Libbey Bowl box office, and a second available as a loaner from the Gables of Ojai. These AEDs, along with ongoing CPR instruction programs (including Nordhoff High School), will greatly increase chances of recovery in emergencies.

Janet Campbell, Cindy Frings, and Tessa Turner—our Socialistas—hosted an evening of fun at Ojai Valley Brewery and Side Street Wine Place. A great time was had by all.

Catherine Lee reminded members to sign up for the Rotary Club of Ojai Blood Drive. The Bloodmobile will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Church on Friday, February 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call Vitalant at 877-258-4825 and mention blood drive code 100561127. Give the gift of life!

Al West is seeking 3–4 members to help with the Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, April 24. It is a club tradition to plant trees at a local school and educate students on the importance of trees in our lives.

Deirdre Daly and Leah Hecker announced the date for our Annual Taste of Ojai at Libbey Park: October 25. Now is the time to contact your sponsors—and say “yes” when called.

International Service – Little Big Fund (Mike Weaver)

The International Service Committee is looking for members interested in getting a taste of what it’s like to help a young professional make their dream come true. This is not a request for money.

It’s an opportunity to connect occasionally via WhatsApp with a social entrepreneur from another country. No special expertise is required—your role is simply to listen and help them think through challenges. It takes only a few minutes a few times each month.

This year’s Social Impact Training participants include:

• Jimmy Kosa (Uganda) – Pentium Health Care community clinic

• John Kato (Uganda) – Bluebird Soccer Academy youth programs

• Rogers Omollo (Kenya) – Community health and youth empowerment

• Ntende Beka (Nigeria) – ICT access in rural schools

• Francesca Raoelison (Madagascar/USA) – Founder of Omena, youth emotional literacy program

• Anne-Sharlene Murapa (South Africa) – Creative social programs for African women

• Bushra Rubana (Bangladesh) – Youth-led community health systems

• Mujtaba Ahmadi (Afghanistan) – Tech and education access for girls

• Aung Wint Nandar (Myanmar/Thailand) – MSME development for sustainable impact

Please consider participating.

Fining – Dave Watson

• Wendy recognized Jerry for his AED and CPR efforts

• Sue thanked members for their love and support during challenging times

• Mike Weaver celebrated his 80th birthday

• Terry Beckett thanked the County for repairs to Reeves Road

• Don Reed celebrated his son’s fiancée being accepted to medical school

The fining theme was Hit Songs—many of us went down in flames.

The Program

Matt LaVere, Ventura County Supervisor – District 1

Jerry Maryniuk introduced our guest speaker, Matt Levere.

Matt LaVere was elected to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in March 2020 and formally assumed the role of District 1 Supervisor in December of the same year. Prior to this, Matt made significant contributions to local governance as a member of the Ventura City Council from 2016 to 2020, serving as Ventura’s Mayor from 2018 to 2020. During his tenure on the City Council, Matt championed economic development, affordable housing, environmental initiatives, homeless services, and support for first responders.

A proud 2nd generation Ventura County native, Matt grew up in Ventura and Ojai, attending Loma Vista Elementary School, Mira Monte Elementary School, Matilija Junior High School, and Villanova Preparatory School. He furthered his education at Pepperdine University, where he graduated with honors and distinction in 2000. Matt continued his academic journey at Pepperdine University School of Law, earning his law degree.

Professionally, Matt has been a practicing lawyer since 2006 specializing in business and agricultural issues. His diverse career includes notable positions such as working in the White House, serving as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill, and a six-month tenure with the United States Attorney’s Office Organized Crime Strike Force in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In addition to his professional achievements, Matt is deeply committed to community service. He has served on the Board of Directors for Project Understanding and the Downtown Ventura Rotary Club. He continues to make an impact as an Executive Board Member of the Ventura College Foundation, providing scholarships, free textbooks, and other financial assistance to thousands of Ventura College students.

Matt resides in Ventura with his wife and two daughters, where he remains dedicated to improving the lives of Ventura County residents through his public service and community involvement.

Supervisor Matt LaVere shared insights on Ojai traffic, affordable housing, valley growth, agriculture, and the complex balance between environmental goals, community values, and responsible economic development.

Multiple layers of state, county, and local regulations make progress challenging on all sides. A lively Q&A followed.

Thank you for a timely and informative presentation on issues that affect us locally.

Final Thoughts…

“If January is the month of change, February is the month of lasting change. January is for dreamers… February is for doers.”
—Marc Parent

“You are all doers, and I am honored to be a member of this Club.”
—Wendy Barker

You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting.