In the beginning…
On a lovely fall day Ojai Rotarians gathered for fellowship and service. Co-President Carl Gross gaveled the meeting to order and invited Tony Thacher to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and Andy Gilman to give an invocation.
Visitors
We were delighted to have two visitors: Joyce West and Barbara Pops.
Upcoming Programs
Jack Jacobs described our upcoming programs, including Kim Hoj on movement and dance, a professor of finance, some craft talks, and on Jan. 19, State Treasurer Fiona Ma.
Community Service
Betsy Watson invited Rotarians to help with the cemetery clean-up and we responded along with Ojai Rotary West, American Legion, and other volunteers.
The Ventura East Club is having their annual poinsettia sale. These holiday plants are grown in Carpinteria, stay fresh through the holidays, and help Ventura East with their major fundraiser. Contact Betsy for order forms and further information.
Holiday Party
Tara announced that the Holiday party will be held at Camp Arnaz (the old Girl Scout Camp) on Dec. 14. This will be a joint celebration with Ojai West.
Bret Bradigan’s great moments of history
Bret told an 
engaging and appropriate tale of two pioneering physicians: Ignaz Semmelweis and Alexander Fleming. Semmelweis tried to improve the sanitary conditions of the maternity wards by enforcing a regimin of handwashing. Fleming, almost by accident, discovered the power of penicillin. Each of the medico/scientists made huge contributions to humanity’s quest for health. In the case of Semmelweis, his contribution was not appreciated during his lifetime; to the contrary, he ended his life imprisoned in ignominy.
Program: Doctor Marty Pops
For 25 years, Marty was the Director of Admissions for UCLA Medical School. Prior to 1970, only one Black physician had graduated from UCLA. Marty spoke about his efforts to increase minority representation in the school while accommodating changes to Federal Law, SCOTUS decisions and California propositions. When racial quotas were declared unconstitutional, Marty established a subcommittee whose focus was on disadvantages students. Using this focus, rather than strick racial or ethnic considerations, UCLA was able to follow the law and achieve some measure of justice and fairness. Highly selective Medical Schools now achieve a range of minority representation between 12% and 17%
One part of of Marty’s talk was of particular interest: his interactions with Ward Connelly, a UC Trustee who held that Affirmative Action would have a damaging impact on the self-confidence of those who benefited from it.
Final Thoughts
“…the aim of medicine is to prevent disease and prolong life; the ideal of medicine is to eliminate the need of a physician…”
William Mayo.
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