ISSUE NO. 34 April 4, 2003 OUR 81st YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
Coming Our Way
April 11th is that special day when we, the grateful recipients, get the opportunity to thank our public servants for taking care of us in our moments of need. Our fire and police personnel are the true unsung heroes of our community. No doubt they are modest about their contributions to our safety and security, but for those of us who have had need to call upon them, doubt not, they are the ones most deserving of our accolades. Be ready to applaud these fine men and women on April 11th.
It’s One Of Life’s Certainties
Assessor Rick Auerbach has one of the most important jobs in the country, because his area of responsibility is greater than any of his colleagues’ elsewhere. His responsibility for taxable property include locating and identifying ownership, establishing values, completing an assessment roll, and applying all legal exemptions. That he does this for 2.3 million parcels, with a budget of $113 million and a staff of 1500, explains some of the challenges he faces...and not only that, his office’s assessment accuracy rate is 99.2%. A staggering $700 billion is the value of all the property as impacted by Proposition 13 (true value would be greater), which generates approximately $7 billion in taxes. In Los Angeles County, 45% of that revenue goes to schools (half of that helps balance the State’s budget), 24% goes to LA County for services such as police, fire, sheriff, parks and recreation, etc., and the balance goes to cities for various purposes. Mr. Auerbach illustrated ways in which his office has become more accessible to the public, such as by instituting websites for information, community boards to discuss policies, and improved communication with new property owners to relay when taxes are due. Taxes may be one of life’s certainties, but at least it’s comforting to know that it’s money consciously spent.
Heads Up
A stirring invocation was given by David Bohn as he was joined at the head table by Judy Neveau, Carol Jackson to introduce speaker Rick Auerbach, and Rosemary Regalbuto to welcome guests. God Bless America was truly music to the ear as sung by The Santa Monica Oceanaires, the barbershop four-part harmony group that evokes memories of times past. Their serenade was lovely. And not to be outdone, Phil Tirone got in a few arm-waving musical phrases to welcome our guests.
The Welcome Mat
Although there were no visiting Rotarians, today’s guests were Brenda Katz, Stacy Weiland, Barry Bosschur, Tom Viscount, Sean Tabal, and Marvin Freedman.
One very important way of saying ‘welcome’ is to introduce and induct new members to Rotary. John McIntire called up the following people to formally include them among our ranks amid rousing applause: Roy Almeda, Susan Annette, Tony Christiani, Blair Green, Juan Llaro, Larry Mortorff, Robert Seldon, and Russ Warner. These new members were reminded to contact Jon Kemp to get included on the e-mail message update system, and that their items of interest can be referred to Rota Monica editor Joey Perlmutter and webmaster Larry Maher.
Of Significance
| May 1st is the beginning of the big weekend at The Pechanga Resort in Temecula. We’re especially proud to have been asked to make a presentation of our tradition of success and quality. We will be discussing our different projects, social activities and weekly meetings. This is a great compliment to our club and we want all of our members who can make the trip to join us. Book your reservation now. Log on to http://www.rotary5280.org/conference/. In addition to the break-out sessions, there will be a winery tour and tasting, Governor’s Banquet, Sunday Brunch, golf, tennis, 5K run/walk, casino, and lots more! |
| April 25th is the date to show your appreciation for your secretary or administrative assistant. Bring this wonderful person to our meeting, where we’ll have fun, favors and a fashion show. MC Brent Seltzer will keep the pace lively. Contact Diane Margolin at 393-2702 to make your reservation. |
| A trophy prize for the best food will be awarded at the international food fest at the home of Tom Loo on April 27th. Ethnic cuisine is the theme of the day…and libations too, which calls for six Rotarians to volunteer to bartend for one hour each. Silent auction items are to be handed to Oded Wolf (bring them to our meeting and either Oded, George Collins or Barry Bouley will be happy to accept them from you). Steve Alexis will schedule your culinary contribution. |
| QUESTION: Who is George Rosenthal? Owner of the Sunset Marquis Hotel? Andalusian show horse breeder? Art collector” Television producer? ANSWER: All of the above, and the owner of the Malibu Hills Vineyard named “Rosenthal-The Maliubu Estate”. He produces some of California’s finest wines, right in our neighborhood. Rotary has arranged a chance to spend the afternoon at the estate and meet Mr. Rosenthal and talk and taste wine. It’s coming up on June 8th. Save the date. |
Fine Time
$99 will be assessed to Phil Tirone for his enthusiasm in leading the song. All funds collected will probably end up paying the medical bills of whomever gets too close to his waving baton.
Shiller Colberg landed in Malibu Memoirs, which earned him a $50 fee. Presumably, the memoirs were not of the tabloid variety, or else the fee would have been much higher.
The price of commitment ain’t cheap. $100 was assessed of Gerry Smallwood for his becoming an American citizen. Good goin’ Gerry.
On The Agenda
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April 11 Chief of Police & Fire Departments, Public Service Awards Day |
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April 18 Dark: Good Friday |
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April 25 Administrative Assistants’ Day/Fashion Show |
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April 27 International Food Festival |
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May 2 Cynthia Stringfield, DVM, Veterinarian for the LA Zoo |
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May 9 Jerrold D. Green, Ph.D. Senior Political Scientist at RAND “Looking Beyond The War in Iraq” |
Overheard: The old-age musings of one vulture to another: “Egrets? I’ve had a few.”