ISSUE NO. 7 August 26, 2003 OUR 82nd YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
VISTA DEL MESA
The PresiDEEnt was back this week, taking charge like a site foreman on new housing project. At her left was the every boyish looking BLAIR BRANDENBURG, and leading us in reflection was spokesman extraordinaire, MIKE NICHOLS. Every community needs to have a welcome wagon and our own SUE HARTENBAUM did a great job with our visitors and guests this week. No development would happen without the contributions of the bankers and JOHN McINTIRE was our program chair for the face of Playa Vista, STEVE SOBOROFF. The battle hardened politician took charge of the Playa Vista development two years ago, and in an atypical developers move, reduced the size of the project by 50%, increased the greenscene, and laid the groundwork for a reduced traffic congestion in the surrounding 30 square miles.
SOBOROFF, the one-time political candidate, showed his presentation skills by cutting to the important parts of the Playa Vista Development and focusing on the benefits to the community and the greater Los Angeles area as a result of the PV project.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WE’RE DARK THIS FRIDAY AUGUST 29TH
THANKS TO THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY!
From the Did You Know That? Department:
Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means
"Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country," said Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor. "All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation."
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
HERE FISHY FISHY…..
The Gotta Go Group (GGG) has only a few spaces left for their trip September 23rd to the Aquarium of the Pacific. This is a Tuesday trip for those who can take the day off.
NEEDLES AND GRINS
There is an Immunization clinic this AUGUST 30TH, please contact Barry Bouley if you can help out at bbouley@firstregional.com
“ON THE ROAD AGAIN”
This week those road travelers were heavily fined by the PresiDEEnt. Roy Almeida was touring the East Coast via NY, Toronto, DC and his mileage cost him a cool $100.
Robert Segal got a Mammoth fine of $150 for going to the mountains.
Nat Trives claims he was suffering from Brazilian Blindness on the beach in Ipanema, and the poor gentleman couldn’t see anything, which is worse than the $150 his trip is costing him.
Norma Barnes finally got tagged for her cruise to St Petersburg and Helsinki, a cool 3,041 Roubles. Don’t cry for her though, it’s only $100.
Jack Michals was cruising up to the Delta, and between the high price of gas, the new car tax and traffic, I bet he doesn’t think the $100 fine is the worst part.
Oded Wolf had $250,000 in diamonds stolen from him on a recent trip, so the $250 fine should seem like small carats in comparison.
Not wanting to miss out on the fun, Steve Soboroff, pledged $250 if that Con Man of fame, could figure out how far it was from the club to the Playa Vista project. At eleven miles, he was right, so long as you go via Staples Center. Hey, he’s not called Con Man for nothing!
That quiet man in the corner, Harris Levey, turns out is not so quiet. He is a songwriter, AND a singer, his new avocation is costing him a noteworthy $100.
Last but certainly not, for missing a math question, the PresiDEEnt is paying a $250 fine.
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 29, 2003 - DARK Labor Day Holiday
September 5, 2003 - Misti Kerns - Tourism's Impact on SM
September 12, 2003 - Craft Talks – Susan Dawson & David Pisarra
September 19, 2003 - Paul Cummins - Education is for all
September 26, 2003 - Dr. Jaime Regalado Public Policy Issues
February ??, 2004 – Arrival of the Ross Baby - Papa Dave expected to be glowing.
DAVID’S DOODLINGS
If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can't, you're right.
--Mary Kay Ash, Chairman of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc.
Reporter: "Mr. Gandhi, what do you think of Western civilization?"
Gandhi: "I think it would be a very good idea."
--Mohandas K. Gandhi.