Assemblyman Richard Bloom was our speaker this week and his unpretentious spirit was refreshing to experience. Mr. Bloom is a lawyer who has served as a member of the California State Assembly representing the 50th District since 2012. His District encompasses Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Agoura Hills, Malibu, Topanga, Palisades, Bel Air, Brentwood, West Hollywood, Hollywood, and Hancock Park. First elected in 1999, Bloom served on the Santa Monica City Council for 13 years, serving as mayor three times and mayor pro tempore twice. Bloom also served as Chair of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission.
Assemblyman Bloom explained his desire to serve and care for others came from his parents who influenced his concern for justice and social issues. He grew up in Altadena, CA where his encounter with the foothills and mountains made lasting impressions and propelled him to be
an advocate for preventing wildfires and developing resources to address climate change. In his public life Mr. Bloom has authored 277 bills with 143 being signed into law. Some bills he is most proud of include the first bill to address micro plastics in our state waterways, another is
the animal life protection bill which includes prohibiting Orcas from being kept in captivity. He has done cutting edge work creating Homeless Best Practice through counting homeless individuals and using the data to develop new ways for states and cities to manage their
homeless populations.
Richard Bloom has decided not to run for the Assembly Seat he now occupies in the next term. He has asked to serve as a Superior Court Judge, with expectations our Governor will appoint him. I am fortunate to have lived next door to Richard and Robby Bloom for 40 years and it was
wonderful having him at our Club.
We also welcomed Nora Bohn back from, as she said, “the most wonderful trip to Turkey and beyond”. David Rosenfeld was recognized for his “shocking socks”. Several members got the note and came in costume. Pam Brady and those who assisted, her thanks for the Halloween
decorations, pumpkins, and candy treats. The youngest person at the table got to take the pumpkin, at their table, home with them. Nora, thanks for the karaoke music and the patriotic song, as well as our special song. Andrea Gressinger thanks for the inspirational quotes from
Elie Wiesel and others as our invocation. We were also privileged to have Jennifer Gordon as our president’s pick for the day. Gary Ogden thanks for introducing Assemblyman Richard Bloom as our program. Past President George (The King) Collins and Lan Nguyen we deeply appreciate your greeting each of us as we entered the meeting. Thanks Pam Brady, Stan Fox, and Rose Mary Regalbuto for holding down the duties at the back table. Carol Powell, we miss you! We are thankful that Gary Ogden and J.B. Bartlett hung around to help put things away at the end of our meeting. The best Cheering Squad in all Rotary International was at their best, once again, thanks!
Let’s not forget to thank Past President Mitchell Kraus for recognizing our current President for being featured in Santa Monica Spotlight this month, published by Santa Monica Rotarian,Carole Stein.
