CLICK HERE TO SEE DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE LATEST CLUB MEETING
Flyer for Rotary Golden Gate Relay (GGR) is available as an image in the picture gallery and as a PDF here: GGR Rotary Flier
Past President Tom Boylan was handed the mic to lead the meeting in what may or may not have been a spontaneous gesture by President Maureen, who declared that she wished to scribe for a change.
David Ruprecht led the pledge
Inspiration by Susan Cole: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
Guests: Justin Wilcock, Matt Rust, Barbara McChesney, Youth Exchange Student Vittoria Castellani, Heather Cullen’s grandson Emmet (whom Heather had to escort out due to toddler interruptions, but we enjoyed meeting him!)
Announcements:
Renee Hyde: rounding up non-assigned members of the “Power of 3” project, which is all about combining talents over the next couple of months to invite new members to our club.
Joan Mora announced films to be shown at local venues, about human trafficking. These are on the following Wednesdays, including 2/5, 6 – 8 at the Finley Center. Ask Joan for more information.
SPEAKER – Esther Lemus, Vice-Mayor of Windsor and Assistant District Attorney for Sonoma County was interviewed by Tom Boylan, who also moderated questions from members.
Esther shared her cat story, in which her family cat was found in a nice home some 3 months after Kincaid fire – before that family’s daughter was able to take the cat away to college. Press-Democrat wrote an article, and then a San Francisco reporter came to do a story. Now she’s been advised to start an internet page for him.
Esther, a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and UCLA Law School, wanted to be a lawyer because of a childhood commitment to justice, which she thinks generated from being the youngest child in her large family. As a child, she found it unfair to have to sit in the back seat. She is now an Assistant District Attorney for Sonoma County, prosecuting various crimes and with a special interest in domestic violence and family justice.
An early foray into politics centered on an issue of whether gender-neutral restrooms were appropriate for recreation areas. She also brought her experience as a working mother to bear when advocating the Windsor School Board for a job share option for teachers.
Tom asked about Bell Village – a private-ownership residential project in downtown Windsor. Esther reports that after several iterations, last year, Windsor was approached by the owner who indicated funding problems, requesting a 2-year extension. The project is not going up any time soon.
Tom asked about homelessness . . . Esther commented upon how those experiencing homelessness are counted as “unsheltered” including “couch-surfing” (without permanent housing). There is an official count of 53 in Windsor. Town provided $200K to Interfaith Shelter to assist with that. Also supported Reach for Home, for those at risk of becoming homeless. Pam Moulton mentions that we have a huge homeless population, but reports that typically before the official counts, there are sweeps of the camps the night before. Is Windsor properly engaged with this issue? Esther says that in her work at the DA’s office she does a lot of work with the homeless and appreciates the information.
Diane Brabetz asked about campers on Joe Rodota trail. How does the “Boise” law apply when people refuse housing? Esther says her understanding is that the obligation is to have the housing option.
Dennis Wilkinson asked about affordable housing. Specifically, the difficulties qualifying for affordable housing and also for loans. What is the income threshold for applying for affordable housing? Esther says qualifications value, depends on the type: for Section 8, for example, requirements are quite stringent. Comments on the difficulty of working people earning enough for housing, whether renting or buying.