Good Day fellow Rotarians and friends and family who are reading our weekly bulletin. Today’s minutes are from TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020.
President Bill rang the bell at 7:29, following about 15 minutes of “catching up on the latest” amongst the members on Zoom. Lots of kudos were exchanged about the success of the Candidates Forum. Particular comments were made on how smoothly it went for almost two hours! Given the Zoom format, there had been some concern “but all went smoothly.” They gave credit to having had several practice events that occurred prior to the event. Members are invited to view a recording of this event which is on our website!
President Bill reviewed the highlights of last week’s meeting, including our ability to secure the District Grant for the BUILD academy (Congratulations Carol Martin and Ken Moulton!)
Pegi Ball lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The weekly Inspiration was presented by Mike Merrill who quoted Notorious RBG with “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you!”
Leah Hansen led us in accompanying Ringo in singing “With a little help from my friends!”
At 7:35, we had 25 joining us!
President Bill reviewed that there were about 100 people in attendance (on Zoom!) at the Candidate’s forum. Compliments were given on the presentation, the questions from Sue Nelson, the moderating by Maureen Merrill as well as JB and Carol Martin and Michael Juric on the overall production! It was noted that there were other members (no identified) who participated in the practice events (i.e. Beth Smith). So many thanks from President Bill to all!
NO VISITING ROTARIANS today
Guests of Rotarians. Catherine Hanron‘s sister (who came out of the shower at the end to meet us!) and Eamon O’Byrne from Sonoma County via Ireland – who will be speaking today!!
Announcements
- Michael Juric is the September Rotarian of the Month – thanks for all the ZOOM assist.
- A reminder of the food security Drive, with an update from Carol Martin. She reminded us that Heather Cullen reached out to the Kiwani’s who are assisting in both money contributions and time. Carol mentioned that one of her neighbors had a block party with a live band, served dinner and collected food for the Food Drive. Carol thanked all the participants and reminded everyone where to go to contribute. Mr. Smarty Pants, the band , were GREAT!!!
- There was a discussion of the possible interest in doing socials during the pandemic
Michael Juric reminded us that we don’t get to have the “chitter chatter” that we get at the meetings so we are using Zoom to mock the social activities.
Pam Moulton reviewed some of the options to consider and then Michael took a poll of the club members’ interest in doing on line or in person socially distanced events. This information was collected and shared with the members. The results are included in this bulletin, but it was evident that 50 -73 percent of the members are comfortable with both on line and in person cocktail parties! BRING IT ON!!! Information will be posted, likely in the form of a sign up sheet!!
Pam reviewed that she has been organizing (albeit loosely) a monthly on line gathering of the Rotary Ladies (LOL…Ladies on Line!) So.. Michael countered and said that he is thinking to start a Boys with Bandwith (BWB) to counter the ladies on Line
COVID CORNER:
We are going to run with Diane Brabetz’s weekly message to BE SAFE, WEAR A MASK. No updated information was available at the time of this writing.
Help Wanted:
- Tom Boylan is still looking for scribes
- Robotics is due to start training the Windsor Rotarians with President Nominee Glenn Sugden upon his return from Jackson Hole
- The District Governor Nominee is open to anyone who might be interested in taking on the job of DG – Contact President Bill for more information
- District 5130 Disaster Relief Fund
- President Bill is hoping that we are going to have a virtual social this month.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
- September 29th – PDG Bob Rogers is going to be speaking about Polio
- October 6th Matt Stevens will be sharing the information on the Smart Train
- October 13th – Marie Gannister from WHS Vineyard Academy
- October 24th – PDG KATHY Flamsen’s virtual District Conference
Fine master:
Leslie Lewis was not with us today ..so Michael Juric took on the mantle. He identified several people who are likely going to be recognized by Leslie next week, just wanting to give them a heads up. There WERE TONS of you on the announcement page, so watch out!! Pegi Ball was recognized as being an Honorary Founding member of the Club
John How mentioned that his kids and the grandkids are doing well and that “Good Times are being had by all.” John has been elevated to being a Long Haul Trucker, through his new role in moving furniture etc. the full length of California (thanks to his children moving back with him!!)
Today’s Program:
Eamon O’Byrne, Executive Director of the Sonoma Land Trust. introduced the Sonoma Land Trust. He arrived from Dublin 25 years ago and visited the US natural resources across the country before settling in California.
He received a BA from University College in Dublin, Ireland.
He held a similar directorship prior to being hired by the Sonoma Land Trust. It was noted that his organization holds many events over the course of the year in an effort to highlight the beauty of our natural resources.
Eamon did not “sugar coat” the trials and tribulations of the local events and catastrophes related to climate change. He mentioned that there are 1700 land trusts across the country and complimented local citizens who are stepping up to make a difference in how we approach and address the impact of climate change.
He mentioned that Sonoma Land Trust is a Non Profit organization, non governmental organization, who does not do any lobbying. They work to conserve land, and protect 37 million acres. He indicated that there 150 land trusts in California.
The Sonoma Land Trust was voted to be the “land trust of the year.” Their mission is to protect the scenic, natural, agricultural and open land of Sonoma County for the benefit of the community and future generations. They are funded by private funds and government grants. They work collaboratively with the Land Management arm which is funded by a parcel tax. He noted that when land trust and open space work together, they are most successful.
Historically, Land Trusts were founded in the 1960’s. They are in place to “reduce the risk of wildfire, adapt to floods, protect and restore biodiversity, ensure open space and enhance the physical and mental health and well being of the community.”
He indicated that the focus is on utilizing NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS but acknowledged the challenge of trying to balance the two. He stated that enormous focus is given to tackling climate change.
His organization is looking for ways to reduce or prevent the greenhouse gasses that are evident. One of the things that they are tackling is wildfires. He noted that we have been suppressing fires for a while which is unhealthy for the natural eco systems. It was noted that after the 2017 fire, they worked with CalFire to institute an opportunity to reduce natural wildfires. Land management is starting to provide controlled burns over 18,000 acres and create less combustible landscape. This will reduce the risk to our 5 adjacent communities, and restore the natural vegetation. Their hope is to expand to Knights Valley. He shared visuals of the various areas in which they are working along the Mayacamas ridge.
He reviewed how his organization is also attempting to adapt to the potential floods and rising sea levels. He reviewed the Sear’s Point project where they are turning the lands over to wetlands. Their goal is to figure out how to protect highway 37, the Smart Train and Petaluma from the rising sea levels.
Eamon reviewed the amount of money and impact on the Bay area related to the rising sea levels and stated that the rising sea levels will be worse than fire. He warned that the impact of the rising sea levels would be like a major hurricane every year if it is not taken care of.
He reviewed the need for wetlands as and how they contribute to carbon sequestration, recreation, habitat and water quality. He punctuated his message by stating that attention to our wetlands will ultimately provide support for 7 million people’s sanity!!
He discussed the importance of Hwy 37 as being an important artery for the Sonoma County population, as it related to work and living. He made note that Cal Trans is on the same page as they are in keeping it safe. They are dedicated to raising the highway to make sure that this area is made safe and healthy, for the community and the eco-system .
He reminded us that the Petaluma River is not a river, but a tidal slew and it is in danger of potentially causing flooding in Petaluma. The interest is to conserve the wetlands which are very important to southern Sonoma County. He made note that billions of animals (birds) migrate in this area and without a place to rest, this pathway will be constrained and will impact the habitats all across the world. The wetlands also allow for the mating and continuance of the species.
Reference was made to how diseases can jump from animals to humans (hunta virus, ebola, etc.) when they do not have their natural system of moving from animal to animal. Without animals, the disease can jump into humans. Eamon Made note that lyme disease is the highest in Sonoma County in part due to compromised natural habitats. He stressed the need to protect wildlife corridors as a means to save humans from disease. Animals need the “space to produce and continue with their natural ways.”
The Sonoma Land Trust is hoping to acquire a new park to create a wider territory for animals to move around (Fitzsimmons and McCormick corridors). He also mentioned the purchase of Two Horse Ranch which is 750 acres and had been zoned for estate homes. They want to acquire this property and have access to the properties around the damaged ecosystem around the river. The Gloeckner-Turner is a 300 acre property that includes access to Gualala river and is important for coho salmon. It also feeds Lake Sonoma and provides water to 16,000 households. It has several micro climates which accommodate many of the natural inhabitants. At this point, It will remain forever to be open space.
He noted that they purchased the Sonoma Greenway which will provide access for locals to access open space. It is close to locals and will link of with the Santa Rosa Southeast Greenway. It will eventually link Trione Annadel Park to Spring Lake to Taylor Mountain regional part and open space. He made note that many of the lower income or under served population will be able to walk to these.
Eamon emphasized his commitment to making sure that all stratas of society have access to open space.
The Sonoma Land Trust is of a national movement land trusts to deepen and not change our mission to nurture our communities. The variety of programs will include community based activities, including on line (English and Spanish) to teach kids about nature. He mentioned that given the current COVID situation, this was well received by home schooling parents.
Eamon highlighted a few ways in which the Rotary Club or individual members could assist. For additional information, you can go to Sonomalandtrust.org/give
President Bill asked how to reduce fires in the west county. It was noted that due to the dense vegetation, if low level fires can be introduced to burn off the base, you can reduce wildfire risks. Eamon mentioned that they are currently doing damage assessment. He reviewed that while they don’t want to risk people’s homes, but indicated that controlled fires will reduce the risk of broader wildfire. He advocated for “intentional burns” and that they will likely be conducted by CalTrans in the spring. He reiterated that If there are really dry winters, they don’t conduct intentional burns.
JB ask how burning can affect or stop the carbon from being released into the atmosphere. Eamon indicated that the low intense fires reduce significantly less carbon than the larger fires. He had us reflect on the experiences that we have had in the last three weeks as the difference between the wildfires and the (Tubbs Fire, and Kincaid ) burns. Heather Cullen made note that we have to have controlled burns, and Eamon indicated that we have to cut down trees in order to manage the fires. He indicated that the Native Americans were responsible for years for managing our forests, however that has not been consistently maintained over the years accounting and likely account for the increase in the fires.
JB thanked Eamon for his presentation.
President Bill thanked Eamon and the team for the candidate’s forum.
President Bill closed with:
Pessimists
Optimists
Realists
Pessimists complain about the wind.
Optimists acknowledge that the wind will change.
Realists adapt and trim the sails.
Rotarians are Optimists and Realists.
We Acknowledge and Change.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Moulton
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