Call to Order: Past President, Frank Ortiz
Flag Salute: Jerry Schmidt
Invocation: Roberto Rodriguez
VISITING ROTARIANS: there were no visiting rotariansGUESTS OF ROTARIANS: Sean Hawkins, Connie, Cindy and Scott
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next week we will have a football pool. We will split the pot with the winner and other funds going to club scholarships and Rotary youth exchange students.
Fire Chief Leonard Champion reported on the Floods and Mud Slides in Santa Barbara. His department was asked to help provide support prior to the storms start on Monday morning. They sent a group down on Monday, and they will continue to be down there at least through Friday. Efforts are transitioning to more of a recovery mode. The Santa Maria Department donated both equipment and personnel. Three city staff are helping at EOC as well. The devastation is incredible. They are trying to get through this and prepare for more storms to come.
Red Badge
Sean Hawkins, Director of the Santa Maria Humane Society was given his Red Badge. Through his work for the Humane Society, he has created many programs, and has been consistently acknowledged for his commitment and achievements.
Other Announcements:
The Special Olympics Fundraiser will be held Sat Feb 3. The event starts at 6:30, with a silent auction, followed by dancing. A sign-up sheet will be coming next week.
Mark you Calendars for our annual Barn Party to be held May 12.
Mike Buhring reported that the Committee for the Barn Party is being formed. We will have some extra expenses this year, this will be discussed at our next Board meeting.
Sean Hawkins reported that Stephanie Snow passed away. She was a very involved community member and was very passionate about and an advocate for the Humane Society. Her family wants to do something to honor their daughter. They will name an X-ray room for her. There is a Go Fund Me Page on the SM Humane Society page. Donations can be made at this site.
A couple of our members will be recognized as Home Town Heroes; Lee Carroll and Robert Ortega, Ted’s Dad. They will be recognized at the next City Council meeting next Tuesday.
BRAGS
Kevin Walthers bragged $50 on Stag Night at the college last night. Over 200 people gathered at the Auto Lab. It went really well and was a great opportunity to showcase students getting jobs on the Central Coast.
Pat McDermott bragged $10 on his Patriots who he claims will be playing the winner of the Bird Bowl.
Kate Ferguson bragged $10 on getting up this morning and Ted Ortega bragged $10 on the fact that Kate got up this morning.
Teresa Reyburn bragged $25 on her daughter, Courtney, who will be graduating from UCLA this June, and she is getting married. Teresa’s daughter left to go to UCLA yesterday, and got stuck on the 166, where was a terrible accident. A good Samaritan took care of her, let her borrow his cell phone and helped her get headed home.
Roberto Rodriquez bragged $10 on his son who turned 26 yesterday. The person is not actually his son, but his favorite B&G club employee.
Peter Sterling bragged $50. He was on vacation last week, spending two days in Disneyland with his grandson, daughter and her husband.
Carol Bradfield bragged $25 on her husband, who is officially retired, They have a cabin in McCall Idaho, that should help to keep him busy.
There were no fines Today!
PROGRAM
Our program this week was provided by Connie from CASA of Hope, which provides support services to victims of human trafficking. Human trafficking is fastest growing criminal industry, even larger than drugs. In the past these women were picked up for prostitution. These women are not criminals; they are victims. Young children in a neglected home environment and runaways are the first targets. It is happening in Santa Maria, whether you know it or not.
CASA of Hope was incorporated in October of 2017 to help victims of sexual trafficking. CASA of Hope is a faith based non-profit. Connie started her work when she was in Thailand, when she became acquainted with a couple that opened their house to young women, who were sex trafficking victims. This gave her the opportunity to talk to the girls. It was heartbreaking; this experience has weighed heavily on her for the last 8 years. This past year they incorporated CASA of Hope. They are currently looking for a five-bedroom house around Santa Maria that can become a Safe House.