Call to Order: President Shannon SeifertFlag Salute: Terri StricklinInvocation: Debbie BlowVISITING ROTARIANS: NoneGUESTS OF ROTARIANS: Arlene Mitchell and Tony Spinelli
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1) Special Olympics VIP Dinner: Teresa Reyburn announced to the club that the annual fundraising dinner will be held this year on Saturday February 6, 2016. She urged everyone to attend and asked for recommendations for possible table sponsors
2) Ken Martin Memorial Service: Frank Ortiz updated the membership on Ken Martin's recent memorial service. Frank, as well as a few other members attended the service which was held on January 2nd. Ken was a past member of Breakfast Rotary who never hesitated to help the club in any way that he could. He was a friend to all and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
3) 2016 Rose Parade Update: Every year, Rotary International puts together a beautiful float that is used during the yearly Tournament of Roses Parade. This year was extra special as our very own Scottie Ortiz rode on the actual float and practiced her "hand waving" techniques. Way to go Scottie, you did a great job!
BRAGS & FINES
Due to the off site meeting location, no brags were given or fines levied (back to normal next week)
PROGRAM
This weeks meeting was held at the brand new Santa Maria Police Department building (located on the corner of Betteravia and Blosser). After breakfast, our club was split into two groups and given a VIP tour of the entire facility. The 72,000 square foot headquarters employs around 190 people. Of that amount, 125 are police officers. The S.M.P. D. does it's level best to screen and hire only the best candidates for an officer job. As an example, they recently screened and interviewed approximately 1,200 applicants to hire 40 officers. After the tours were given by police officers Mark and Jessie, Police Chief Ralph Martin gave the club a crime update and what was currently being done to rectify the situation. Chief Martin then allowed for a question and answer period. The meeting overall was very informative and all members came away with a better understanding of what it takes to protect a city of our size 24 hours a day. We are very fortunate to have such a high caliber of law enforcement talent protecting and patrolling our community.
*Picture of club member Pat McDermott after being told that his police record was being looked into.
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Call to Order: President Shannon Seifert
Flag Salute: Terri Stricklin
Invocation: Debbie Blow
