Tuesday 03/10/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Our speaker will be SD Police Departement Chief of Police, Scott Wahl

He will share the state of the SDPD, current events in regard to crime and law enforcement.

Scott Wahl was promoted to serve as the City ofSan Diego’s 36th Chief of Police on June 7, 2024.Chief Wahl oversees the police department for the eighth-largest city in the nation.

Chief Wahl is a fourth-generation San Diegan who grew up in the Clairemont community. He has adeep love for San Diego and the San Diego PoliceDepartment, which both he and his father, a 34-year veteran, have been proud to be a part of.

Chief Wahl’s vision for the San Diego Police Department is to build an inclusive organization that is reflective of the city we serve and worthy of our community’s trust and collaboration.

Chief Wahl has risen through the ranks since joining the San Diego Police Department on April 13, 1998. He has worked many of the department's patrol commands, investigations and specialized assignments such as legislative affairs, critical incident management, operational support, establishing a new division to address neighborhood quality of life issues, and managing large-scale events and conferences, among others.

Chief Wahl received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University in 1995 and his master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from National University in 2005. He has taught as an adjunct professor for the San Diego Regional Police Academy and Ashford University.

Chief Wahl has received numerous awards and commanding officer citations throughout his career.

In his spare time, Chief Wahl enjoys running, fishing, golfing and spending time with his wife and four kids.

Tuesday 03/17/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Our speaker will be John H. Evans, UCSD Professor of Sociology
Is the Religious Public in Conflict with Science?

Everyone seems to think that science and religion have been in conflict since Galileo, but historians have shown that to be largely mythical.  Moreover, common wisdom has it that contemporary religious people are in conflict with science.  But, is that true?  

John H. Evans is the Tata Chancellor’s Chair in Social Sciences, Professor of Sociology, Associate Dean of Social Sciences and Co-Director of the Institute for Practical Ethics at the University of California, San Diego.  He has been a visiting member at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ, a post-doctoral fellow at Yale University and has held visiting professorial fellowships or honorary professorships at the Universities of Edinburgh, Muenster, Ben Gurion, and Queensland.  He is the author seven books and 65 articles and book chapters.  

He has focused his research on a number of overlapping areas, all of which concern the foundational humanistic questions behind scientific and technological development.  

He is an expert on the ethics of human gene editing, and more generally in the ethics of science and technology Following this research interest he co-directs the Institute for Practical Ethics at UC, San Diego. 

He is also a leader in the sociological study of the relationship between religion and science, an area in which he co-leads a small scholarly network and a 2.9 million dollar re-granting project. 

A number of his research projects are sociological studies of the public’s views of the foundational questions in technology such as “what is a human?” and “what is enhancement?”  He has a long time interest and expertise in explaining the forms of argument that are dominant in the field now called bioethics.  

Tuesday 03/24/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Our speaker will be Joe LaCava, SD City Council President
Joe will give us a city update.

This is a joint Meeting with LJ Kiwanis Club

Joe LaCava is the San Diego City Council President and District 1 Councilmember (representing areas like La Jolla and Pacific Beach), in office since 2020. A Democrat, civil engineer, and environmentalist, he focuses on infrastructure, housing, and budget management. He is currently navigating a $110 million budget deficit in 2026.

Councilmember LaCava is honored to represent the residents and businesses of San Diego City Council District 1 where he is currently serving his second term. Councilmember LaCava was unanimously elected by his colleagues as the President of the City Council and chairs the Council's Rules Committee. He continues his work on the Environment Committee and is First Vice Chair on the SANDAG Board of Directors.

In 2024, he served as chair of the Board of Directors for San Diego Community Power and the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority, and chaired SANDAG's Regional Planning Committee.

He is a San Diego native and San Diego State University graduate. He has lived in District 1 since 1983 with his wife Lorene, a retired kindergarten teacher, where they raised two daughters.

President LaCava is a licensed civil engineer bringing extensive experience on land use, housing, infrastructure, climate change, and the environment. Prior to his election in 2020, he served on nearly 30 civic boards, planning groups, and commissions. The combination of technical expertise and community engagement makes him an effective leader on policies, legislation, and budgets that meet the needs of his district and all San Diegans.

Tuesday 03/31/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Our social will be at John and Karin Donaldson's home will start at 5:30 pm 

Their address is 1683 Calle Cadela, La Jolla

If you have questions about this social,

contact Chuck Marsh at cmarshjr@gmail.com 

Come socialize with your fellow Rotarians , their significant others, and guests.

5:30 PM. At 1683 Calle Candela in La Jolla.

Tuesday 04/07/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Our speaker will be Richard Bailey, Coronado Mayor
He will share his experience of summiting Mt Everest.

Celebrating 100 Years

Kiwanis Club of La Jolla

Lets Join Them To Celebrate the Roaring Twenties At Their 100th Year!

Enjoy a night full of music & dancing, play a friendly game of poker or craps, take pictures at the Photo Booth and connect with fellow community members who share a passion to help others! Heavy hors d'oeuvres and tasty cocktails from the 1920s will be served. Please click on the image attached to the bottom of this email to see the invitation. 

Attire: Roaring Twenties Cocktail

The event is FREE to all invited guests!

For questions, email treasurer@kiwanisclublajolla.org or call/text : (858) 442-8253

Tuesday 04/14/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

At this week’s meeting, Craig Schniep will introduce the high school students our club proudly sponsored to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) weekend. Under Craig’s leadership and supervision, these students participated in an intensive and highly impactful program.
RYLA is a dynamic leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts, where students build leadership skills, form meaningful connections, and grow both personally and professionally—all while having a great time.
This is an important meeting to attend. Your presence shows our students and their families that supporting education and investing in young people are central priorities of our club.

Members must respond to the emailed invitation by registering and saving so that your name will be on the attendance list at the gate.  The address will be in the email.

This Saturday April 18th Rotary Party

Our party will be at Laurnie Duriso's home will start at 3:00 pm and end at 5:00 pm. 

Her address is 8036 Camino de Arriba, Rancho Sante Fe

IMPORTANT:
Everyone going to the party will need to have an ID to show at the Cielo Security gate when they come to the party.
Please park on the left side of the street in front of Laurnie's home.  

If you have questions about this social,

contact Russell King at theatreking@msn.com 

Tuesday 04/21/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Our speaker will be Linghan Chen, a Rotary Global Grant Peace Scholar and a student at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego, where she is getting her Master’s Degree in Conflict Management and Resolution. 

Linghan is from the People’s Republic of China and previously worked for the United Nations as an intern and Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining as a staff member.

I apologize to be so late sending this invitation out. Please RSVP right away so I can give the hotel our headcount.

April 24–26, 2026 | Chula Vista, California
Theme: Better Together – Better the World

www.unitedforgood2026.com  

This extraordinary gathering brings together Rotary leaders, Rotarians, Rotaractors, youth, families, and friends from across the Western United States and Mexico for three unforgettable days of unity, inspiration, service, and fellowship.

Hosted in partnership between:

• Rotary District 5340 – San Diego & Imperial Counties (Host District)

• Rotary District 5300 – Las Vegas, Southern Nevada & northern and northeastern areas of L.A. County

• Rotary District 5330 – Riverside County & San Bernardino regions

• Rotary District 5320 — Orange County & Southern Los Angeles Region

Together, we will celebrate Rotary’s power to transform communities, elevate leadership, and build lasting relationships across borders and generations.

✨ WHY ATTEND?

Better Together – Better World is more than a conference theme — it is a call to action.
Participants will experience:

• 🌍 International Project Collaboration
  Discover global grant opportunities, cross-border partnerships, and innovative service models.

• 💡 Leadership & Inspiration
  Hear from past, current, and future Rotary leaders, including keynote speakers who will challenge your Rotary purpose and ignite your vision.

• 🤝 Networking at Scale
  Build real relationships with Rotarians from California, Nevada, Arizona, and Mexico.

• 👩‍🎓 Rotaract & Youth Empowerment
  Dedicated programming for young professionals, Interact advisors, and future leaders.

• 💙 Hands-On Service & Unity
  Participate in projects and learning sessions that reflect Rotary values of compassion, hope, and collective impact.

Tuesday 04/28/26 Rotary Evening Social

Our social will be at Social at La Jolla Historical Society
Socializing on the lawn: 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Join  fellow club members and guests at 780 Prospect St. in La Jolla at 5 PM on the 28th.

Tuesday 05/05/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Adam Gordon, US Attorney for the Southern District of California,
 will speak on “Priorities and Trends in the Southern District of
California." More information: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/staff-profile/meet-us-attorney-0

Please RSVP by Sunday noon, so we can give the hotel our headcount.

Adam Gordon is a career prosecutor who became a nationally-recognized expert on prosecutorial strategies to combat the fentanyl epidemic. Gordon joined the office in 2019 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, serving as the district’s Criminal Division Opioid Coordinator and most recently as a cartel prosecutor in the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces Unit. 

Gordon was instrumental in creating the Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team known as “FAST” in San Diego County which is now a national model. Formed in September 2022, FAST is a multi-agency task force led by Homeland Security Investigations that targets significant fentanyl distributors in San Diego County to reduce the overdose death rate. He also has personally achieved justice for the victims of fatal fentanyl poisonings by prosecuting the responsible drug dealers, including one who supplied a deadly dose to a 13-year-old boy in Coronado. Gordon received the 2025 Prosecutor of the Year Award from the California Narcotic Officer’s Association for Region IV.

Adam Gordon's outreach and prevention strategies have included unique ways to grab the attention of young people and warn them about the dangers of fentanyl, such as the production of a public service announcement that was a first-of-its-kind partnership between the Department of Justice and the Name Image Likeness Collective of the San Diego State Men’s Basketball Team in honor of National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

Additionally, Gordon extended his influence to law enforcement audiences around the nation by coauthoring an article for the Department of Justice’s Journal of Federal Law and Practice, Confronting the Chaos: Outreach and Prevention Strategies for the Fentanyl Epidemic from the Southern District of California.

Prior to serving as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Gordon was a Deputy District Attorney in San Diego County where he focused mostly on violent crimes. From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Gordon was in private practice in San Diego. Gordon received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University in 2004, and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2008. Mr. Gordon is also a Master at the Wallace Inn of Court.

Tuesday 05/12/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Celeste Parry, U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program

Please RSVP by Sunday noon, so we can give the hotel our headcount.

Davis Cracroft leads us again in this annual fun service event.  Shirt, snacks, and coffee provided

To sign up email:  daviscmd2021@gmail.com

Saturday May 16th Kiwanis Half Marathon

Fellow Rotarians,
Once again, we have been asked by the La Jolla Kiwanis Club to staff Water Station #6, located on Torrey Pines Road near Scripps Clinic Green Hospita (Ample parking available onsite). The water station, located after the long and grueling Torrey Pines grade climb, is a key hydration station for most of the overheated and taxed runners. The water or sports drink you hand to the weary runners, along with your encouragement, provides the needed boost for many runners to keep on going. Interact students from La Jolla High along with La Jolla Rotarians and their guests work together to make certain all the runners can quickly grab a drink on the run.  Come join us for a fun and rewarding morning!
 
A sign-up sheet will be provided at our meetings, or you can email, text, or call me anytime to confirm your participation.
Thanks in advance for pitching in to support our La Jolla community! 

If you have questions about this social,

contact Davis
Phone (619)341-0909
daviscmd2021@gmail.com  

Tuesday 05/19/26 Rotary meeting and luncheon

Please make sure to attend this special luncheon as we honor this year’s scholarship recipients. We will recognize five Riford Scholarship recipients (with two additional recipients unable to attend) and nine Rotary Scholarship recipients (one unable to attend). Many of their parents and school counselors will also be joining us for this meaningful occasion.
This is one of the most inspiring meetings of the year — a chance to see firsthand the real impact our club has on the lives and futures of local students. Celebrating their achievements is always a powerful reminder of why Rotary’s work matters.

Please RSVP by Sunday noon, so we can give the hotel our headcount.

Our scholarship recipients from the four La Jolla high schools, and their parents join us for lunch.

The students tell us their their college plans and often their intended (at least now) major.

This is always a fun meeting to get a glimpse of our leaders of the future.  May be held outside on the patio,

Friday 06/05/26 Rotary Joint meeting with the Golden Triangle Rotary Club

The speaker will be Pradeep Khosla, Chancellor of UC San Diego and one of America's higher education's most accomplished leaders. Here is more information about him https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/about/about-the-chancellor/index.html

Parking will be in the visitor spaces at Scholars Garage and will be self-pay. If you have attendees without Disability Plates who need closer parking due to mobility issues, we can arrange it in advance for $11 per space—just send  a list with license plate numbers at least 10 days in advance. We will confirm availability first, and then you can add it to the check for meals.

Faculty Club at UCSD here is how you get there https://facultyclub.ucsd.edu/directions/index.html

Please pay the cost ($32) of the meeting to our Rotary Club of La Jolla and we will forward payment to the Golden Triangle Rotary. There will be some opportunity for walk-ins, but Golden Triangle prefers advance notice for planning purposes.

Thank you!

Russel

Cost $32 - RSVP by noon May 29

The Golden Triangle Rotary Club has invited us to join them for a joint Rotary meeting, from 6:35 AM to 8:30 AM at the UCSD faculty club to hear Chancellor Pradeep Khosla of UC SanDiego, on;

      Leadership, innovation, and the future of higher education

 Consider the scope of what he overseas: a flagship research university of more than 46,000 students, 12 academic and professional schools, eight undergraduate residential colleges, a world class, health system, and the legendary scripts institution of oceanography.  It is by any measure an  extraordinary enterprise – and Chancellor Khosla has not merely managed, but transformed it:

Register with Natascha to reserve a spot cost will be $20 per person UCSD Faculty Club, 3035 Muir Ln, La Jolla, CA 92093.

This will be a good chance to find out what's going on at UCSD and meet some of our fellow La Jolla Rotarians oveer breakfast. 

Kim Heinle is the Executive Director of Bayside Community Center where she works to empower San Diego’s diverse Linda Vista community through education, advocacy, wellness, and community development programs. With more than 20 years of nonprofit and community leadership experience, Kim has become a respected advocate for equitable access to resources, affordable housing, food security, and youth development. She holds a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature and an M.A. in International Relations, and previously worked with the University of San Diego’s Justice in Mexico Project and Trans-Border Institute.

Andy Friedenberg is an author, filmmaker, entertainment industry veteran, and Director of the Cinema Society. With decades of experience in Hollywood, Andy has worked alongside celebrities, filmmakers, studios, and media professionals, building a career at the intersection of film, publicity, and storytelling.

He is the author of Celebrity War Stories: Confessions of a Publicist, a candid and entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, sharing personal stories, industry insights, and unforgettable experiences from his years working with high-profile personalities and productions.

As Director of the Cinema Society, Andy continues to support film, media, and creative storytelling while engaging audiences through conversations about Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the realities behind the scenes of the entertainment world.