For 42 years, our club has been operating Scholars lab in Tijuana to benefit the youth who live near the landfill, one of the poorest parts of Tijuana. The lab is in a classroom that we funded in a community center built by the Rotary Club of Tijuana. Recently our President Russell King, president, Denise McGuire toured the lab with a David Cash, a coordinator from the Tijuana Rotary Club and our Clubs’ coordinator Tina Deroche. Sixth graders are carefully selected by the principal of the local elementary school for the program which continues through the 12 th grade. Classes are held on Saturdays and teach English and computer skills. Our club provides a $50 per month stipend to the families to compensate them for the money, their son her daughter might earn by working on a Saturday. Local college students assist our students in the classroom.

The Business Person of the Year Award recognizes a local business owner or employee who makes a significant contribution to the community through service and dedication. Hammer & Nails Hardware has served Pacific Beach and La Jolla in the same location on Turquois Street since 1946. Bill Meanley has owned the store since 1991 and joined the Ace Hardware cooperative in 2004. Bill and his team provide proactive and personalized support that exceeds customer expectations. The neighborhood store is known for long- time employees who build relationships with customers to find solutions to their home and yard needs. Hammer & Nails supports the community in many ways including sponsorship of youth activities and local school projects.

Bill has been a member of the La Jolla Rotary Club since 1994 and has been active in numerous programs and projects.  He has supported the La Jolla High School Interact Club’s Tijuana home builds like nobody else.  Supporting over 25 builds, Bill has allowed club leadership to procure up to $200 worth of supplies, hammers, and whatever is needed each time without question.  These costs add up quickly and without his support, it would be very difficult to come up with the money as the cost of a home build has doubled over time.
 

We are honored to present Bill with the well-deserved Business Person of the Year Award in 2026 and thank Hammer & Nails for serving the community with genuine care.

Members of our Interact Cub at La Jolla High School came to our April 14 meeting to tell us about their three-day Rotary youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) experience Just completed. This is an intensive leadership training program for high school juniors which we sponsor every year. In a camp environment participants develop leadership skills, build conference, and make connections through workshops and activities. The purpose of RYLA is to develop, recognize and empower young leaders, and encouraging them to be able to be catalysts for a positive change in their schools and communities.

LJHS Interact Club members noticed a 4‘ X 100‘ space along Westbourne St. leading to the front door of their school was covered in weeds and trash. They decided to take this on as a project.

With $2,000 from our Club for plants and supplies they gathered one Saturday early February to remove the weeds and trash, prepare the area, and re-landscape with the new plants.

Our youth service chair, Craig Schniepp talked about the significance of this re-landscaping project. “All schools now only have one point of entry. Everyone had to walk past this section which was nothing but weeds and trash. The interactors wanted something that all students, staff, and parents would enjoy and be proud of.”

LJHS principal Chuck Podhorsky agreed. “We are incredibly grateful to be part of such an extraordinary community. Our local Rotary Club is an invaluable partner to our school and our students consistently demonstrating generosity, service in a deep commitment to supporting young people. The replanting and beautification of the area in front of our school is yet another example of their kindness and dedication. Their efforts not only enhance the physical environment of our campus but also reflect the strong spirit of collaboration and Care that makes our community so special.” Chuck Marsh & quotes from La Jolla Light.

The holiday season kicked off with our annual League House Holiday Luncheon, a tradition that began in 2002 as a celebration with the 35 senior residents who call League House home. Hosted at the League House retirement facility on Olivetas Avenue, the event brings together volunteers and community members to honor seniors with limited incomes who are supported by the Social Service League, and this year it once again proved to be a meaningful and successful gathering.

This year’s event was especially memorable due to the spectacular decorations that transformed the space into a festive setting. Laura Applegate led the Decoration Committee and generously donated beautiful elf-themed centerpieces that delighted both residents and guests. She was supported by Susan Stevens, Courtney and Luke Snyder, Darlene Disney, and Gordon Shurtloff, whose combined efforts brought the vision to life.

On the day of the luncheon, many volunteers came together to ensure everything ran smoothly. Talyssa D’Avila, Anya Singleton, Edna Pines, Mel Segal, Jane Reldan, David Shaw, Chuck Marsh, Nan Johnson, Craig Schniepp, and Natasha Vossen all generously gave their time and energy to support the event. Their dedication and teamwork helped create a joyful and meaningful day for everyone involved, reflecting the spirit of community and care that defines the League House Luncheon year after year.

Fellow Rotarians, we are delighted to announce that three of our members (Jose Castillo, Talyssa D'Avila, and Mel Segal) have officially earned their Blue Badges, marking their full integration into the life of our club. This milestone reflects their dedication, service, and commitment to the values that make Rotary such a vibrant community. Please join us in extending a warm welcome and hearty congratulations as they step into this new chapter of fellowship and service!