High Gear August 15, 2016

Posted by Rosalie McCloud on Aug 15, 2016
 
On yet another gorgeous Monday, we arrived at the Poplar Creek Golf Course, easily found parking, walked into the lovely Banquet Area with no elevators  required, and entered  the spacious dining room, salivating at the aromas of the banquet that greeted us.  Salad?  Absolutely.  You choose or have them all.  Meat and potatoes?  Of course.   This could be ours every WEDNESDAY if our wise President makes it happen.  We would miss Mynor, of course.  But, no more limp broccolini!  Go to our website  www.burlingamerotary.or
 

 

Pledge & Invocation

 
Manning the orange tickets table was Mr. Joe Galligan.  A renowned CPA is a bit overqualified for this job methinks. 
 
The pledge was led Dick Gregory.  Member in transition Cheri Delacy Carr delivered the invocation. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Guests and Visiting Rotarians

 
Barry Parker introduced his wife, the lovely Dawn. Jennifer Pence introduced her guests Christina Oliver and Karen Salgado. These ladies plan law careers. Good for you, girls!!! 
 
Dave Behling was visiting; he is now a member of Reno-South Rotary.

 

Announcements

Happy Birthday to Doug McGeorge; over the hill and on a roll…
 
Just six days until the Mystery Dinner at Chez La Mariana on August 21.  Call Joe for details at 560-8443.
 
President Stan asked for an expression of approval for moving our meeting to Wednesdays at the fabulous Poplar Creek.  DUH!!!   A resounding yes.
 
John Delaney (650-375-6026) is the one to call to sign up to serve libations at Art on the Avenue this weekend.  You sell wine and beer, chat people up and be adorable, the customers fill the tip jar, and we get money for our scholarship programs. Good fun, too!
We enjoyed getting to know our new member Stephanie Lichaa.  Congratulations on your square badge, Stephanie.

 

Speaker Introduction by President Stan Moore

 
President Stan introduced San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen M. Wagstaffe. Steve is a California Native, received his undergraduate degree with the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana.  He completed law school at Hastings in 1971 and was hired as a Deputy District Attorney for San Mateo County.  Assistant District Attorney was next, then Chief Deputy D.A. for 19 years and District Attorney in an un-opposed 2010 election.
 
Since June 30, Steve is also President of the California Association of District Attorneys. 
 
Fascinating factoid:  There have only been three District Attorneys in San Mateo County since 1953. Keith Sorensen served 1953-1982  Jim Fox served 1983 to 2010 Steve Wagstaffe elected, unopposed, 2010  There have been only three contested elections for District Attorney since 1953.  Admirable stability and continuity for San Mateo County. Yes!  Steve says we live in the second safest urban county in California, the   safest being Marin County.

Speaker, Steve Wagstaffe

Steve’s office has been instrumental in remodeling the courts. Repeat offenders are encouraged to be accountable;  the District Attorney’s Office is attempting to offer alternatives. Steve’s message to us:  VOTE!!! There are five initiatives we will have the privilege to vote on in November that relate to criminal matters. Proposition 57 relates to early release of prisoners.  With a goal of easing overcrowding, it seeks to put the issue of release in the hands of the prisons where 127,000 folks are incarcerated.  Unfortunately, the justice system could be surprised to find people back on the streets who should not have seen the light of day; the proposed prison releases require no notification to the judicial system. So, this proposition asks whether the judicial system or the prison system should be in charge of releases. Two propositions relate to the death penalty. One abolishes the death penalty and another provides new guidelines.
 
Happily, Steve said San Mateo County has relatively few issues with gangs that identify themselves with colors, or motorcycle gangs.  Good to hear.We could have listened to Steve for the rest of the afternoon, and he promised to come back and discuss the policing issues in the news lately. Thanks so much, Steve!  We will sleep more safely tonight with you on duty!!

Adjourn

 
President Stan adjourned the meeting promptly at 1:30 as we bade fond adieu to our friends, bathed as we were in sunshine, and having enjoyed a wonderful lunch. We walked out to our cars (no getting lost on the elevator or the garage, no tripping on stairs), and drove back to our lives – no parking tickets, no lining up to leave.  Guess what?
 
YEAH!  POPLAR CREEK NEXT WEEK, AUG. 22.