It's a busy weekend for all things San Mateo! This Saturday & Sunday, head to the Central Park Centennial Celebration. Take a walk through history - a great display of how Central Park has spent its first 100 years. Try to dunk fellow Rotarians Drew Corbett and Ed Barberini in the Dunk Tank - bring lots of change in your pockets! But don't tell President Dick you have spare change - SheilaCanzian found out the hard way what happens when you do! She graciously paid the $50 fine!
Dash on over to the annual Rotary Fun Run at J. Hart Clinton Park on Sunday morning. There's still time to register for the race on site. Be there by 8:45 a.m. to register. Volunteers are also welcome, so feel free to join in the fun! Costumes are encouraged but optional! Mega Thanks to Bruce Bean, PeterWebb, and the entire Fun Run Committee who have organized a great event. No rain in the forecast! Whew!
Election Reflections
Want to place a wager on your digital device for a 49ers, Giants, or Warriors victory? How do you feel about a constitutional amendment protecting the right to reproductive freedom? Are you for more Art & Music in California's schools? How about banning the sale of flavored vaping products and menthol cigarettes?
These are just some of the issues on the November 8th ballot that Former State Senator & Fellow Rotarian Jerry Hill highlighted during his presentation at the October 20th meeting.
Some background information on the various propositions included:
5 of the 7 propositions have been placed on the ballot by special interest groups.
Over $450 million has already been spent on the Prop 26 & 27 campaigns.
It's the 3rd time on the ballot for a kidney dialysis center proposition.
Former Senator Hill is the Campaign Co-Chair for Yes on Proposition 31 which is a referendum seeking to overturn a law passed by the California Assembly & Senate and signed by the Governor which prohibits the sale of flavored vaping products and menthol cigarettes. A "Yes" vote approves the law; a "No" vote rejects it.
Be sure to read your Californian Voter Information Pamphlet to learn more and decide how you'll vote. Remember to vote - whether by mail-in ballot or in-person. Here's a reminder about the importance of voting from Abraham Lincoln as shared by Former State Senator Hill:
"Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire & burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters."
If you missed Jerry Hill's presentation or if you'd like to watch it again, go to the link below which also includes Drew Corbett's update on the City of San Mateo.
San Mateo City Manager & fellow Rotarian Drew Corbett provided a concise but information-filled overview of key issues facing the City of San Mateo. The City budget is running at a slight deficit and will probably continue to do so for the next 5 years. However, the City has frugally saved for a rainy day and is well-positioned to ride out the next few years.
Mr. Corbett noted the following as issues to monitor:
The need for capital projects (currently unfunded) to renovate the branch libraries, parks, and streets.
The transition to district elections. San Mateo has been divided into 5 districts.
New housing, office space, and parking at Kiku Crossing and the former Talbot's Toys block.
The General Plan Update.
Want more information on how you can participate in the General Plan Update? Go to the link below.
In early October Reggie Austin, former San Quentin inmate and wonderful jazz musician, serenaded us throughout lunch and was our speaker, sharing his experiences with the criminal justice system and the power of redemption.
Reggie is currently featured in a new documentary, "Life & Life," which will have its Bay Area premiere at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 22, at the Cinelounge Tiberon. Our very own Susan Manheimer will be part of a panel at the conclusion of the screening. "Life & Life" has won a variety of awards and is in contention for an Oscar nomination.
