Message from the President

I joined in 2019—about six years ago—when my kids were getting older and my work life had settled. Working from home, I realized I needed more in-person connection and a way to get involved locally.

What I didn’t expect was how quickly that sense of connection would grow. Within two years, I knew more people in the community than I had in the previous twenty. Rotary opened the door to deeper relationships, meaningful service, and lasting friendships.

I’ve loved the hands-on projects—packing meals, helping seniors, supporting the unhoused, and organizing holiday programs for families. Rotary has also taken me beyond the San Ramon Valley, from delivering wheelchairs in Uganda with my family to supporting education in rural Guatemala.

The merger of three clubs and the addition of new members have brought fresh energy and momentum. We’re off to a fantastic start: record attendance at meetings, impactful service projects completed, a great showing at the joint Chamber mixer, and a presidential demotion party that was truly an experience.

Best of all, we were honored to be named District 5160’s Club of the Year out of 68 clubs—an incredible recognition of our collective efforts.

Support Education – Join the 2025 Online Auction for Education!

We’re currently seeking donations and sponsorships—and there are many ways you can get involved! Whether you’re a local business looking to promote your services or a community member wanting to support a great cause, your contribution will help ensure the success of this impactful event.

All proceeds from this event will be directed exclusively to educational programs and initiatives that foster lifelong learning and create meaningful, measurable impact for all learners, regardless of age.

Auction donations may include:

• Cash donations/sponsorships
• Sports tickets or memorabilia
• Hotel stays or travel packages
• Golf outings
• Gift cards for local shopping, dining, or services
• And much more!

Why participate?

Your business or organization will receive exposure to more than 50,000 community members and supporters through email campaigns, social media, event promotions, and community partnerships. It’s a powerful way to show that you care about education here in the San Ramon Valley and beyond —while building brand recognition in a meaningful way.

Let’s make this year’s Online Auction for Education the most successful yet! Together, we can continue to foster lifelong learning and opportunity for all students in our community.

To learn more or to donate, please visit our Auction Website, or email: auction@danvillesanramonrotary.org

Logan Robertson will present how the program connects people with extra space in their homes to those seeking affordable housing. The talk will cover the matching process for both homeowners and home seekers, current housing trends, and how to refer someone or get involved in creating supportive shared living arrangements.

August 19 at 7:30-8:30 am – Guest Speaker: David Behring, former president of the Seattle Seahawks (1993–1997)

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of the NFL! David will share what it was really like to run a professional football team—managing draft day decisions, team operations, and the challenge of keeping both players and fans engaged during some of the franchise’s most turbulent years. Don’t miss this rare insider perspective on NFL leadership.

August 26 at 12:00-1:15 pm – Guest Speaker: Deborah Wiener, 2024–2025 Contra Costa Civil Grand Jury member, International Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Business Consultant.

Join us for an informative presentation with Deborah, who now serves in a public relations leadership role with the California Civil Grand Jury Association, working to raise awareness about the important role Civil Grand Juries play in local government oversight.

She will be joined by Charles Cerjan, President of the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury Association, to provide valuable insights into how the Civil Grand Jury functions and its impact on the community.

Two student presentations highlighted the transformative experience of the Camp Royal Rotary leadership camp, emphasizing youth leadership, personal growth, and community-building in a remote mountain setting. Saarah Pathan from California High’s Interact Club described how the no-phone environment fostered immediate camaraderie, self-reflection, and vulnerability through activities like group challenges, reflective exercises, and rituals such as yoga and campfires. She stressed the importance of leading with inclusion, empathy, and trust, illustrating how overcoming personal “walls” can strengthen community bonds.

Alexandra Ludovico, a member of San Ramon Valley High’s Interact Club shared her journey from initial discomfort to confidence, driven by supportive peer interactions and symbolic activities like the wood-breaking exercise, which fostered emotional catharsis. Her experience led to increased self-acceptance and empathy, inspiring her to engage further with Interact and to plan a camp reunion. Overall, both presenters underscored that leadership involves staying present, building trust, and showing courage by being vulnerable and humble.

At our July 22nd meeting, Police Chief Denton Carlson of the San Ramon Police Department delivered an engaging and comprehensive presentation, answering questions for nearly 30 minutes and leaving the audience eager for more. He shared his journey through law enforcement, emphasizing a commitment to community inclusion, equity, and transparency in policies such as immigration enforcement. Among other topics, he discussed the department’s handling of recent crime trends, including a sophisticated ATM theft, and highlighted innovative initiatives like the use of drones for retail theft suppression and emergency response.

The clarity in his commitment to fairness and his innovative approach to public safety are highlights of the Chief’s outstanding decades-long career of service and protection. We greatly appreciate Chief Carlson’s inspiring leadership and serving as a strong role model for the youth of our community.