SAVE THE SONOMA COAST!

Santa Rosa West Rotary Club

David Björklund DRBjork@thegrid.net, Bulletin Editor

Bob Harris bob@hlenv.com, Secretary

P.O. Box 14744,
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
(707) 524-7866

Webmaster
Services by:
J. Prior

Program

In the absence of Mark Matson, Janet Codding was given the honor of introducing our guest speaker for this week, Dr. Marty Griffin. Dr. Griffin moved to Marin County in the 1940s and immediately noticed two things. First, that the Northern California coastline possessed enormous beauty. Second, that this beauty was in danger of destruction through development. Since the 1940s, Dr. Griffin has worked tirelessly to preserve the magnificent and pristine beauty of the Northern California Coast. Dr. Griffin is the author of "Saving the Marin -- Sonoma Coast."

Dr. Griffin showed us many stunning photographs which exhibit the beauty of the area in which we live and he endeavored to impress upon us the necessity of protecting that beauty.

It is Dr. Griffin's opinion that saving the Russian River should be a priority to Northern California. Due to watershed mismanagement, unprotected mining, and erosion from agriculture the Russian River has become a conservationist's nightmare and potentially a health hazard. Of those areas in the western United States, subject to regular flooding, the Russian River is the worst.

As a testimonial for the good works of Dr. Griffin as well as the necessity of his endeavors, Terry Price shared with us a vivid memory of taking his son fishing at the River and of being in a beautiful pristine setting, just about to begin fishing, when a bulldozer came from around the bend to dredge rock from the River. Terry recalled how embarrassed he was that his son should be witnessing this spectacle and how reading Dr. Griffin's book had inspired him to make his own conservation efforts a priority over the next several years.

Discussion re: Bylaws

Due to the level of strong emotions, confusion and misunderstanding which still exist concerning the proposed bylaws changes, it was voted that this issue be tabled until an entire assembly could be had to fully discuss the matter at the group level. An assembly to discuss the proposed bylaws changes has been set for August 31, 1998. As far as other groups are concerned, our group will be dark that week. Also, the proposed start time for that meeting will be 12:15 p.m.. These adjustments are for the purpose of accommodating as much time for discussion as possible.

Off the Wall, Notes from the 8/11/98 Board Meeting

• It was discussed and decided that the nomenclature for the clubs various accounts should be changed so as  to be less confusing. 
• There are big things happening in the international service arena.  The first meeting of the committee headed up by Paul Schwartz went very well.  Potential project countries include various countries in South America and Africa.  The next meeting will be on August 19 at noon at Mistral Restaurant.  
• Currently, we receive a ¢50 rebate from Los Robles Lodge on each meal purchased.  That will end in September.  Discussion was had as to whether or not to move the meeting place. 
• So far our group has the highest attendance in the area.  This may not be true for this month, however.  
• The public relations committee headed by Terry Price needs help.  Anyone with an hour to spare should call Terry at 542-8908. 
• It was suggested that during our fundraising drives we should have spot speakers coming from the organizations to which we are planning to donate funds to give us a five-minute pitch as to why theirs is a good program to donate to.