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You are invited to be our guest for breakfast any Wednesday from 7:00am to 8:30am. We meet at the University Club atop Symphony Towers. CLICK HERE for more information.
 
Our Vision: Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
 
Our Mission: Be an energized and proactive Service Club with a multi-cultural membership committed to "Service Above Self". We will promote peace, understanding and community service locally and internationally.
to support San Diego Downtown Rotary Club's
Avenues of Service and other projects in our community and around the globe.

 

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Downtown Club News
Rotary INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COMPETITION 2024-25
 
Do you know a young musician?
 
Bring them this amazing Rotary opportunity. Prize money will be awarded at each level!
 
 
 
For High School Age Musicians
$2,000 Grand Prize
 
San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club Competition Weds Jan 29, 2025
Regional Semi-finals Contests in February & March, 2025
Finals in March or April 2025
 
The purpose of the competition is to determine and recognize the student contestant demonstrating District 5340's greatest level of excellence in talent, training and love for music.  Prize money will be awarded at each level of competition: District 5340 Club Contests, Regional Semi-Final Contests, and at the District 5340 Finals Contest where a grand Prize of $2,000 will be awarded.  The applicants will be notified of dates and locations of the competition two weeks prior to the event.
 
The Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club Contest (First Level) will be held Weds Jan 29, 2025 7:30-8:30am at the University Club, 750 B Street.
 
For more information contact Janet White janetwhite99@hotmail.com
 
 
RYIMC Music Competition Flyer:
 
 
Peacemaker Award Nominations
 
The Rotary Club Peacemaker Award is designed to honor members or organizations of the community (Rotarians are eligible) who have made a significant difference in promoting tolerance, understanding, conflict resolution and peace. The winning nominee will be selected based on demonstrating commitment to help build goodwill and peace in the world. Local and/or global accomplishments qualify.

To nominate someone for the Peacemaker Award:

Please give a description of the nominee’s involvement on the community service project, or other activity that you believe makes them a worthy candidate for the Peacemaker Award. (Max. 500 words.) Include a website and short video if available.
Please complete the nomination form and attach to nomination essay and send to the award selection committee chair, Mel Gallegos: melgallegos1819@gmail.com
 
NOMINATION DEADLINE: January 19, 2025
 
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Mel Gallegos
District Governor 2018-2019
Rotary International District 5340
 
 
Link to the Peacemaker Award Nomination Form: 
 
 
 
Last Week
 
 

Christine Brophy, President and CEO, SD Maritime Museum, discussed the challenges and opportunities of operating a floating museum. The Maritime Museum of San Diego The Maritime Museum of San Diego is renowned for its excellence in restoring and operating historic vessels, including the world’s oldest active ship, Star of India. With one of the finest collections of historic ships and exhibits available for public tours, it’s been named one of the top three maritime museums globally.

 
 
 
Read more...
USS Midway Visit _ December 4, 2024
Club members visited the USS Midway for a presentation including the plans for Freedom Park adjacent to the Midway. The San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary has been a long time supporter of the Midway's education programs. 
 
 
For those interested in donating a brick to help fund the park, details are below.
 
 
 
23rd Annual Father Joe's TURKEY TROT 5K
 
JOIN our Rotary Club Team!  Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with friends and family members in a meaningful and exciting way.  Sign up to run or walk the 5K and help provide life-changing meals to feed hungry neighbors in need.  
 
The race starts on the Cabrillo Bridge in Balboa Park on Thursday, Nov 28th at 7:15am and we'll meet 25 minutes prior to the start for a club photo.   You can sign up and get full information at ThanksgivingRun.org and click Sign Up. 
 
When you register, look for our team name: San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club
and use code: sddbrc2024
You have the option to sign up for a Timed Run or a non-competitive Fun Run.  
 
Registrants receive goodies that include T-Shirts, Finisher Medals and FREE Race Photos. Plus, there's a $5 discount with 15+ team members; and for 25+ members we receive custom Team Pin and Stickers. 
 
 So why not start a new tradition or renew an old one by getting out on Thanksgiving to support a worthy cause, and have a memorable, healthy and fun experience.  Please contact Jerry Buckley at jerrybuckley17@gmail.com for more information.  
 
 
 
Notes November 13, 2024- The Brain Observatory
 
Dr. Jacopo Annese, CEO, The Brain Observatory
 
 
Dr. Annese is the founder and director of The Brain Observatory, a San Diego based neuroimaging laboratory and brain bank. He discussed the recent research and findings on the brain and the work and operation of the local Brain Observatory including its initiatives promoting science, education, and the arts.
 
https://www.thebrainobservatory.org/
 
Notes November 6, 2024 - La Jolla Institute of Immunology
 
Dr. Miguel Reina-Campos
La Jolla Institute of Immunology
 
 
Recent advances in cancer treatment have focused on using existing “killer” cells in one’s body to attack malignant tumors. Miguel Reina-Campos is a leader in this critical research. He serves on the faculty of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology and directs the Institute’s Reina Laboratory which seeks “to understand the underlying principles governing tissue immune networks that enable robust and long-term protection against infection and tumors.”
 
https://www.lji.org/
 
 
Members at Feeding San Diego
 
 
Last Monday, several members volunteered together at Feeding San Diego to sort out tons and tons of potatoes and apples! 
Special Thanks to Alex Kwoka for organizing this annual excursion.
 
Notes from Last Week - Special Tour
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Club tours renovated Symphony Hall. After $125 million of expenditures and two years of renovation, the spectacular Symphony Hall is about to open. Club members received a behind the scenes tour about a month before the official opening. The Club is planning for a group outing to the symphony with discounted tickets - details to follow.
 
 
Rotary Magic Under The Stars
 
 

Rotary Magic Under The Stars Benefiting Via Baja: Small Loans, Big Dreams

A Night of Impact

https://givebutter.com/ViaBajaEvent2024
 
Larry Potter hosted a musical fund raiser at his home to support Via International’s micro finance program in Baja Mexico. The many club participants and organizers included Roxane Helstrom, Leah Bentley, and Lynn Hamilton.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes from October 16, 2024 - Judge Andrew Schopler
 
Judge Andrew Schopler spoke to the club about the challenges of prosecuting and defending criminal justice cases. He shared a particularly compelling case of a woman wrongly accused in the deaths of two of her children.
 
 
Notes from September 18, 2024- SDPD Chief Scott Wahl
 
San Diego Police Chief, Scott Wahl, spoke to the club about his efforts to streamline police operations and enable the department to be more responsive. His focus on community policing and specialized policing is a departure from past practices.
 
 
 
Notes from September 25, 2024 - DG Dianne Crawford
 
Rotary’s District 5340 District Governor Dianne Crawford spoke to the club about her experiences growing up in the Caribbean and then moving to the US mainland with her Navy father and their family. She talked about her inspiring mother and long involvement with Rotary, and her hopes and plans for the year ahead.
 
 
District website:  https://rotary5340.org/ 
 
 
Recent Social Event
 
Art & Wine Special Experience
 
Renown and prize-winning artist Walter Redondo opened his studio and gallery for the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club on Tuesday evening November 19. The new wine bar next door, Dorothy’s, opened for the occasion and provided wine and appetizers. It was a fun evening. Thank you Walter, Shatoo, Tim and Luis.
 
 
 
WALTER REDONDO GALLERY
The Headquarters – next to the Cheesecake Factory
789 West Harbor Drive, San Diego
 
  
 
New Rotary District Business Directory and Member Guide
 
 
Our Rotary District is coming up with a new Member Guide and Directory. 
It will be an opportunity for Rotarians to advertise your businesses and organizations, and get listed in this new Member Directory, to be printed twice a year. 
 
The first issue will be out in January and their first dateline is October 15th. 
 
Here are some notes from the publisher, and details in the link below:
 
The approaching deadlines - if the advertiser already has their ad artwork, the latest deadline for the first issue is November 15th. But if they need it designed or written, it's October 15th for the first issue due out in January which is very soon.  The July 2025 issue still has plenty of time, but our inaugural January issue and the July issue are both issues for one price on our rate sheet so you don't want your members to miss out on the special free issue!
 
 
Notes from Last Week - Beth Garrow - End Polio Now
 
 
Beth is our Rotary District’s coordinator for Polio Plus activities. She discussed the amazing progress in defeating Polio, lead by Rotary members and supported by the Gates Foundation. A video of Bill Gates speaking of the critical importance of Rotary in overcoming the Polio disease was presented with the following link:
 
 
Club members were encouraged to donate to Rotary’s Polio Plus Fund campaign at https://my.rotary.org/en/donate. At the club meeting about $2,500 was committed, demonstrating our club members’ generosity and support. If donating on-line, be sure to log in and let Rotary know you are a member of our club. Beth subsequently sent the following message.
 
Hi Scott,
 
You have an amazing club!  I enjoyed visiting with your members and appreciated their questions, insights, and certainly their most generous support.  Education and awareness are key as we move toward the end of Polio.
 
Since you had so many making such generous gifts, I’ve attached the District’s PolioPlus Society Form for those who made contributions of $100 or more.  They can fill it out and email it back to me and I will mail them the PolioPlus Society Pin and Certificate from the District.  I think Judy was keeping track of the gifts.   Rotary International endorses the PolioPlus Society and recognizes each member’s gift, but each district runs their own program.  We are hopeful that RI will eventually pick up the PolioPlus Society as they did with the Paul Harris Society.
 
Enjoying coffee in my new mug this morning.

Thank you again,
Beth
 
 
Notes from October 30, 2024 - Larry Turner
 
 
The San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club invited the two candidates for Mayor, Todd Gloria and Larry Turner, to meet with us before Election Day. Mr. Gloria, who has spoken to the club previously in his capacity as Mayor, declined. Mr. Turner accepted. We did not feel it was fair to disinvite the candidate who accepted our invitation because his opponent declined.
 
Larry Turner described his life and career including 23 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and his current job as Community Relations Officer with the San Diego Police Department. He shared his views on the city and why he is running for Mayor.
 
 
The week prior, Beth Garrow talked about Rotary’s focus on eliminating polio from the world and asked members to consider joining the Polio Plus Society (application attached). The club members committed about $2,500 to Rotary’s polio eradication efforts.
 
 
Upcoming Speakers
Vice Admiral (Retired) Charles Martoglio
Jul 16, 2025
What in the world is going on?
What in the world is going on?
Lorie Hearn, CEO, and Jamie Self, Managing Editor
Jul 23, 2025
inewsource: The Future of Local News
Shana Hazan, School Board Trustee
Jul 30, 2025
San Diego Unified: Budget Deficits and Student Outcomes
Luis Carranza, District Governor
Aug 06, 2025
An Update from the Rotary District Governor
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Upcoming Events
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Rotary Links
 
San Diego Downtown Breakfast is a GuideStar approved organization.