Escondido Sunrise Rotary; “Law Enforcement in Escondido, Some Time with Police Chief Ed Varso”… March 5, 2020
President Brian led the meeting…
We honored our flag and our nation with the pledge led by Tina Pope…
An invocation was offered by Past President Jack Anderson…
Club Member Alert for Prayer and Concern…
Past President John Masson was recently hospitalized in his battle with cancer. President Elect Chris Miller has been in close contact with Tricia and the family…
Sadly, Chris shared this morning that John passed away late on Tuesday evening March 10.
The family needs their private time, so contact is to be with the greatest care and concern. Condolence greetings can be sent to the family at 2697 Quail Road, Escondido CA 92026…
In Memoriam, Past President John Masson… In God’s Care…
President Brian and the Epic Story of the ‘Bell’…
The President has his bell back… For Now!!… But amazingly, his gavel has disappeared…
Last week Brian received a ransom note with a threat as to the Gavel’s continuing existence in its preferred form…
President Brian is shown with a ‘ransom’ threat and a sprinkling of sawdust… Sadly, the possible future of the gavel??
“Say it isn’t so,” Brian…
Visitors and Guests:
Elana Rinehardt was with us again; soon to renew her former membership… Welcome back Elana!
Bring a Guest…A reminder; Membership Chair, Joe Holtz invites all club members to bring guests… The Club will cover the cost of your guest’s breakfast , so put out the welcome mat and invite someone who will enjoy our fellowship and service.
Birthdays:
March 1: Sergeant at Arms Gloria Lefler
3: President Brian
Dae Luevanos
4: Past President Mike O’Malley
Anniversaries:
March 3: President Elect Chris and Susie Miller… 30 Years! Congratulations!!
Rotary Anniversaries:
March 5: Past President Constance Larsen, 20 Years… Thanks for serving with us!!!
Dates to Remember:
March 12 Unveiling of the “Giving Arch” on Grand Avenue at Center City Parkway… If you’re available to assist with traffic control, be there at 5PM… Let Past President Rich Aeling know you can help…
Past President Rich Aeling providing details of our Community Service opportunity with the Giving Arch event…
19 Dinner meeting celebrating Escondido Sunrise Rotary’s 40th anniversary… Cocina del Charro; make your reservations with Past President Scott Putnicki. Fellowship time at 5:30 PM, Dinner at 6:30
Past President Barry Baker presenting information on the 40th Anniversary Dinner event…
Announcements:
Past President Scott Putnicki reported that the next District 5340 Rotary Golf gathering will take place on March 11 at the Admiral Baker Golf Course in Mission Valley…. The format will continue as a two-person scramble… If you are interested, contact Scott…
High Fives:
None this week…
Program:
President Brian introduced Escondido’s new Police Chief, Ed Varso. Chief Varso has a long tenure in law enforcement, beginning with the LA County Sheriff as an explorer, and arriving in Escondido in 2001 as a Patrol Officer. He advanced through a variety of leadership positions within the Police Department, and was named Chief on January 1, 2020.
Chief Varso spoke briefly about his career and the challenges Law Enforcement faces today with state laws that affect citations, incarceration and working with Federal Law Enforcement within a ‘Sanctuary State’…
Chief Ed Varso speaking to Sunrise Rotary members…
The Chief opened his presentation to a discussion with Club members about community issues that are of concern to all. He spoke in detail about efforts to strengthen engagement with the community. Periodic ‘Coffee with a Cop’ meetings invite people to come and share and learn face to face with our police officers. A youth program is in the future, ‘Cocoa with a Cop’ which will focus on young people getting to know local officers.
Much of the effort to engage with the community will help the Chief and Department leadership shape the vision for ways in which our Police Department will provide law enforcement services.
Questions were raised as to issue with petty crimes, specifically shoplifting and the like that impact all of us through increased cost of goods. The Chief comments on changes in State law that affect the level of felony theft.
Discussion also took place relative to traffic enforcement and the ways that the Department will use ‘saturation’ enforcement in areas of the community where traffic violations are more intense and frequent.
Finally, the Chief spoke about property crime that is most often driven by drug use and the impact of illegal substance use.
President Brian pictured Police Chief, Ed Varso
Next Week’s Program:
Escondido Arts Partnership… And a special time with Jim Ponder’s granddaughter…
OpportunityDrawing:
Grand Prize: $467 And the lucky ticket was Past President Scott Putnicki’s… No luck this time Scott…
Lunch Money: $19 And the Lucky winner was Past President Mike O’Malley
