Welcome to another issue of The Beacon! A weekly publication of Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary Club’s newsletter. President Jackie Maxwell kicked off today’s meeting by pointing out that she was pretty sure the large crowd in the room wasn’t here to listen to her, but today’s speaker, Congressman Vince Fong.
Kristine Hertin was invited to do this morning’s invocation. The invocation was followed by the pledge to our flag led by Shaun Kelly. Bill Black led us in song. He selected one of the club’s favorites, “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”.
Temo introduced a visiting Rotarian. Lee Scher was visiting us from a Rotary Club in Florida. We had several guests today. Denise Haynes brought her husband Scott; Tom Burke brought his wife Tina and lastly Brenna Layne came for another visit.
We took a moment to recognize those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.
Mary Jo Pasek had her birthday this week but was unable to make it to Rotary, so we had no one to sing to. Both
Tom & Tina Burke and
Dave and Melody Spalinger celebrated their wedding anniversaries this week.
Jackie wrapped up recognition time by asking
Sally Selby if she could remember how many years, she had been a Rotarian. Sally said “6 years this week”. Well done, Sally!
Today’s guest speaker is our Congressman Vince Fong. Vince is a former member of this Rotary Club, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on May 21, 2024, proudly serving California's 20th congressional district, which includes parts of Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare Counties. Vince has been committed to improving the region he calls home.
Here are just a few takeaways from Vince’s very informative talk:
- U.S. Technology & Security Challenges - China is rapidly advancing in AI, biotech, shipbuilding, and military strength. We know the U.S. must lead in AI and quantum computing to maintain technological supremacy. The Central Valley must develop tech talent locally - not just rely on Silicon Valley. AI is already part of daily life (text suggestions, banking apps, etc.).
- Energy, Infrastructure, and Data Centers- AI data centers require massive, consistent electricity ("baseload power"). Kern County supplies most of CA’s oil, gas, and a large share of renewables. Renewables face intermittency; nuclear, geothermal, and cogeneration are key for reliable power. California’s current energy mix lacks stable baseload, impacting tech investment.
- U.S. Trade, Supply Chains, and Manufacturing- China controls key elements of global supply chains and manufacturing. There is an urgent need to reshore production, especially semiconductors (e.g., Taiwan Semiconductor in Arizona). Trade policy is now used to achieve strategic and security goals, not just free trade.
- Universities & Research Funding – There are ongoing university-administration issues regarding anti-Semitism and federal grant releases. There should be an emphasis on resolving disputes through dialogue, not litigation, to support research and students.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: There will be a social at Woodfire Pizza on September 11
th. Check your email.
Jennifer Henry is sending out details and please RSVP so we have an accurate headcount.
Marti Sanders is planning a clean up at San Miguel Grove for World Peace Day. We said goodbye to fellow Rotarian
Bill Potter. This is his last meeting with BBRC, as he will be leaving us for the great state of Indiana. And lastly
Tony Castiglione was presented with his ‘blue badge’ today.
Our next regular meeting will be at 6:45AM on Wednesday September 10th and our speaker will be Darin Budak with City Recreation and Parks. See you all then!
