Good morning, Bakersfield Breakfast Rotarians! As the sun rises over another week of service and fellowship, we gather once again with purpose and pride. Here’s to making today’s meeting as bright as our commitment to “Service Above Self.”

 

Here is how it all started. We kicked off the morning with smiles and stretching—Rotary style. Our cheerful greeters, David Perkins and Willie Gordan, made sure everyone felt right at home. Troy Fringer followed with a thoughtful invocation, and Temo Lopez led us in a hearty flag salute. Then Past President Denise Haynes reminded us that staying healthy matters—especially during holiday feasting season—by leading everyone in the timeless classic, “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” Who needs the gym when you have Rotary? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ron Nelms welcomed visiting Rotarian Juan Bustamante from the Downtown Rotary Club—otherwise famous for their impressive check-writing muscles. Juan met our own Marti Sanders at a marathon, where Marti briefly considered quitting until Juan heroically talked her out of it. They finished the race together and only later realized they were both Rotarians—because, of course, where else would two overachievers meet besides while sweating their way through 26 miles?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our speaker this week was Zach Meyer, Bakersfield’s Public Works Director, who gave us an inside look at how his department keeps the city moving every day. His team oversees everything from paving roads to maintaining the city’s 2,200-vehicle fleet and managing trash, recycling, and organics collection. He also noted that graffiti reports are handled quickly—usually erased within 72 hours.

Zach talked about the TRIP (Thomas Road Improvement Project), with Public Works serving as the lead agency. He also touched on several major street projects, including improvements along H Street, 18th and 19th Streets, and the 7th and 8th Movement Freeway work. Each project aims to make Bakersfield safer and more efficient for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

The department is also focused on future planning and sustainability. A city-wide energy audit is underway, along with updates to city standards and a master plan for organics processing. The team is also developing strategies to meet California’s zero-emission fleet requirements—a big but necessary step toward a cleaner city.

Zach closed by sharing his goal of promoting from within, helping entry-level employees build long-term careers in public service. With major road resurfacing projects, facility upgrades, and staff development all in motion, the Public Works Department is clearly driving Bakersfield forward—one well-planned project at a time.

 

 

 

 

Denise Haynes marked 20 years as a Rotarian, a milestone reflecting her dedication and leadership in our club. Dale and Joann Bender toasted 48 years of marriage—on meeting day, no less! Mike and Nancy Turnipseed weren’t far behind at 47 years, and Xavier and Alicia Canez rounded out the celebration list with 13 years together. That’s a lot of teamwork and commitment, both in Rotary and at home!

And, Happy Birthday to John Guerard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kay Pitts reported back from her adventure to Roswell, bringing a few fun cosmic souvenirs for Denise (no confirmed alien sightings). Denise herself was grateful and joyful, sharing that her husband Scott is now home recovering after a frightening embolism and a medical procedure to insert an IVC filter. She’s thankful he’s “out of the woods” and asked for continued prayers—$20 happy.

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats to Char Vega, who pocketed $50 in the 50/50 drawing! Next week’s meeting is at CSUB—so if you show up at Seven Oaks anyway, expect confusion, no coffee, and probably a fine for dramatic effect. You know how much Queen Jackie enjoys a well placed fine.