Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 09-25-2014

Posted by Gurdip (Honorary Member) Hari 
on Sep 30, 2014
 
At the September 25 meeting, Lynwood Rotary members and guests heard Alex Vasquez, previous owner and operator of a mini-mart in DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles). The audience was very attentive as Alex explained the step by step challenges that he and his business partner faced in establishing this new business, starting with the challenge of very limited financial resources for the start up costs. He detailed the challenges (and also support) from various city departments for the necessary permits. He also explained that a bigger mini-mart store was in the process of also opening across the street, and how the owner and employees of this store visited him and tried to discourage him from opening his business, because they did not want the competition. Alex left the audience with a memorable message that one can accomplish one's objective, with a clear commitment and knowledgeable skills and focused attention on what has to be done. (Although not covered by Alex in his presentation, his business was a financial success and lasted for 5-1/2 years, until he and his partner decided to sell the business in order to pursue another business venture.)

Before the speaker, Ms. Deborah Jackson, Director of Community Relations for the City of Lynwood, talked about the coming training program for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) for Saturday, October 11. This time the training by the Los Angeles County Fire Department will be given in Spanish: Equipo de la Comunidad para Responder a Emergencias.

Ms. Jackson also talked about the program that was presented the same day, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm: A film entitled: Teenage Sex 4 Sale: Human Trafficking in San Bernardino County. The program was moderated by Lynwood Mayor, Aide Castro and before the film, there was the Keynote Speaker, Jane Creighton, attorney with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in the Sex Crimes Division Human Trafficking Unit. There were six women featured in a discussion panel after the film that included Pastor Paula Daniels of Forgotten Children's The Well Drop-In Center on Long Beach Blvd. In Lynwood. Pastor Paula is a pastor with the Lynwood Worship Center, whose Principal Pastor, Woody Robinson, opened the session with a prayer.

Rotary member Daniel Miller attended this session, and notes that the film and presentations and ensuing discussion, to include input from the large audience, was informative about this important and troubling community problem.

Daniel also mentioned the Lynwood Clean Up Day that was held on Sat, Sep 27, and also the coming City of Lynwood State of the City Address on Oct 9, with RSVP required by Sep 29.

Rotary member Joe Wang spoke of the importance of the coming Annual Visit by the District 5280 Governor for the Lynwood Rotary Club on October 2.

 

Daniel Miller and Victor Ortiz, Public relations and community outreach for Lynwood Rotary