Rotary District 5240 is home to nearly 3,000 passionate members across 67 Rotary and Rotaract Clubs and 48 Interact Clubs. Our District covers four counties in Central California, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern, and includes unique clubs such as a Chapter Club in Guatemala and the globally-minded Rotary E-Club of One World D5240.
Clubs in our district are active across all avenues of Rotary service, local and international projects, youth development programs, leadership initiatives, and meaningful fellowship. Together, we are People of Action, making a lasting impact in our communities and around the world.
A Message from the District Governor
A happy July 2025 to you all!
My name is Mike Dutra, and I’m honored to serve as your District Governor for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. Over the past year, your club presidents and I have been actively preparing, through training, collaboration, and idea-sharing, and we’re ready to serve you, our members. My wife Cindy and I are excited to visit the diverse clubs in our district this Rotary year.
The Rotary International theme this year is “Unite for Good.” My ask of our Assistant Governors is simple but powerful: help unite the clubs within your group. Organize a group meeting, coordinate a group service project, and plan a group social. And to take this a step further, I’m encouraging each group to host a
combined Interact Club event, whether it's a joint service project or a social activity. Let’s show our younger members the power of Rotary in action.
Our District theme this year is “Opportunities Await”, the opportunity for fun, to build new friendships, to connect with our communities, to grow both personally and professionally, and of course, to serve. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
I’d also like to thank our now Past District Governor, Sherry Sim, for an incredible year of leadership. Our District Governor line is committed to building upon each other’s success, creating continuity and momentum.
We are bringing back the District Newsletter on a monthly basis. Huge thanks to Hans and Helena Dahlin for stepping up to help produce it. And as with any great newsletter, we need your stories! Share your club’s fundraisers, service projects, and fun social events so we can spotlight your great work.
Finally, I’m thrilled to announce a new feature for our District: a website dedicated to promoting Rotary in our communities. http://peopleofaction.org will highlight club activities across District 5240 and serve as a call to action for prospective members. Thank you to Randy Strong and Matt Midura for leading this initiative.
Here’s to a new year of Rotary, filled with opportunity, energy, and impact!
Yours in Rotary,
Mike Dutra
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 5240
Enjoy local wine and gourmet light bites from some of the top winemakers in the Paso Robles appellation. With live music, good company, and a great cause, this is a summer event not to miss.
Now in its 26th year, the Winemakers’ Cookoff has raised more than $1 million for youth scholarships. This year alone, the Rotary Club of Paso Robles awarded $100,000 in scholarships to local students, following last year’s total of $90,000. Community support helps keep this tradition going strong.
For 28 years, Rotary Club of Ojai members Dr. Fred Fauvre & Dr. Bob Skankey organized the July 4th Youth Freedom Run, which kicks off the Independence Day celebrations s in Ojai. This year, Youth Service Co-Directors Taundra Roddick & Colin Hurren were asked to take the event over as the July 4th Rotary Youth Run!
They organized an enthusiastic group of volunteers, notified parents and children ages 2-12 from the Ojai Valley community, and made a festive balloon arch. The kids were all revved up with fun warm-up exercises, and when they came through the finish line, each received a medal, an American flag, and a bottle of water.
Just look at those smiles! It was a great community event in Ojai.
Rotary International District 5240
3451 Foothill Road
Ventura, CA 93003
info@district5240.org
844-999-5240