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WELCOME TO ROTARY DISTRICT 5240

Rotary District 5240 is home to nearly 3,000 passionate members across 65 Rotary and 4 Rotaract Clubs and 56 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.

Dear Rotarians of District 5240,

As we begin the second month of our Rotary year, I continue to be inspired by the energy, enthusiasm, and commitment I have seen throughout our district. July was filled with memorable moments that reminded me just how special District 5240 truly is.

One of the highlights of the month was celebrating the Fourth of July in Solvang. From the patriotic parade through town to the spectacular evening fireworks, it was wonderful to see the community come together in celebration. A heartfelt thank you to the Rotary Club of Solvang and the Rotary Club of Santa Ynez Valley for everything they do to make this tradition such a success and for representing Rotary so proudly.

Another special moment was attending the first meeting of Rotary Club of Westlake Sunrise President KJ. There is something exciting about a club's first gathering—a fresh start, renewed enthusiasm, and the opportunity to begin another year of Service Above Self. Thank you for the warm welcome and for the incredible work you are doing in your community.

I also had the pleasure of attending the joint Carpinteria Rotary Clubs' Coronation. What a fun and unique tradition! Instead of waiting until the end of the year to recognize their presidents, they "crown" their incoming presidents at the very beginning—just in case things don't go exactly as planned during the year! It was a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter, fellowship, and Rotary spirit.

As we move into August, I am looking forward to visiting 15 of our clubs. Club visits are one of my favorite parts of serving as your District Governor. I can't wait to meet more of our members, hear your stories, celebrate your successes, and learn how our district can continue to support you.

August is Membership and New Club Development Month, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on one of Rotary's greatest strengths—our members. Every new member brings fresh ideas, new talents, and new opportunities to expand our impact. At the same time, retaining our current members by ensuring they feel connected, appreciated, and engaged is just as important. Membership is everyone's responsibility, and each of us has the opportunity to invite others to experience the fellowship, purpose, and service that make Rotary so extraordinary.

I also encourage each of you to read this month's newsletter article highlighting our valued Rotarians Randy Strong and Matt Midura and the incredible work behind PeopleOfAction.org. Their initiative is helping tell the story of Rotary throughout District 5240, showcasing the impact our clubs make every day and inspiring others to join us in service.

I invite you to join us for our Monthly District Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, August 4. This is a wonderful opportunity to stay informed, connect with fellow Rotarians, and learn about the exciting work happening throughout our district.

Monthly District Zoom Meeting
Tuesday, August 4

5:30 p.m. – District Chairs
6:00 p.m. – Club Chairs

Zoom Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/83565676087

Meeting ID: 835 6567 6087
Passcode: 565201

Finally, I also hope you will join us on Saturday, September 12, for our District Foundation Gala. This year's "Around the World" theme celebrates the global reach and impact of Rotary. https://rotarydistrict5240.org/events/district-around-the-world-foundation-gala/

Thank you for everything you do to strengthen your clubs, serve your communities, and represent Rotary with pride. Every act of service, every new member welcomed, and every project completed helps us fulfill our mission.

Together, let us continue to Inspire Action and Create Lasting Impact in our communities and around the world.

I look forward to seeing many of you throughout August!

Love,

Margarida

Flash Mob October 3

All District 5240 clubs are encouraged to participate in the Flash Mob for 2026! Just display your sign whenever your club does a project or fundraiser. Click here to download the PDF artwork for your sign. You can also download a smaller 8 1/2 X 11 version to use as a flyer.

Download Sign

HOPE

Reprinted from Rotary Magazine, August, 2026

In 2025, John Weiss completed his second term as president of the Rotary Club of Morro Bay, California, and his daughter, Jessica Bailey Weiss, started her first. The passing of the baton would turn out to be more significant than either of them knew.

John had been a dedicated Rotary member since Jessica was a teenager.

Cleveland Elementary Students Get a Back-to-School Boost Through Community Partnership

One hundred Cleveland Elementary School students and their families received a special back-to-school boost when Old Navy Santa Barbara opened its doors to participating families for a private shopping event organized through a partnership of local community organizations.

Kiwanis of Santa Barbara and Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, together with Unity Shoppe and Old Navy Santa Barbara, helped local students prepare for the new school year. Students were selected by Cleveland Elementary School. Kiwanis and Rotary provided funding for $100 Old Navy gift cards and backpacks for each student, while Unity Shoppe provided school supplies to fill the backpacks.

Pollinator Gardens Are Popping Up across D5240 – time to join

Planting pollinator gardens has attracted eight Rotary Clubs and community partners from Cambria to Ventura. They are springing forth from Rotary District 5240’s partnership with Monarch Joint Venture. This program provides free seeds, pollinator plants, and technical assistance to participating clubs.

Every Rotary Club in District 5240 can create a pollinator garden and help bees, butterflies and more to thrive. Pollinators account for one third of the food we eat and play a vital role in keeping our ecosystem healthy. Unfortunately, pollinator populations have declined by as much as 40% due to climate change, urbanization, pesticides, and other factors. The Rotary Clubs in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties are on vital pollinator pathways. Thus, this is an ideal environmental service project for every club to support.

SERVING SMILES BEFORE THE SCHOOL BELL RINGS

Today Cambria Rotary kicked off the new school year by serving a hearty breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, fruit, muffins, sweets, juice and coffee to teachers, administrators, clerical staff, custodians, and maintenance teams.

The 6 a.m. start was a little tough, but the smiles we received made every minute worth it. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead!

Solar Power Strengthens Nicaragua Water Project

In 2018-19, after years of planning, the Rotary Clubs of Ciudad Sandino and Santa Barbara Sunrise carried out a $152,000+ Rotary Global Grant water project in the two rural communities of Cuajachillo 2 and Trinidad Central in Nicaragua. At that time, we piped clean water to 576 locations, including 567 homes, two elementary schools, a community learning center, two health centers and four churches. This project has proven to be very successful. The volunteer water committee, known as CAPS, has expanded delivery of water to 600 families (3,000 people) and is financially sustainable. They now have four full-time employees: one in charge of the repumping station, an office person handling bills and payments, the meter reader, and a roving person who helps read meters and fixes pipes when something breaks. Some new families have joined the system while others have had their water cut off for lack of payment. As an example of its economic success, one family used to pay $50 per month for water and they now pay $6.00! Families even have washing machines, which has vastly improved the lives of women in the communities.

Pismo Beach-Five Cities Rotary Helps YMCA Collect Over 280 Backpacks for Local Students

Club partners with the SLO County YMCA's Satellite Club to support Lucia Mar's Families in Transition program

The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach-Five Cities partnered with the SLO County YMCA this summer for the YMCA's 7th Annual Backpack Giveback Drive, helping local students head back to school prepared and confident.

Douglas Trawick, a new member of the club's Satellite Club and an SLO County YMCA representative, spearheaded the drive after bringing the opportunity to the club. Members responded generously, and Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic — owned by club members Dr. Joel Conn and Dr. Sarah Conn — served as a community collection site, with Practice Administrator Michelle Wright helping coordinate donations.

Bakersfield North Rotary Foundation Helps Local Students Step into the School Year with Confidence

The Bakersfield North Rotary Foundation is helping students in North Bakersfield start the school year with confidence through its annual back-to-school initiative in partnership with the Standard School District.

The event was held at Wingland Elementary School, where Rotary volunteers, Standard School District staff, and community partners came together to support local families. As part of the Foundation’s commitment to serving the community, the Bakersfield North Rotary Foundation purchased brand-new shoes for 120 students, while working alongside the Standard School District to help ensure children received the essential items they need to begin the school year ready to learn.