This year the event is May 3rd, 2026 from 12-5pm with the VIP Hour from 11am to 12pm. Now in our 49th year, the 2026 Chili Cook Off, Craft Brew Festival & Classic Car Show is poised to be our “BEST EVER” with authentic craft breweries. This year we will have 2 stages of LIVE music, where we feature the best local musicians to showcase their talents. The BEST Car Show in Ventura County with classic to unique to cars from movies! There will be a FREE Kid Zone featuring bounce houses, obstacle courses, giant slide, face painting and more activities! Go to https://chili-cook-off.com/ for more information. |
A MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR
March Highlights & April Preview
March was a busy and memorable month as Cindy and I completed our final two club visits for the year. We visited the Montecito Club, which meets at the beautiful Music Academy of the West, truly a stunning setting for a Rotary meeting. Later that same day, we made our final visit to the Next Gen Rotary Club, which met in the back of a brewery filled with Rotarians enjoying the energy of St. Patrick’s Day. While I had to compete with Irish music playing in the background, the atmosphere was fantastic and it made for a fun and memorable experience.
Throughout March, I also had the opportunity to participate in several outstanding events across the district. These included the Group 6/7 monthly meeting, a Group 4 meeting focused on challenges facing our local nonprofits, the Viva La Comida fundraiser in Camarillo, a club social in Westlake Village, the China Lake Scholarship Fundraising Dinner, and enjoying comedian Demetri Martin at the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa fundraiser. I also had the pleasure of meeting our Youth Exchange team and students in Simi Valley this past Saturday the 28th.
Three additional memorable events stood out in March:
Ojai Noon Club Event - “Having Difficult Conversations” (March 18) Rotarians and community members gathered to discuss why we often feel divided as a nation and how we can engage in respectful, dignified conversations with others. It was a meaningful and timely discussion. To learn more, visit Dignity Index at dignity.us.
Kern YES - Youth Empowerment Summit (March 21) Kern YES (Youth Empowerment Summit) brought together high school students from across Kern County for a powerful and impactful experience. A big thank you to all the staff and volunteers who make this event possible each year. Visit Kern YES at kernyes.org for more information.
District Learning Assembly - March 21
We had 193 Rotarians join us for this outstanding event, featuring keynote speaker John Chase. The team of PDG Loretta Butts, Chris Baxter, and DGE Margarida Eidson dedicated many hours to presenting valuable content designed to strengthen our members and clubs. Sessions were recorded and will be available later this year.
We had 193 Rotarians join us for this outstanding event, featuring keynote speaker John Chase. The team of PDG Loretta Butts, Chris Baxter, and DGE Margarida Eidson dedicated many hours to presenting valuable content designed to strengthen our members and clubs. Sessions were recorded and will be available later this year.
Looking Ahead to April
April will include a special trip for Cindy and me as we travel to South Korea to visit our Sister Districts. We are looking forward to sharing ideas on how to strengthen and grow Rotary.
Additional events happening across the district include:
• Peace Pole Dedication - April 14, Mission Plaza, San Luis Obispo Clubs
• RYLA - April 16-19
• All Club Meeting Group 2 - April 23, CTEC Campus, Bakersfield
• Group 10 Social - April 26, San Luis Obispo
• Johnna’s Tea Party - April 26, Simi Sunrise
• Vocational Mixer - April 30, Camarillo Clubs
• RYLA - April 16-19
• All Club Meeting Group 2 - April 23, CTEC Campus, Bakersfield
• Group 10 Social - April 26, San Luis Obispo
• Johnna’s Tea Party - April 26, Simi Sunrise
• Vocational Mixer - April 30, Camarillo Clubs
April is Environmental Month
April is recognized by Rotary International as Environmental Month, a time when Rotary clubs around the world focus on protecting natural resources, promoting sustainability, and supporting projects that improve the health of our planet. As one of Rotary’s newest Areas of Focus, environmental stewardship encourages members to take action through tree planting, community clean-ups, conservation efforts, and environmental education.
We are fortunate to have Don Maruska serving as our District Environment Chair. One of his key goals is to increase and improve pollinator habitats by identifying existing pockets of pollinator-friendly spaces and helping develop a nectar corridor to support both migratory and non-migratory pollinator species. Through these efforts, our district can contribute to healthier ecosystems, stronger biodiversity, and more sustainable communities. Please reach out to Don to see how your club can participate - don@donmaruska.com
Important Dates to Remember
Saturday, June 27, 2026 – District Stepdown and Awards Luncheon
Join us as we celebrate your club and district accomplishments and welcome the new leadership for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Thousand Oaks
PeopleOfAction.org Campaign Update
Three Easy Ways to Participate. Please help support this campaign which helps all the clubs in our District.
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Follow and Engage
Follow Rotary People of Action on Facebook and Instagram. Like, comment, and share the posts that resonate most with your club’s work. -
Invite and Inspire
Encourage your members to follow the pages and invite their friends, families, and colleagues. Every share helps amplify Rotary’s reach. -
Show Local Action
Repost campaign content or share your own photos and stories that show Rotarians acting locally. Use hashtags:
#PeopleOfAction #Rotary #[YourClubName]
Again, a Huge Thank-You to Our District Sponsors who help promote Rotary in our District.
Diamond Sponsors: Wedgewood Weddings, Sterling Hills Golf Club
Gold Sponsor: The Fence Factory
Bronze Sponsors: Ridge Wallet, Poinsettia Pavilion, Lakeview Canyon, Candu Graphics,
Tammy Dobrotin - State Farm and James Shipe of Wilde Wealth Management Group
Yours in Rotary,
Mike Dutra
District Governor 2025–2026
Rotary District 5240
Our club recently had the opportunity to proudly showcase our Rotary spirit at Kids Day at the Park, where our newly wrapped trailer and matching tents made their debut. The fresh signage created a vibrant and welcoming presence, drawing families in and sparking conversations about who we are and what we do in the community. It was exciting to see how the updated look not only elevated our visibility, but also strengthened our identity as a club committed to service and connection. Surrounded by laughter, activities, and community engagement, we were proud to represent Rotary in such a meaningful and impactful way.
Our annual trash pickup at Hans Christian Andersen Park in Solvang helps to prevent pollution in our streams and ocean. A small but mighty group of Los Olivos Rotarians spread out over the park to pick up cans, bottles, candy wrappers, cigarette butts, plastic, and metal bits.
We all want a clean park for our families to play in but even more important is the environmental damage if the debris makes it into the ocean. We hope that seeing Rotarians in our blue Rotary shirts will inspire others to think about how important the environment we share is.
We all want a clean park for our families to play in but even more important is the environmental damage if the debris makes it into the ocean. We hope that seeing Rotarians in our blue Rotary shirts will inspire others to think about how important the environment we share is.
Los Olivos Rotary’s first monthly community service project was a pizza party for Solvang’s Youth Empowered. Supporting the needs of at-risk youth is one of our club’s priorities and we are happy to partner with this worthy non-profit.
Youth Empowered Sports Club is a program for youth with an emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging by providing a safe and empowering environment. Workouts in the gym promote physical health, teamwork and discipline while tutoring helps the kids to develop their mental focus and perseverance to achieve their long-term goals.
Youth Empowered Sports Club is a program for youth with an emphasis on fostering a sense of belonging by providing a safe and empowering environment. Workouts in the gym promote physical health, teamwork and discipline while tutoring helps the kids to develop their mental focus and perseverance to achieve their long-term goals.
When we did our community needs assessment last June, food insecurity in the Santa Ynez Valley was a priority. We quickly named 5 nonprofits that provided food or fed those in need. Each of these organizations received checks in June or July 2025 but that’s not all we did. We cooked meals for 59 seniors at the Santa Ynez Valley Community Organization and another 63 seniors for the Solvang Senior Center. Serving the seniors is one of our favorite service projects.
The Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise, in collaboration with Cisco's in Thousand Oaks, recently led a community-driven initiative benefiting Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank—demonstrating the profound impact of collective service.
Centered around a simple exchange—six donated food items for a complimentary appetizer—the initiative invited participation from across the Conejo Valley. The response was immediate, heartfelt, and inspiring.
Community members arrived steadily, each bringing what they could. No single contribution stood above another; rather, it was the collective spirit of giving that defined the effort.
Together, the community contributed 375 pounds of food, directly supporting local families and reinforcing a network of care and compassion.
Beyond the measurable outcome, this initiative reflects something deeper: the enduring strength of a community united by purpose. It is a testament to what can be achieved when service organizations, local businesses, and individuals align around a shared commitment to others.
In every sense, this effort embodied Rotary’s guiding principle—Service Above Self—transforming a simple idea into a lasting and meaningful impact.
On December 6, 2025, Holidays in the Village: A European Marketplace transformed The Oaks in Thousand Oaks into a festive winter wonderland, bringing the charm and magic of a traditional European holiday market to Southern California.
Designed by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village as a signature community fundraising event, the evening welcomed more than 14,000 guests for a joyful and immersive holiday experience. Inspired by the markets of Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and Scandinavia, the village came alive with twinkling lights, artisan chalets, and the warmth of community spirit.
Guests strolled through beautifully crafted vendor booths—built by dedicated Rotary Club volunteers—featuring local artisans offering handcrafted gifts, ornaments, décor, and specialty foods. The aromas of European holiday treats filled the air, from Glühwein (mulled wine) and bratwurst to pastries and chocolates.
The Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary will proudly present its annual 1000 Flags display at The Park at River Walk over Memorial Day weekend (Saturday May 23th through Monday May 25th) , creating a powerful tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
With the help of hundreds of dedicated community volunteers, Club members will place 1,000 American flags in a striking formation – each one a quiet reminder of courage, sacrifice, and service, transforming the park into a moving and reflective space for the community. The community is invited to view the display beginning at noon on Saturday. The Memorial Day weekend celebration will also include:
The Rotary Club of Santa Maria has supported LaGranja Tijuana https://lagranjatj.com for two years with a district grant.
See the video:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/885454654101485
In February our President-elect Richard Batalla and International Service Chair Jorge Chavez visited the project in Tijuana for its soft opening and reported back to our club.
The Rotary Club of Santa Maria Noon is proud to support this groundbreaking school for children on the autism spectrum in Tijuana, Mexico.
See the video:
https://www.facebook.com/reel/885454654101485
In February our President-elect Richard Batalla and International Service Chair Jorge Chavez visited the project in Tijuana for its soft opening and reported back to our club.
The Rotary Club of Santa Maria Noon is proud to support this groundbreaking school for children on the autism spectrum in Tijuana, Mexico.
The Rotary Club of Santa Maria Noon has established a partnership with the Natural History Museum of the Santa Maria Valley through Operation Pollination.
This matters for Santa Maria because pollinators are essential to food security and biodiversity, yet populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease.
This collaboration positions the Museum as:
A local leader in environmental education
A hub for community science and conservation
A partner in a global Rotary movement with strong visibility and credibility
This matters for Santa Maria because pollinators are essential to food security and biodiversity, yet populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease.
This collaboration positions the Museum as:
A local leader in environmental education
A hub for community science and conservation
A partner in a global Rotary movement with strong visibility and credibility
The West Ventura County Rotary Club’s Annual Mardi Gras Fundraiser was a record-breaker this year, grossing over $150,000 in support of important community initiatives!
A very special thank you to John, Linda, and Stacy Zaruka of Sterling Hills Golf Club and Wedgewood Weddings for their outstanding partnership and support in making this event such a tremendous success.
Funds raised from this unforgettable evening will benefit both the Turning Point Foundation and the Rotary Club of West Ventura County, helping expand services and strengthen our community.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped make the evening possible:
- Ventura College Nursing Student Volunteers
- Rotary Clubs in Group 6 & 7
- Turning Point Volunteers
- All Participants & Attendees
- Event Sponsors
- Silent & Live Auction Donors & Bidders
- Cash for Cause Bidders
- Auctioneer Paul
- National Graphics
With over 240 attendees, the energy, generosity, and community spirit made this year's Mardi Gras celebration one to remember.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this record-breaking event possible — together, we are making a difference!
