Spindrift October 29, 2020
LUNCHEON/ZOOM MEETING
We are still having lunch indoors and we're getting more comfortable in these difficult times of social distancing. Your reporter, in a lapse of judgement, asked people to take photos together. This was an undue risk that we took. We are successful as a species from diligence for reasonable precautions and learning from our mistakes. Your reporter will do his best to not ask you to do that again.
Guests
President George Lesley invited Cheri Johnston as his guest and Al Wach was fortunate to have her as a tablemate. Welcome, Cheri!
Invocation and Pledge
George led the invocation including the Boy Scout Pledge, more than half the members joined in reciting it. It speaks a lot to the values we hold dear to our club... Do you best, be prepared, Do a good turn daily. Leo Fracalosy led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Scouts are in a period of change after being rocked by sexual abuse and a drive for inclusivity. The feeling that the scouting oath will go away with these changes caused the inclusion of the oat in the prayer. However, looking online, one doesn't see loss but greater service to all children as they grow up, instilling the values we cherish.
Football Pool
Mike Gertner helped welcome Wally Ziglar back to our meetings. It's been too long Wally, we're so glad to have you back! Dr. Bob Wood won his $3 back being bad, Ken Dufour took second and WC Fox, first.
Main Program BANNING RANCH
Terry Walsh, President of the Banning Ranch Conservancy shared about their mission and status. Banning Ranch and surrounding was the site of a large and significant Native Nations settlement dating back about 3,000 years. In 1810 the Ranch area was within a 36,000-acre land grant by the Alta California Governor to Jose Antonio Yorba. In 1874, Phinneas Banning and his wife, Mary Hollister Banning, acquired 4,077 acres of prime farm and ranch land (from the original grant) for $17,500. Subsequent years saw most of the original Banning RAnch sold off. The current 412-acre Banning Ranch is all that is left of the original 4,077 acres. The remainder has become portions of present-day Costa Mesa and Newport Beach.
Currently, due to its status as a working oil field, it has escaped the high-density development that is characteristic of most of Newport Beach, Coast Mesa, and Huntington Beach. In November 2006, Newport Beach voters approved a General Plan prioritizing the acquisition of Banning Ranch as an open space amenity for the community and the religion.
The mission of the Banning Ranch Conservancy is to preserve, acquire, conserve and manage the entire Banning Ranch as a permanent public open space, park, and coastal nature preserve.
There are many species of rare animals on the habitat that will be supported while the park is available for public use in the plan.
The Banning Ranch Park and Preserve is envisioned primarily as a coastal nature preserve and public open space with recreational facilities. Despite 70 years of oil and gas production on the land, Banning Ranch continues as a rich ecosystem with an abundant source of natural biodiversity. Rich in history, Banning Ranch offers vast opportunities for education, exploration, contemplation, and a variety of visitor-serving amenities.
Terry Tells us that they are inching toward the actual purchase of the land with a generous donation of $50 million toward the purchase being a big boost. Thank you for such an informative talk, Terry!
RAFFLE
Shirley Lashmett is keeping it going with terrific salesmanship! Roger Summers won the pot this week, something like $32!