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Speaker

Nanci Nishimura
Commission on Judicial Performance

Martin Harband introduced Nanci Nishimura, fellow Rotarian and our speaker today.  Nanci is a Principal at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP locally where she has “done it all” legally speaking.  She discussed her role with the Commission on Judicial Performance.
CJP is a voluntary organization which exists to protect the public. 2,000 state judges and commissioners are overseen. Apparently 75% of litigants in court can’t afford an attorney; there are also not enough court reporters. Because of this, there is often no record and it’s hard to do investigations obviously due to lack of contemporaneously taken notes. CJP is looking for judicial misconduct, incapacity, etc. Records are confidential. There are 12 members, 6 of which are normal citizens.  Approximately 1200 complaints/year, all of which are investigated.  The CJP votes to pursue or not.  Many complaints are from sour grapes post-decision.  Usually 1 or 2 judge removals per year. Some courts are now using tape recorders in court because there are not enough certified court reporters.  There are many “repeat offender” judges that are frequently complained about.  One of the largest problems is getting some alternative “court certified” reporting method, coupled with a severe shortage of certified court reporters, and the apparent  recent defunding of $200-300MM in funds for certified court reporters.
Thank you for a very interesting discussion.
 

Business Meeting

Pledge: Rosemary Azem kicked us off with the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thought of the Day:  Tom Heuning delivered a nice reminder to distinguish between a calamit versus a calamity we bring upon ourselves.
 
 
 
 
Newscast:  Peter Webb gave us predictions for 2018 from various Rotarians, including that:
  • The market will go up…or down (Bob Binn)
  • Interest rates up .75%, stocks up 4%, 49er’s 9-7 (Steve Fick)
  • Will attend more Rotary meetings (Laura Porter)
  • US will show less growth than International (Nick Rogers)
  • Retail commercial vacancy will remain low (Mike Berube)
  • Residential RE will show little impact due to tax law (Chris Eckert)
  • Strong visitor interest (Anne LeClair)
  • Many transportation ballots, woman Governor, no Congressional majority (Juan Raigoza)
  • Thursday, June 21st will be the longest daylight of the year (Cattano)
Sunshine Report:  Bo Whitehill reports that Sue Lempert took a little tumble and is OK.  And Al Norcross is back!! (56 year member) 
 
 
 
 
 
Visiting Rotarians:  Nanci Nishimura introduced Carlos Lipson
Rotarians with Guests:  Walt McCullough introduced Katrina Sanchez, scholarship recipient from a Foundation that Walt has managed for a long time.  Walt announced he is handing over that $600k to the Rotary Foundation— it’s purpose is for young girls studying medical studies.
Juan Raigoza introduced Nancy McGee.
 
Announcements: Frank Zelinksi announced that March 2nd there will be a Rotary Tahoe Ski Race at Northstar. Contact him if interested, and be sure to update your Living Trust pre-race.
Anne LeClair took a poll for Mystery Day/Night:  Day or Night?  The vote was for a Night-time event.
Steve McDonald was recognized for his grandson Leland McDonald’s talking of “Momma momma”.
Martin Harband was recognized for his trip to Egypt, Cairo, Luxor.
John DeRussy was recognized for his Park City trip.
Brian Sullivan was recognized as the missing cast member of the famous movie “Corvette Summer”, which also starred Mark Hamil.  He then mentioned that his daughter is doing fantastic work with the FBI.
Juan Raigoza was recognized as Controller for SM County’s receiving the excellence in financial reporting award.
 
Wheel of Misfortune:  John Barrett shared his President’s Club fine with Jamie Casey, each paid $150; then I got distracted because Todd Foster yelled “squirrel” and pointed out the window, but two other great people joined the President’s Club.
Today’s Speaker
 
Spinnings Editor, Chuck Cattano
The pen is, indeed, mightier than the sword.
Thanks to the Photo Editor of the week Peter Webb!
 
President Chris Eckert
 
Defines and Refines Club
 
Speakers
Jan 11, 2018
Jan 18, 2018
Educating Women in the 3rd World
Jan 25, 2018
Transportation Issues
View entire list