2026 Multi-District Convention
Les invited Maddie and her mother to the first Zone 26-27 multi-district convention in Chula Vista this weekend. Maddie and her family witnessed first-hand the power of Rotary and the unwavering dedication of Rotarians all around the world.
We heard inspirational stories from past RI President Gordon McInally and current RI director Vicki Puliz. We also learned about the Interact projects from neighboring districts.
We are driven by service and purpose, and the endless reward of our action serves as fuel for future endeavor.
Post-RYLA Social
We invited all of the students we sponsored for the 2026 RYLA to an informal reunion at Jimmy E’s, but only Reed made it to the gathering. Nevertheless, he did provide some valuable feedback and reflection for us.
RYLA 2026
Les wrapped up another exciting, chaotic, and always unforgettable RYLA with District 5320 in Idyllwild.
There were the usual logistical hiccups, but they were completely overshadowed by the moments of brilliance that seared themselves into our collective memory. The campers walked away transformed, carrying new confidence, new friendships, and new purpose. And the Rotarians didn’t just facilitate the experience; they evolved through it. They left as better leaders, better listeners, and better versions of themselves.
Farewell Kenyan Friends!
For many Rotarians from Kenya, this is their last full day in the US. Orange County Rotarians arranged a proper send-off party with live music and amazing Mexican food. Most of all, we forged life-long friendships over the course of this week. Our lives will be forever intertwined.
Most of us will meet again in Taipei in June for the Rotary International Convention. Many Rotarians from District 5320 will visit Kenya in September, when our Kenyan friends will reciprocate the hospitality.
Running for Survivors of Crimes
Les joined Frank and Patty to support survivors of crimes at a 5K race. River joined the fun, including devouring a pancake and taking a dump near the start of the race.
Patrick Muchemi Visits Signal Hill Rotary
Patrick was the guest speaker at our morning club meeting today. He shared his personal Rotary journey and how he became inspired to lead multiple community projects, including the one that trained hundreds of nurses to become midwives. In rural Kenya where access to healthcare is scarce, many mothers and babies are alive today because of these skilled nurses who have completed an intense four-day curriculum.
Les will be visiting Kenya in September and learn first-hand the impact of these projects.
Third Day is a Charm
Our guests from Kenya enjoyed a fabulous day in Long Beach and Signal Hill, full of sun, sea breeze, and fish (both fanciful and flavorful).
The day started out for Patrick, Henry, and Les with a running/walking tour of Naples and Alamitos Bay. Les’ neighbor treated Patrick with a gourmet breakfast. The group gathered at the lighthouse at Pier Point Landing and marveled at the coastal scenery and the Long Beach downtown skyline. Olive, the best deli in Long Beach, provided tasty paninis for a picnic lunch. The group became immersed in a world under the sea at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
To soak in the best of Signal Hill, the entourage braved the steep hill all the way to Hilltop Park, where they were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Long Beach coast. The day wrapped up at the King’s Fish House, where they were joined by members from the Long Beach and Lakewood Rotary.
Second Day of Service and Connection
The Kenyan Rotarians enjoyed another day of service, connection, and serendipity.
We started the day with a breakfast with Kenyans living in Southern California. Les found out that one of his patients is from Kenya, so he invited her to meet Patrick (Muchemi) while he hosts the visitor for the week.
After being invited to the Morning Star Victory church in Anaheim (one of the oldest churches in Orange County founded soon after the California missions), we learned that there was actually an ongoing Kenyan service in the adjacent building celebrating Easter.
Past District Governor Roy led another trip to Downtown Disney, and the group enjoyed a drink before embarking on some shopping at the Disney store.
Lastly, many Kenyan Rotarians gathered with the Lakewood Rotary Club hosted by Richard and his wife Lisa. Current District Governor Craig also joined this fellowship.
Kenyan Rotary Exchange
Esteemed Rotarians from Kenya visit District 5320, after braving a war-torn Middle East on their arduous flight to Los Angeles.
Despite the long journey, they exuberantly embarked their tour with service projects and a gathering in Fullerton, hosted by past District Governor Dan Ouwleen and his wife Susan.
Ehsan’s Journey and RYLA
If a man’s character is shaped by his life experiences, then we learned how Ehsan became one of the most well-crafted humans in the world.
Born to hard-working parents who provided inspiring role models, his family escaped war-torn Kuwait and spent months in a tent city as refugees. Without running water or electricity, the group survived on air-dropped meals and bland cabbage soups. After finally finding their way to Los Angeles, the family’s situation did not improve much.
Frustrated and idealistic, the young Ehsan took matter into his own hand and hand wrote a letter to the mayor of Los Angeles, complaining about the inadequate support for arriving refugees. Shockingly, the mayor not only replied to his letter, but he invited media attention to the plight of the family. Ehsan in-turn became mayor for a day.
Emboldened by this experience, Ehsan studied to become a civil rights attorney. During law school, he traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city and created a mobile legal center to empower the victims of this massive natural disaster. His effort caught the attention of the White House, and he became the civil rights consultant for Barak Obama.
From a refugee who hid under the flooring of a bus escaping Kuwait to White House consultant, Ehsan taught us the power of resilience and his tenacity.
Later that evening, we hosted a club social at Luna Bistro, where we met Isabella’s family and introduced her family to Rotary. Coincidentally, Les and Isabella’s father used to work at Kaiser Permanente together.
