The Pulse for the Week of March 10th, 2026

If you ever wanted to learn how they keep all those planes in the air, you may have your chance! Sacramento City College is one of only two educational programs to offer the Enhanced Air Traffic Controller program. What does that mean, you ask? Read on to find out!

Opening our weekly meeting, President Kerry Wood thanked Past Presidents John Frisch and Bob Miller for stepping in to chair club meetings while she was away on vacation and business.

Matthew Green’s Thought for the Day focused on the value of sleep – a foremost topic for the father of a two-year old! Matt told the club it’s not wasted time, but an investment in your future. As Thomas Dekker said “Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” Tomorrow starts the night before, so get your beauty rest!

Members of Rotary Sacramento — Matthew Green

President Kerry recognized two club member birthdays, Dee Johnson and Dan Costa.

President Kerry also recognized two members who had been honored by the Sacramento Business Journal as 2026 “Most Admired CEOs”: PP Bobby Reed (CEO, Capitol Tech Solutions) and Christie Holderegger (CEO, Volunteers of America, Northern California and Northern Nevada).

Christie Holderegger

Bobby Reed

Gold 4 Kids + Pickleball

Since 1922 the club has provided nearly $10 million to help causes related to children and the community, said Bryan Murray, who admitted his math may be inflated, but in this case it is the thought that counts! Members are encouraged to sign up for the May 8 golf outing at Rancho Murieta, and to recruit avid golfers and “picklers” to sign up as well. Sponsorship opportunities are available and interested folks should reach out to Bryan.

Get to Know your Fellow Rotarian

Robyn Delong regaled the club with the story of Liz McClatchy’s award-winning essay “How the American Merchant Marines Contribute to the Prosperity of the United States” written as a senior in high school. Rather than write an essay, she imagined herself affianced to a sailor, and penned a letter using information she had learned from the library! She was invited to a luncheon in San Francisco where she was awarded $100 and a 15-day voyage to Hawaii on a freighter with her mother. She ate with the crew, slept on the ship, and even helped steer the vessel!

Aaron Provencal, new member and owner of OsteoStrong, was highlighted for his personal improvement by presenter Elfrena Foord. He and his wife took the Tony Robbins seminar, which led him on a health journey, hiring a health coach and losing over 40 pounds. Aaron says the key is accountability and expert advice. He now helps people with bone density and wellness services at OsteoStrong.

Levels of Giving

PEN Jamie Furlong gave $100 in honor of a recent Rotary training she attended that PP Todd Koolakian missed, leading PP Todd to give $50 toward his Paul Harris because he felt guilty for not being there. PE Paul Keefer gave $100 to his Paul Harris in recognition of the excellent Rotary leadership training he received with the assurance that Rotary is set up so well that it will be impossible for him to break the club. Christie Holderegger ($50 to PH and $100 to Eddie Mulligan) contributed in recognition of her Merchant Marine grandfather and also in honor of her Sacramento Business Journal recognition. PP Bobby Reed ($150 to Eddie Mulligan) gave in honor of Justino Santano, who nominated him for that Sacramento Business Journal honor. PP Diane Woodruff ($50 to PH & $50 to EM) donated in honor of Dr. Craig Alpha, who generously is helping a YIP student learn about careers in dentistry. Matthew Green gave $50 to his Eddie. Tim Comstock ($100 to EM) celebrated a client who recently bought their first home. PP Gary Kerns gave $100 in honor of his joining Rotary in 1967! – with a promise to attend more meetings.

Club Announcements

Service Day – next week, there’s no lunch meeting because the club will be engaged in service at Roberts Family Development Center.
Brown Bag Day on March 31 – signups are open for Brown Bag Day.
Mural Walk – after the success of the mural walk held this past Sunday, PP Jim Leet announced another mural walk for May 31 from 9:30-12. It is limited to 15 people. The 2.5 mile jaunt will take you to 28 murals in downtown Sacramento.
American River Cleanup will be held on April 18 from 9 to 12 at Discovery Park. See Jim Henderson for more information.
Rotary Firesides – PP Todd Koolakian announced a number of host openings for Fireside gatherings. We need hosts for April, May, and June. Rotarians are asked to host 15-20 members and provide the food and beverages.

Luncheon Speaker

Dr. Albert Garcia, president of Sacramento City College, was preceded at the podium by Karyme Perez, an SCC student in the Enhanced Air Traffic Control program, who spoke with excitement about the ability to complete all her requirements here in Sacramento without having to spend a year training in Oklahoma City. Sac City College is one of only two programs to provide that option.

Dr. Garcia gave an overview of the Los Rios Community College District and the programs offered at each of the four campuses. He highlighted the challenges facing higher education right now with the dismantling of the Department of Education and many of their functions being transitioned to the Department of Labor, as well as the challenges posed by the apportionment funding model.

The SCC strategic plan showcases its efforts to provide affordable higher education and pathways to jobs. This includes the need to improve facilities to train more nurses, firefighters, and first responders to meet the increasing demand. Their nursing program is highly successful, with long waiting lists every year, but a nearly 100% post graduation job placement. A focus on skilled trades, child development, and technology are hallmarks of their programs and will be a continued emphasis for career pathways.

This week’s greeters were Larry Gilzean and Matt Green. Wine was provided by the club. Photos were taken by John Swentowsky, and Pulse reporting was handled by Peter Coyl.