Waterway Security—Helping the US Coastguard to keep our community safe—August 31, 2016 Luncheon
Waterway Security—Helping the US Coastguard to keep our community safe—August 31, 2016 Luncheon
Posted by Andrea Mosmann
(REDONDO BEACH, California) August 31, 2016—At today’s luncheon, we heard from Commodore Harry Jacobs, Director of Public Affairs, US Coastguard Auxiliary.
Announcements:
Thank you to George Schane, Scott and Brice Young, Rick Wendorff, Colette Paul, and Jim Chen for the boat for the district picnic. Also, thank you to Colette Paul or providing the ice cream. Our boat didn’t win the competition, but at least we didn’t sink!
Vera Jimenez announced that on the first Saturday of each month, we have a homeless outreach in downtown LA, giving toiletries and large men’s clothing to those in need. Those interested in donating or helping with distribution are encouraged to come to 5th and Towne at 7 AM on Saturday. Anyone interested in carpooling should contact Vera.
Faisal Hashmi’s brother passed away recently. We send him our condolences, and a card was passed around for signatures.
Portofino Gives Back, every Tuesday at Baleen Kitchen, will give a $1 donation to the Rotary Club for every drink purchased. On the fourth week of the month, the donation from the Portofino will be $2.
Guests were Lisa Leonard, Nikki Parsons, and Eunice Lopez.
Music accompanying lunch was “Zadok the Priest” by late baroque era composer George Frederick Handel.
The Flag Salute was led by Jim Sheehy. In his Inspiration, Bob Hockberger quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson. Our greeter for the day was Bill Gard. Meals on Wheels were delivered by Amy Zimmerman.
Jim Sheehy introduced our luncheon guest, Commodore Harry Jacobs, Director of Public Affairs for the US Coastguard Auxiliary and past president of the Whittier Rotary.
Commodore Jacobs explained that all citizens should be vigilant about unusual activity within our community because 1) the
terrorist threat is real, 2) sources of terrorism are both domestic and international, and 3) our waterways, in particular, are vulnerable. While it is possible to stop a terrorist attack, our help is needed. We all should listen, observe, and report anything unusual. “See something, say something.”
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Suspicious behaviors, and not suspicious people, are what we need to be aware of. This is not a stereotyping exercise. Because we have an overwhelming expanse of coastline, as well as waterways within our borders, it is challenging for the Coastguard to protect us without the help of the citizenry. Terrorism and drug smuggling are serious concerns, but they can be curtailed with knowledge and constant vigilance. Observe and report suspicious occurrences, particularly around our ports and docks. Report the “who, what when where and why” of what you see, including descriptors of the “who” and of any vehicles involved. Do not attempt to confront or detain anyone; call the authorities.
Q&A
Question: Why are there no public service announcements on television about the threat to our waterways?
Answer: PSAs are prohibitively expensive. The SEC no longer requires PSAs.
Question: What ideology are terrorists opposed to?
Answer: The Western way of life is seen by terrorists as an abomination and an offence to the god that they believe in.