Paul's Perspective - June 2026
Happy Summer Greetings to my Kiwanian Friends,
As we approach the final three months of this remarkable year, I want to reflect on the past few weeks. As you know, Margaret Sigurdsson will become our new Lt. Governor next year. I am confident she will be welcomed by all. Congratulations, Margaret! I look forward to hearing of your success in your new position.
There are several other exciting events that have occurred these last few weeks. On Wednesday May 27, Rodney Medina, the President of the Oxnard Club organized a trip to Dodger Stadium. It was a lot of fun to share the occasion with participants from Ventura, Camarillo, Oxnard and Thousand Oaks. Hopefully, we can do it again soon, this is the second time that the Oxnard Club has organized this trip. Thank you, Rodney! You did such a great job putting this trip together.
It’s always a pleasure to report updates from our individual clubs. The Thousand Oaks Club, under the leadership of President Brian McMahon, has started a new meeting that is successfully bringing together new, young, energetic members. The mix with our tenured group is clearly already making a difference. I will make sure and send an invitation to all club Presidents as you are all welcome to join us at the next Rising Star Meeting.
On Saturday June 6, Tom Skinner and Kim Carnazzola welcomed our member Teta Van Ommeren, as she organized the BBQ for the Ride On Therapy group. This organization generously plans a day of horseback riding, BBQ and fun for Special Needs students and their families. It was held at the Rancho Potrero Equestrian Center. Thank you, Teta, Tom and Kim! Special recognition and a shout out to our very own Arnie Rudman who took care of keeping the chili warm and ready to serve!
On Sunday June 7, the Thousand Oaks Club once again was called on to provide Hot Cakes and Sausages for about 3,000 runners for the Senior Concerns LOVE RUN. Thank you, Kathy Smiley, our President Elect for next year. You did a fabulous job coordinating this event. What a difference it makes for the Meals on Wheels program Senior Concerns.
Our Camarillo Club continues to be in touch with their weekly newsletter, and it is always a pleasure to learn about their community activities and in particular their regular support of their SLP’s with the KIWIN’S and Key Club in their local high schools.
Congratulations to the Camarillo Kiwanis Club as they are also making plans to celebrate their 60th anniversary of service within their community.
Finally, we always look forward to hearing of the Simi Valley Club’s annual 4thof July fireworks show. It is these traditions that truly establish the Kiwanis Club as a strong supporter of their community.
On a personal note, I am looking forward to attending the International Convention in Manila on June 24. The chance to collaborate, learn, and participate in these events is an honor, and I look forward to sharing more with you about it at the next DCM. That meeting will be on July 9th, and it will be at The ARC of Ventura.
As always, I remain appreciative of the chance to continue to work, “Together as a Team, Accomplishing the Kiwanis Dream.”
Paul Lopez
Paul Lopez,
Lieutenant Governor 2025 - 2026