Home Page | Rotary Club of Del Mar-Solana Beach

Forever Balboa Park

We were honored to have Ray Ellis, who focuses on community and public service, speak to us about Forever Balboa Park and the wonderful work they do to care for, enhance, and revitalize Balboa Park. Forever Balboa Park's mission is to improve and advance Balboa Park so that people, nature, and culture can thrive together, by prioritizing inclusivity, stewardship, service, sustainability, opportunity, and synergy in all they do. Some of their upcoming projects and programs are:

The following slide shows just how large and how large a presence Balboa Park is in San Diego; and the following highlights the 16,000 trees in the park across 400 different species, which continues to grow as they plant 100 trees per year.

As our projector was giving us problems, we hope to have Mr. Ellis back to show us his full presentation. Thank you for all you do to make Balboa Park a thriving, sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.

Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker: Willy Melendez, Deputy Fire Chief

October 9, 2026 - DMSB Rotary was honored to welcome Willy Melendez, Deputy Fire Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

With over 20 years’ experience, Chief Melendez oversees three critical areas of the department: Emergency Medical Services, the Emergency Command and Data Center, and the Office of Emergency Services. Together, these teams coordinate how San Diego prepares for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies of all kinds, from medical calls to wildfires and other large-scale disasters.

Members left with a deeper appreciation for how much coordination, technology, and teamwork goes on behind the scenes to keep our community safe.

Thank you, Willy, for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your expertise with us. We are grateful for your service and for everything you do and the entire San Diego Fire-Rescue Department to protect our neighbors every day!

GUEST SPEAKER KATIE BANVILLE

Featured; Jason Strayer, Club President and Katie Banville Associate Artistic Director Cygnet Theatre

DMSB Rotary Takes a Bow with Katie Banville of Cygnet Theatre

October 2, 2026: The curtain rose on breakfast this morning, and DMSB Rotary had the best seat in the house. Our guest star, Katie Banville, has spent more than 20 years as a performer and choreographer and now serves as Associate Artistic Director at Cygnet Theatre. Her stories of the theatre scene of yesteryear were a welcome breath of fresh air, and a gentle nudge to look up from our screens once in a while.

Cygnet has been stealing scenes since 2003 and now calls the historic Liberty Station home, at 2880 Roosevelt Road in the Point Loma Art District. After a $43.5 million renovation, the building is ready for its close-up. Each year, Cygnet puts on six to seven mainstage productions, mixing classics, contemporary plays, and musicals, so there's something for every taste.

Thank you, Katie, for a standing-ovation-worthy morning. Members and readers, your next assignment: grab a ticket, grab a friend, and enjoy some good old-fashioned theatre fun. Our local stages will thank you with a grand applause!

Governor Recognition Award

Featured left to right: Jason Strayer, Club President - Susan Hennefent, Director of Membership and Jeb Bakke, District Governor Rotary Club.

A Well-Deserved Honor: Susan Hennenfent Receives the Governor's Recognition Award

September 25, 2026 - Congratulations to Susan Hennenfent, this year's recipient of the Governor's Recognition Award! Club President Jason Strayer selected Susan for this honor, and the award was presented by District Governor Jeb Bakke. Susan's contributions have played a key role in the club's ongoing success. Her commitment and consistent effort to keep the club moving forward, and her diligence inspires everyone around her to do the same.

On behalf of the entire club, thank you, Susan, for your tireless dedication, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to our shared success. This recognition is richly deserved, and we couldn't be prouder to celebrate you today.

Congratulations again, — you are, without question, our shining star. Here's to your continued success and to all the inspiration you'll keep bringing to our club in the years ahead!

New Rotarian - Welcome!

Welcome, Kate Kousser — DMSB Rotary's Newest Member!

September 25, 2026 - DMSB Rotary is thrilled to welcome Kate Kousser as our newest member! Kate currently serves as Director of Development for Casa de Amistad, where she channels her talent and passion into supporting the organization's mission and expanding its reach in the community. With more than 20 years of experience spanning the government and nonprofit sectors, Kate brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and hands-on expertise to our club. Her career reflects a deep and lasting commitment to public service and community impact — values that align perfectly with the heart of Rotary. Kate holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of California and a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College, a combination of academic rigor and real-world experience that makes her a tremendous asset to our chapter. Beyond her professional accomplishments, what truly stands out about Kate is her genuine passion for service and her drive to make a difference. We have no doubt she'll bring fresh energy, insight, and enthusiasm to everything we do together.

Please join us in giving Kate a warm welcome to the DMSB Rotary family. We are so excited to see the impact she'll make as a fellow Rotarian and look forward to working alongside her in service to our community!

Pictured below from left to right: Jeb Bakke - Rotary Club District Governor, Susan Hennenfent - Membership Director, Kate Kousser -New Rotarian and Vicky Mallet - Director of Community Service.

Welcome to our Club!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Fridays at 7:00 a.m.

Hilton Del Mar

15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014
United States of America

District Site

Venue Map

Halloween Blood Drive
Oct. 31, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Casa de Amistad Adopt A Family
Nov. 06, 2026
Veterans Day Ceremony - A Salute to US Special Ops
Nov. 11, 2026
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Casa de Amistad Holiday Party
Dec. 15, 2026
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
CASA Adopt a Family Distribution
Dec. 18, 2026
Wreaths Across America
Dec. 19, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Ron Swaisgood, PhD

Oct 30, 2026

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Kaitlyn Elliott-Norgrove

Nov 06, 2026

San Diego Lagoon

Terry Kraft

Nov 13, 2026

USS Midway Museum

Jennifer Bright

Dec 04, 2026

Nature Collective

Midway Museum architect Pat Caughey

Dec 11, 2026

Freedom Park Museum

Member Steve Weitzen

Jan 08, 2027

Legal Topics

View entire list...

October 2026

30 31

Jason Strayer

jason.strayer@scoutenv.com

425-876-0413

Discover the Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club – Where Service and Fellowship Flourish!

Since our inception in 1992, the Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club has been dedicated to making a difference in our community and beyond. As part of Rotary District 5340, encompassing 67 clubs in San Diego and Imperial Counties, we're driven by a passion for service and a commitment to meaningful impact.

Why Rotary?

As the world's pioneer service club, Rotary International has a rich history dating back to 1905. With 34,000 clubs and 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide, Rotary leverages collective resources to tackle global challenges, from eradicating polio to promoting education and fostering peace.

What do we do?

At our club, you'll experience the joy of service while building lasting friendships. Whether it's through our weekly Friday morning meetings, engaging in fellowship activities, or participating in our signature event, Lobsterfest, there's always an opportunity to have fun while making a difference.

Who do we serve?

We're deeply involved in a diverse range of projects, from supporting local initiatives like Just in Time for Foster Youth and Casa de Amistad to international efforts such as the El Salvador Preschool and Community Center and India Women’s Home for Mental Health Care. Through educational, humanitarian, and cultural programs, we touch lives and create positive change, both locally and globally.

Ready to join us?

Visit our website to learn more about our club and how you can get involved. Or better yet, stop by for a complimentary breakfast at the Del Mar Hilton Hotel every Friday morning. Experience firsthand the warmth of our community and the impact we're making together. Come be a part of something truly special – join the Del Mar Solana Beach Rotary Club today!