Rolando Park Community Council

The Prez Sez…… by J.P. LaMontagne, President

Apr 17, 2004

I cannot begin to express just how pleased I am with the progress we have all made as a Council to date. With the exception of our initial meeting, November 20, 2003 where we formed as a Council, we have had only three Membership meetings. Nonetheless, we continue to draw between 65 and 75 community residents every month! Thank you for your participation and your interest!

Let me share with you what has happened since the beginning of the year. We have been successful in having Union Bank of California sponsor a fee-free checking account. We have had Councilmember Jim Madaffer not only approve our five Rolando Park community signs, but one extra sign was generously paid for by Jim?’s office since we were only allowed four free according to city policy. These will be erected soon. We have had consistent representation from the San Diego Police Department and Officer Pat Norris at each of our meetings, as well as representation from Jim Madaffer?’s office thanks to Chris Matter. We have had significant assistance given to us by Doris Perry, President of the Rolando Community Council and by Judi Bonilla, President of the Darnall Community Council. Thanks to you both!

At our most recent meeting we were surprisingly visited by Shirley Horton, California State Assemblywoman. We additionally have formed our Strategic Planning Committee and have not only solicited a list of concerns from community residents but the committee has already prioritized the first five items for action. Thanks to those who volunteered for this key committee.

Last week I had an attorney/CPA, Clark Davidson, who volunteered to give us legal assistance in filing our Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State?’s Office and with the help of another volunteer, James Weaver, to help with the submission of our application for tax-exempt status. Once we get our 501(c)(3) we can begin to solicit contributions on a tax-deductible basis from individuals, businesses and grant makers. We could use some help however in coming up with the $600 in State and Federal filing fees needed to accomplish this as our treasury cannot support this additional cost, at least at this time. There are many more individuals that have volunteered but this article will not allow me time to name everyone. My sincere thanks however are extended to everyone who has volunteered time over the past few months.

In closing, I promise to always have our meetings start precisely on time at 7:00pm and have you out by 8:30pm. Bring a neighbor friend with you to our next meeting on April 15th at the Rolando Park Elementary School. I can assure you your time will be well spent.

?“Together?…we can accomplish great things?”