Orangutan Preservation in Indonesia

by Gillian Bradshaw

Betsy Yaap, Bob Yaap's daughter, visited us from Indonesia today, along with her family, including her sons James and Robert. She took us on an amazing journey of her life in Thailand, Australia, Borneo, and Indonesia where she has been working to preserve the habitat of orangutans and other wildlife, as land is developed for agriculture.

She explained that they survey the animals' home range and identify areas where plantations can be developed, leaving corridors for the wildlife. She consults with businesses on sustainable development and teaches children about the abundant life in their "backyard" forests.

While visiting the remote villages, where the natives live entirely off the land, she helps to educate them in protecting the environment and how harmful poaching and trading can be. She said that we can help by using products with an FSC logo showing they have been harvested responsibly; also that we can avoid products containing palm oil as these plants are of no value to the native animals of these countries.

Betsy is working on her PhD which will help answer many questions relating to conservation in this part of the world. When asked where she will go next, she expressed an interest in Egypt or Chad so we will look forward to her "Chapter 2" presentation in a few years!

Irvine Rotary welcomes three new members

PDG Bret Gerdes and Membership Chair Rick Topping welcome Ed Linck, Dan Kempff and Jay Spencer to the Irvine Rotary Club.

Irvine City Councilmember Jeff Lalloway

Our speaker last meeting was Jeff Lalloway, the newly elected Irvine City Councilmember. He spoke about why he decided to run for office and the current challenges facing Irvine. From the state trying to take redevelopment funds allocated for the Great Park, to public employee unions, to what the future planning issues are, Councilmember Lalloway gave his candid insight.

He handled all of the questions brought forth by members and stayed after the meeting to answer more.

Irvine PD Emergency Response Team

Our guest speaker this week is Frank Southern from the Irvine PD Emergency Response Team.

Frank is a 34-year resident of Irvine and last July retired from the Tustin Unified School District after 39 years of service. He began as a math teacher at Foothill High School. His last position was working at the District office where he was the Director of Student Services. He was also the Director of Curriculum and Director of Secondary Education for Tustin Unified.

He has been the State Administrator of the Year, OC Administrator of the Year (Pupil Services) and most recently, was presented the outstanding contribution to education award by the Orange County Department of Education.

Last August Frank was hired by the Irvine Police Department to facilitate the Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) Program.

As can be seen, Frank failed retirement…

Please join us on Wednesday to welcome Frank.