By Ralph Bettencourt, Andy Ceasar, Chuck DiVivier
In 1983, Manuel Castillo, a member of the Carlsbad Rotary Club, and Walt Waggener from the Encinitas Rotary Club were tasked with forming a new club aimed at younger professionals in the rapidly growing communities of La Costa and Encinitas. At the time, Rotary clubs used a classification system that limited membership by job or career type, necessitating the creation of new clubs for Rotary to expand.
John Lefferdink, Andy Cesare, Chuck Duvivier, and 21 other dedicated individuals came together to meet the requirement of 24 charter members. Jerry Kauffman, who owned a physical therapy business, served as the first president, with Ralph as president-elect. Andy was slated to follow Kevin Chambers as the fourth president. Their initial meetings occurred at the Country Kitchen, now Peet’s Coffee.
The early days of the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club were wild and dynamic, characterized by frequent moves due to restaurant closures or reorganizations. The club quickly earned a reputation as the “rebellious young club” with members who were all young professionals balancing growing families and businesses. Despite their nonconformity, they accomplished more per person than any other club in the district. About a decade later, the district governor began grading clubs. While the Encinitas Coastal Rotary often scored last in complying with district functions and requirements, they consistently ranked first in their accomplishments. The routine evaluation concluded that they took on too much but always met their goals.
One of the club’s notable early projects was during the Afghan conflict when they hosted a doctor from Kabul who spoke about the lack of essential medicinal drugs. Shortly after, the head of a large pharmaceutical manufacturer gave a talk, leading the club to ask about the fate of out-of-date yet still effective drugs. This inquiry resulted in the club coordinating with Rotary International and other clubs worldwide to ship a container filled with millions of dollars worth of pharmaceuticals through the Kyber Pass to a hospital in Kabul.
When Rotary International began admitting women (around 1983-1984), the Encinitas Coastal Rotary was among the first clubs to welcome female members. They even had a female president-elect, although she had to transfer before her term due to her job as a bank branch manager. Unfortunately, the club lost a 40-year Rotarian who could not accept having lunch with women present—a testament to the cultural shifts at the time. During a period when the club had neither a president nor a president-elect, past presidents quickly gathered at Jude’s house to nominate the subsequent four presidents, ensuring leadership continuity.
Over the years, the club’s fundraising events have included selling hot dogs at the Encinitas Street Faire, hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a beer fest, and a golf tournament, among others. They have also hosted memorable guest speakers, such as a doctor who gave a presentation on penile implants and Andy’s secretary, who hired a stripper to celebrate Andy’s birthday at a lunch meeting.
Hands-on community service was a significant part of the club’s identity, with members enjoying activities like roadside trash pickups. Attendance was mandatory, and most members maintained perfect attendance. Initially, fines for missing a meeting were $2, reflecting the members’ financial situations at the time. Later, fines were larger but always voluntary, allowing members to contribute as they saw fit.
The story of the Encinitas Coastal Rotary Club is one of dynamic growth, a rebellious spirit, and an unwavering commitment to service. It sets a high standard for Rotary clubs in the district and beyond.
