Rotary Club of Tustin - Santa Ana

08/28/2026

Celebrating the Life of David B. Smith

Longtime Tustin-area resident and community member David B. Smith passed away on June 22 at the age of 87. David dedicated more than 43 years to the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana, including serving as Club President, and was involved with numerous organizations throughout the Orange County community. He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, friendship, and commitment to serving others.

Friends, family, and members of the community are invited to join in celebrating David’s life.

Saturday, September 26, 2026

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1221 Wass Street, Tustin

11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Celebration of Life

12:00 p.m. — Luncheon

1:00 p.m. — Special “Let Go & Goodbye” Remembrance Gathering

PLEASE RSVP if you plan to attend the luncheon so the family can plan accordingly.

[email protected]

Rotary District 5320 Governor

08/26/2026

08/23/2026

What a wonderful night at this year’s Miss Tustin Scholarship Competition! The entire evening was beautifully done, and kudos to Jen Kohlenberger and her committee for once again putting together such an impressive event.

The evening was also a little bittersweet as Miss Tustin 2025, Jenelle Huerta, prepared to pass the crown after an incredible year representing our community. We were especially touched during Jenelle’s look back at her year when two of the highlights she mentioned had a special Rotary connection: Read Across America, when she joined us at Heideman Elementary School, and Lobsterfest, complete with a photo from the event! It was wonderful to see our club’s activities included among her favorite memories as Miss Tustin.

Congratulations to Samantha Arroyo, who was crowned Miss Tustin 2026! Samantha holds a special place in our Rotary family, as she was our club-sponsored contestant last year and went on to become first runner-up. How exciting to see her return this year and take home the crown!

And we couldn’t be prouder of Melody Chavez, our club-sponsored contestant this year, who earned a place on the Miss Tustin Court, along with Veronica Chapman, sponsored by Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year. Congratulations to all three young women!

One of our favorite moments came after the competition when Jonathan and I went to congratulate Melody. She thanked us for Rotary’s support and then told us she plans to come back and compete again next year—and asked if Rotary would sponsor her again. Of course, our answer was YES!

It was a terrific evening celebrating some remarkable young women, and we are so proud to continue supporting a program that encourages scholarship, community involvement, leadership and service.

Clarence, Jonathan, and Laurie represented our Club.

Congratulations, Samantha, Melody, and Veronica—and thank you, Jenelle, for representing Tustin so beautifully this past year!

Rotary District 5320 Governor

08/20/2026

Our August 13 Rotary meeting was all about supporting and encouraging young people in our community! 🎓🔬🎹

We were pleased to welcome Paul Pooler, Assistant Director of the Achievement Institute for STEM Scholars (AISS), who shared with us the important work this Santa Ana-based organization is doing to prepare high-achieving, economically disadvantaged students for college and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

AISS provides students with a two-year program that goes far beyond the classroom, offering hands-on STEM experiences, mentoring, college preparation, life and professional skills, networking opportunities, and exposure to STEM careers. It was inspiring to learn how they are helping students turn their interests and abilities into opportunities for their futures.

We also welcomed Melody Chavez, the Rotary Club of Tustin–Santa Ana’s sponsored candidate for Miss Tustin! 👑 Melody shared a little about herself and treated us to a video showcasing her talent—playing the piano. 🎹

We wish Melody the very best as she takes the stage at the Miss Tustin Scholarship Competition this Saturday! We’re proud to be cheering her on! 💙💛

A great meeting highlighting education, opportunity, talent, and some pretty impressive young people in our community!

Rotary District 5320 Governor

08/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1470260978465680&set=a.560484486110005&type=3&mibextid=wwXIfr

Polio has affected millions of lives, but many survivors went on to achieve remarkable things. Famous polio survivors include Franklin D. Roosevelt, who became U.S. president; Mia Farrow, the acclaimed actress and activist; Itzhak Perlman, the world-renowned violinist; and Donald Sutherland, the celebrated Canadian actor. Their stories remind us that a polio diagnosis does not have to define a person’s future. Resilience, talent, and determination can overcome enormous challenges.

08/15/2026

District Leadership Forum

On Monday, August 10, Rotarians gathered at the Fountain Valley Senior Center for our new District Governor Monica Peters’ first District Leadership Forum. It was a great evening of networking, socializing, and connecting with fellow Rotarians from throughout the district.

The evening’s program focused on the power of social media and how clubs can use it to share their stories, promote their service projects, and increase their visibility within the community.

Thank you to Naomi, Jonathan, Roger, and Laurie for attending and representing the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana. It’s always great to see our club represented at District events!

Rotary District 5320 Governor

08/05/2026

08/02/2026

Back-to-School Resource Fair Serves Nearly 900 Families

On Saturday, Jonathan, Tammis, and Laurie volunteered at the Tustin Unified School District’s Back-to-School Resource Fair. While proudly representing our Rotary Club, they also served in a variety of volunteer roles, alongside many other community volunteers and partner organizations.
This wonderful community event welcomed nearly 900 families, who had the opportunity to visit a variety of community resource booths and receive a backpack filled with school supplies to help students start the new school year prepared for success. We were especially excited to see the backpacks our club packed during our Tools for Schools project become part of this important effort.
The event was truly a collaborative partnership. In addition to our Rotary Club’s contribution, backpacks were also provided through the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, with support from OC United Way and the Tustin Unified School District. Families also enjoyed pancakes prepared by the Kiwanis Club while exploring the many community resources available.
A special thank you to Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris for attending and supporting the event, and to her District Director, Michael Tou, whose office played an instrumental role in partnering with Tustin Unified School District and the community to help make this event a success.
Thank you to Jonathan, Tammis, and Laurie for giving their time to help ensure local students are ready for a successful school year!

Rotary District 5320 Governor

07/29/2026

Thank you Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris!

Rotary District 5320 Governor