The 2026 District Assembly: Our Rotary Journey Continues — District Learning Assembly and Project Fair convened on March 21, 2026. The theme chosen by District 5150 Governor-Elect Yuhui Chen from the Rotary Club of Menlo Park for 2026-2027 is Seasons of Love to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Summer of Love in 2027. The Summer of Love promoted peace, music, love, and compassion to change the world. DGE Yuhui's vision for the 2026-2027 Rotary year is to align our efforts with Rotary's focus areas and spread a message of unity to uplift every community that Rotary District 5150 serves.
Her theme and vision connect perfectly with the theme chosen by Rotary International President-Elect Olayinka Babalola from the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, Nigeria for 2026-2027: Create Lasting Impact. RI President-Elect Olayinka is calling on members to Create Lasting Impact by "making their clubs more welcoming, carrying out impactful projects, and allowing their Rotary experiences to transform them personally."
The 2026 District Assembly began at approximately 8:45 AM. DGN Tony Villanueva introduced a group of Veterans to present the colors, and The Star-Spangled Banner was sung.
Next were thank yous for those who made the Assembly happen. DGE Yuhui recognized the Past District Governors who were in attendance. From the Rotary Club of San Francisco were 2001-2002 PDG Peter Lagarias and 2023-2024 PDG Laine Hendricks.
Then came the presentation of the 2026-2027 Club Presidents. Our Club members who were in attendance cheered when President-Elect Ozan Yasavur and incoming Assistant Governor Frank Yoke were introduced. We were also happy to learn that Sunny Singh will be Chief of Staff to DGN Tony Villanueva.
DGE Yuhui Chen, President-Elect Ozan Yasavur, and incoming Assistant Governor Frank Yoke. Photo by PDG Peter Lagarias
The Assembly concluded with an inspiring keynote speech to Rotarians on strategic planning for membership by Past District 5170 Governor Brad Howard. PDG Brad was a member of the Rotary International Board of Directors from 2015-2017 and is currently the Chair of the 2027 Rotary International Convention.
New this year was a required breakout session organized by county. In that session, Rotarians were further sorted and assigned to tables with Rotarians from others Clubs within their county. Each table worked together to answer the questions assigned and develop a plan for engagement and growth in the coming Rotary year. Kayla Trunecek was at the table where I sat and did an outstanding job leading the discussion and the plan.
From the Rotary Club of San Francisco were Ruth Wenzel, Tim Hornbecker, and Eric Orantes
At the next Breakout session, everyone was allowed to choose from the sessions that were offered. Then, it was time for lunch and the Project Fair. Participating from our Club were the following:
- Ann Daugherty who helped with check-in at the District Assembly.
- Daniel DeSanto and PDG Peter Lagarias who staffed the Rotaplast table at the Project Fair.
- David Dye who spoke at the Youth in Leadership Breakout Session and staffed the Youth Protection table at the Project Fair.
- Dora Dye who did early morning check-in for the District Assembly and staffed the Emergency Services table at the Project Fair.
- Tim Hornbecker who staffed the DEI table at the Project Fair.
- Eric Orantes, Kayla Trunecek, and President Frank Yoke who staffed the Emergency Services table at the Project Fair.
- Scott Plakun who spoke at and co-led the DEI Breakout Session.
- Todd St Vrain who spoke at the Youth in Leadership Breakout Session and staffed the RYLA table at the Project Fair.
Hana Xu Wang, David Dye, and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of San Francisco
Other members from our Club who attended the Assembly included: Thomas Estruth, James Horsman, Stellie Kim, Mary Liu, Alisha Marfatia, Yana Sharma, and Merve Yasavur.
image of the 2026-2027 District pin