President's Column

Clearly, this is a tragedy of epic proportions and the critical role of The media to alert, inform, communicate, educate and assist those in need will continue for a long time. I know that our members are already very involved covering this story or actively involved in relief efforts, but many of you still want to know what more you can do.

The San Diego Press Club Board would like to ask your support of our peers at the New Orleans Press Club. Some of you may know that they have generously supported our programs here by judging our Journalism contest (although fortunately for all we did not send them any entries this year).

As of this moment, we have not been able to contact the Club but we have heard secondhand that many have lost their homes and their means of earning a living. We also know that many of the major media firms are offering assistance to their affected employees but that in reality many of our fellow journalists are freelancers or independent contractors and may not get the support they need to rebuild their lives. This is where we want to make a difference.

We want to keep this real simple so we ask that you send a check payable to "SDPC Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund" to our Club Manager Terry Williams. The address is 2634 46th Street; San Diego, CA 92105. Please note that the Board will be gathering more information over the next few months and will make sure that the funds are used efficiently and effectively. We will report back to you through future Foghorn articles so that you know exactly how your contribution was used.

While our thoughts may wander and we are empathetic to our fellow citizens who cannot even meet their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, the activities of the San Diego Press Club continue. I am very pleased to announce that our membership has increased by over 15%. Keep telling everyone about the Club's great events and the benefits of membership - and stay tuned for our upcoming announcement about special discounts and offers exclusively for our members at Tweeter. We are always looking for new ways to increase the value of your membership in the San Diego Press Club! I probably don't even need to announce that the next Food & Wine committee event will be on Sunday, September 25th at Santaluz. If you haven't been to this beautiful master-planned community then now is your chance! Call today as this event is sure to be a sellout! Of course, our Annual J-Awards will be at the stunning bay-side setting of the Shelter Pointe Hotel & Marina on Thursday, October 27th. Every event we have held at Shelter Pointe has been superb with very positive feedback. Don't wait - make your reservations now by mail or call Terry at 619-231-4340.

And don't forget to mail in your SDPC Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund check as well.

Posted Sept. 2005