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Club News
Club News
We meet every Tuesday noon at the Los Altos Community Center.
We meet every Tuesday noon at the Los Altos Community Center.
Please join us for lunch, an interesting program and fun.
Please join us for lunch, an interesting program and fun.
Here are some of the recent programs that we enjoyed.
Valley Water Highlights Local Efforts
Mike Potter, from Valley Water’s Office of Communications, outlined the agency’s ongoing work to ensure a safe, reliable water supply for the region, while also protecting and restoring local ecosystems.
Potter explained that one of Valley Water’s goals is to use natural creekbeds for flood control, balancing human needs with environmental health. The agency serves two million residents across 15 cities and oversees nearly 7,000 wells throughout Santa Clara County.
Valley Water’s emphasis on groundwater monitoring dates back to the post–World War II era, when rapid growth in the area led to over-pumping. In the Alviso region, the aquifer dropped by 13 feet, permanently altering the landscape. Today, monitoring and managing groundwater remains a core function of the agency to prevent similar issues from recurring.
Residents can learn where their water comes from by visiting valleywater.org, which also provides information on available homeowner programs. For example, residents may qualify for grants of up to $3,000–$4,000 to replace non-productive lawn turf with water-efficient landscaping. The website also offers guidance on rainwater collection, greywater reuse, and other conservation practices.
Valley Water further encourages community involvement through its Water Ambassador Program, where volunteers receive training to help educate the public about water conservation and infrastructure. Ambassadors will also learn about the region’s upcoming water purification facilities, currently in the planning stages, which are expected to produce up to 24 million gallons of purified water per day.
Ingrid Rogers Inspires Kiwanis Members with Climate Advocacy Message
Ingrid Rogers, a passionate climate activist, began her advocacy work in 2010, contributing to educational efforts with a San Jose-based environmental organization. Since then, her creative talents have fueled her mission—she has written songs, plays, and narratives focused on raising climate awareness.
Her most recent project, Facing the Climate Future Together: Voices for Advocacy and Action, highlights the stories of 33 local climate activists spanning all age groups. Published this year, the book conveys a hopeful and action-oriented message, mirroring the energy of the “climate strikes” organized by First Fridays for Future. The group regularly demonstrates outside Palo Alto City Hall, using clever messaging in the style of the classic Burma Shave signs to engage the public.
Rogers emphasized that the group’s short-term goal is to demonstrate that climate action is possible. But the long-term goal, she stated candidly, is nothing less than survival.
She left the audience with a powerful takeaway:
“No step is too small—but you have to get involved. Eight billion people can make a difference! Go with your passion!”
Ingrids website: https://ingridworld.weebly.com/
Kiwanis Club Hosts Exciting 3D Printing Demonstration by Olimpico Learning
Kiwanian Nancy Rafati and Marcus Hurt of Olimpico Learning presented an exciting and interactive demonstration of 3D printing and the many possibilities of this technology.
Olimpico Learning—a recipient of a grant from our club—is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable, and customized education. Their vibrant website, OlimpicoLearning.org, showcases a wide array of programs, including their popular Summer Learning Program, which immerses students in STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math).
The presentation included important safety insights, such as avoiding contact with superheated materials (up to 200°C!) and the importance of not inhaling emitted gases. Nancy highlighted how 3D printing can both save time and reduce costs, noting that while print times can vary significantly, the ability to design and print both internal and external components simultaneously opens new possibilities.
By the end of the session, members were actively imagining future applications—from medical devices like organ transplant tools to futuristic modes of transportation. We’re proud to support innovative organizations like Olimpico Learning and are excited about the impact their work is having on the next generation of learners and inventors.
Kiwanis Club of Los Altos Hosted ER Doctor from El Camino Hospital
Dr. Vinit Madhvani, an emergency medicine physician at El Camino Hospital and Katie Kehriotis Annual Giving Officer, El Camino Health Foundation described El Camino Health's services. Katie, who last year spoke about the hospital’s Health Foundation and the ROAR program, returned to introduce Dr. Madhvani who shared insights from the front lines of emergency care. He opened his presentation with a compelling patient story—a journey from ER triage, through the use of a respirator, to a full recovery. This real-life case illustrated the speed, complexity, and impact of emergency medicine. Dr. Madhvani also emphasized a practical safety tip for everyone: take a moment to update your smartphone’s Emergency Information settings. This modern tool, now replacing the traditional MedicAlert system, can be a critical lifesaver in urgent situations. Additional highlights from his talk included:
Special Access to Care: Valley Medical has a direct line to trauma surgeons, and concierge physicians sometimes accompany patients into the ER for seamless care.
Patient Demographics: At El Camino Hospital, pediatric cases make up roughly 30% of emergency visits, while 30–40% of patients are on Medicare. Only 10–12% of ER patients lack insurance, thanks in part to systems that immediately enroll eligible patients in Medi-Cal.
Technology and Innovation: Dr. Madhvani introduced new non-invasive technology that can measure total body blood pressure, enhancing diagnostic speed and accuracy.
Community Health Efforts: El Camino Hospital is also proactive in supporting underserved populations by enrolling low-income patients in lifestyle modification programs aimed at long-term wellness.
We thank Dr. Madhvani for his engaging and informative presentation—and for his dedication to our community’s health and safety. (contributed by Barbara A.)
Description of a possible new park in Downtown Los Altos
Anthony Carnesecca, Assistant to the Los Altos City Manager, described the City's Community Engagement Plan for a possible new park in Downtown
Los Altos. Members were shown the early designs for the park. The two chosen sites sit on about an acre each, giving room for satisfying more than one audience. Attendees offered much constructive feedback on ways to meet community needs, such as activities including currently uninvolved adults. Some key priorities, such as flexibility in design, shade structures, play elements, and opportunities for community use were matched with examples of established California parks. One example was from Pasadena, their Playhouse Village Park. A more local one is seen in volleyball set-ups in a Sunnyvale park.
The purposes of the new park’s features are to provide places to move, to perform, to relax, and to serve as a community gathering hub. Suggestions tended to be specific. Adirondack chairs for seating instead of park benches.
Our 78th Los Altos Kiwanis Pet Parade took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10am
The parade typically starts at Main & First Streets, goes down Main Street to the intersection of Main Street and State Street, then backup State Street to First Street.
Scholarships will be awarded at the annual Los Altos Kiwanis Scholarship Luncheon, June 10, 2025, with school officials, parents, families, and friends invited to attend.- 3/3/2025
Fifteen Scholarships were awarded for the 2024-25 academic year. Click HERE for Los Altos Town Crier article. 6/18/2024
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