Meeting Highlights provides members, guests, and the community an overview of each speaker's presentation, significant Club and member achievements, and information regarding upcoming speakers and events. Jim Negri, Editor
Bill Ganahl, Owner - South City Rod & Custom
Bill Ganahl is one of the premier builders of personal, high-end custom cars. He has been in the business for over 20 years. His cars vary from small jobs to $1-2M cars.
Essentially, Bill takes the shell of a car and replaces everything else with the very best, including the chassis, engine, transmission, and suspension. His 6,000 square-foot shop in Hayward has everything it needs to build the frames and do sheet metal work and more. Building these cars takes a wide range of trades (e.g., fabric workers, welders, sheet metal, and mechanics), but at the same time, he has a business to run.
At any time, he has 10-15 projects at various stages so that he can keep everyone gainfully employed. Everything is on a deadline, mostly to get cars ready for shows. Bill is proud of the number of awards they have won at shows and the number of magazine covers that his cars have graced. He pointed out that all his cars are fully functioning and ready to drive.
Bill and several of Cliff Sherwood’s friends brought their cars built by Bill to the meeting that members and guests were able to view after the meeting.
Sam Crader is the General Manager for Touchstone Golf, the company that leases Redwood Canyon Golf Coursefrom EBMUD. Since Touchstone took over the course, they have made many improvements to the golf course, including fixing the drainage, irrigation, and leaks. They have an agreement from EBMUD to install a cart path all around the perimeter of the course.
Golf did pretty well during the pandemic because it was an outdoor activity in which people felt safe participating and the upswing in players has continued. Since Redwood Canyon is conveniently located, it would like to expand its offerings beyond golf. They hope to sponsor the CVHS golf team and fundraisers for other groups. Touchstone Golf Foundation supports community activities. On the third Thursdays in July, August, and September, Touchstone will be sponsoring music concerts.
President Dwight announced with great reluctance that the 2022 Chili Cook-off has been postponed until May 2023 due to unforeseen circumstances beyond Rotary's control. Read the press release here.
Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade - May 14
President Dwight reminded everyone that the Parade is on for May 14. We need everyone to help out in some capacity. This year's theme “Back in the Saddle” and it is the 100th anniversary of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo. Please contact Lytrel Carter for information about entries, sponsorships, and most importantly, volunteering to work the Parade.
Dig Deep Farms' Mixer.
Aaron Lewis reported on the joint Rotary-Chamber Mixer. About 60-70 people attended to enjoy great food and good wine. Some bottles of left-over chardonnay are for sale.
Rotary Goes to the A’s.
District Assistant Governor Dianne Dorn announced that Oakland Rotary 3 is sponsoring Rotary attendance at two Oakland A’s games on June 5 vs. the Red Sox andAugust 28vs. the Yankees. For more information, please contact AG Dianne or President Dwight or use the above links.
Polio Plus.
President Dwight again encouraged everyone to participate in Polio Plus by contributing at least $50 (make checks payable to TRF (The Rotary Foundation). In 1886, over 300,000 people contracted polio every year. Now thanks in great part to Rotary’s efforts, there have been only two reported cases, one each in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Castro Valley Car Show
President Dwight announced that registration for the Castro Valley Car Show, another great community event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Castro Valley, scheduled for June 18 on Castro Valley Blvd opened on March 15. There are already numerous entries and sponsors, but more are always welcomed. Please contact Car Show Chair Dave Sadoff for more information and to volunteer to work the show.
Visiting other clubs. Gary Bosley and Elizabeth Crocker visited a Rotary Club in Baldwin City, Kansas (population: 4500) recently. They presented the Kansas Club a Castro Valley Cub flag and received one from them.
Meeting notes by Gary Howard and photos by Gary Bosley.
has been in the business for over 20 years. His cars vary from small jobs to $1-2M cars.
At any time, he has 10-15 projects at various stages so that he can keep everyone gainfully employed. Everything is on a deadline, mostly to get cars ready for shows. Bill is proud of the number of awards they have won at shows and the number of magazine covers that his cars have graced. He pointed out that all his cars are fully functioning and ready to drive.
POSTPONED: Chili Cook-off - May 13
Polio Plus. 
Castro Valley Car Show
