I have written about our successful events, our excellent and
varied speakers, and the tasty hot breakfasts cooked by our dedicated members. I have also mentioned the club’s appre- ciation for our maintenance people who set up the clubhouse for our meetings and assist us with technical and media matters when needed. But today’s feature—long overdue—is about our outstanding club president, John Yocca.
Before John stepped up to lead the Men’s Club, I filled in for an extra year beyond my term while we searched for a president who was right for the club, willing to serve, and had not already held the position. Our search was rewarded with someone exceptional in John Yocca. His leadership example
is something to make your Men’s Club proud.
I recently joined John at RJ’s Cafe for breakfast and sprang a surprise interview on him for this column. I asked what is most important to him. Without hesitating he said kids, meaning his children, his grandkids and his
Corona Del Mar and lunched at Cafe Jardin on the grounds.
Next, I had to pull some personal interests out of him. I learned about his collecting of Porsches, principally 356’s, and his present service on the Board of Directors for the 356 Club of Southern California.
A pilot, John flew the F-4E Phantom as a nuclear-cer- tified aircrew member and as an instructor pilot and flight examiner before serving as First Officer on flights for Amer- ican Airlines. Today he works as a local realtor.
To me, his modesty is delightfully rare, signifying a man well worth knowing. I asked him how he came to be who he is. He thought for a minute, then he said he was fortu- nate to have terrific parents who taught him to believe in, and practice, the Golden Rule. He respected his dad as a straight- shooting lawyer.
When asked about his desires for the Men’s Club, John stressed seeing it grow and keeping its present activities. He added that some new activities, such as a caravan of cars to someplace worthwhile such as the Reagan Library, with a lunch included, could be fun. Families and community mem- bers might be invited.
He wants a dynamic network of members helping others. He has demonstrated this with emails offering club members, and himself, to run errands for those unable to shop or run errands for them- selves.
John’s regard for the club is evident in his appreciation of the members. He respects their wisdom and personal experiences. He also appreciates the quality of the speakers at our breakfast meetings. And his thoughts about Niguel Shores? He speaks highly of the people that make up our community and the way the development is beau- tifully maintained. Then, with a grin, he had to add the available access to the beach!
Come meet John and the rest of us at your community’s Men’s Club. Watch your email, this newsletter, and the Niguel Shores website for the announcement of our next meeting.
—C. W. Gruenig
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