During my 2025–2026 year as District Governor, I had the extraordinary privilege of representing the Rotarians of San Diego and Imperial Valley.
At Camp Big West — the Rotary Zones 26 & 27 Institute held at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park, part of the greater Phoenix area — District 5340 received some very special recognition for what our clubs and members accomplished together during the year. Seeing our District recognized among Rotary leaders from across the Big West was a moment of tremendous pride and gratitude.
Among the accomplishments:
No. 1 in Zone 26 for total contributions to The Rotary Foundation — $2,331,884
Zone 26 collectively contributed more than $14 million to The Rotary Foundation, ranking No. 4 in the world across Rotary International.
$352,507 contributed to PolioPlus — No. 2 in Zone 26
Zone 26 also ranked No. 1 in the world for PolioPlus giving, contributing more than $2.36 million toward Rotary’s commitment to eradicate polio.
264 Paul Harris Society Members — No. 2 in Zone 26
3 New Clubs — No. 2 in Zone 26
District 5340 was also ranked No. 2 across Big West Zones 26 & 27 for total contributions to The Rotary Foundation.
During the year, our District welcomed five new Arch Klumph Society and Legacy Society members, and District 5340 now has 26 Arch Klumph Society members — the most of any Rotary district in North America.
As meaningful as these honors are, what touches me most is what stands behind every one of those numbers.
They represent Rotarians who gave from the heart; club presidents and leaders who inspired others; Foundation leaders, volunteers and donors who believed in Rotary’s ability to change lives; new members who chose to become part of our Rotary family; and clubs throughout San Diego and Imperial Valley that continued to serve with compassion, generosity and purpose.
That is what makes me most proud.
Throughout the year, our District theme was “Don’t Miss the Bus” — a reminder to notice who might be missing, make room for others, bring people along and leave no one behind. It fit beautifully with Rotary’s 2025–2026 presidential message, “Unite for Good,” and the belief that our greatest impact comes when people come together with a shared purpose and a willingness to serve.
The awards and rankings are wonderful, and they deserve to be celebrated. But what I will remember most are the people, the friendships, the acts of kindness and the countless moments of service that made every one of these accomplishments possible.
I am incredibly proud of Rotary District 5340 and deeply grateful to have served alongside all of you.
Thank you for making the 2025–2026 Rotary year one I will always carry in my heart.
Luis Carranza
Immediate Past District Governor
Rotary District 5340
District Governor 2025–2026