Jon Caplan
 
Name: Jon Caplan
 
Member Since: 2015
 
Where are you from originally? If not from LA, how did you end up here?
I grew up in Palos Verdes and have lived most of my life in the South Bay.
 
Tell us about your occupation.
I am in the African Safari business. We create custom private safaris for individuals and groups.
 
What do you do for fun?
I love photography. My favorite subject is wildlife - in Africa, of course. 
 
I am also learning woodworking. I built a complete set of pull-out shelves in our kitchen. It is a great feeling to be able to do something like that.
 
Why did you join Rotary and why have you stayed?
I was originally a member of the Santa Monica club. I joined because my financial planner suggested it. After a few years I moved back to the South Bay and was not a member of Rotary. When my son was born, I thought about the type of people that I wanted him to be surrounded by as he was growing up, and Rotarians were at the top of the list. So I came back to Rotary, this time to PV Sunset.
 
What is your favorite Rotary experience?
Going to different club or district events and sitting next to people who are major movers and shakers in their day jobs and who come to Rotary to roll up their sleeves and do some good. You can't help but think that if this is worth their time, it is certainly worth my time. 
 
What is your favorite book? Favorite movie?
I was an English major, so I have read a lot of good stuff, but my favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. My favorite movie is Rain Man. For many reasons, but foremost because my brother is autistic. The movie marked a turning point. Before Rain Man nobody knew what autism was. Afterward, everybody did.
 
What is an item on your bucket list?
Buy an old Land Rover and take some road trips in it with my son.