Mendoza is from San Antonio, TX.
After graduating from Central Catholic High School, his family moved to
California where he earned a BA in Microbiology from UCLA in 1957. A career with
Kaiser Permanente spanned 30 years where he was Director of the Clinical and
Endocrine laboratories. He developed and marketed a clinical laboratory reagent.
As a hobby, he became an LA County Certified SCUBA instructor, teaching SCUBA
for 4 years. Rick completed 8 marathons, and is a member and Past President of
the f-Stop Photography Club. He is President of "Rick’s Travel" in
Redondo Beach. Rick and his wife Helen met in college, and have been married 45
years. Helen is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, recently retired. They have 4
children and 7 grandchildren.
Rick joined the Redondo Beach
Rotary Club in 1986; served on the Board of Directors since 1987 in most of the
avenues of service; and served as Club Treasurer, Secretary, and President in
1993-94. In 1987 he was instrumental in development of a sister Rotary
Club relationship with the Rotary Club of La Paz, Baja California, Mexico.
Recognized as "Rotarian of the Year" 1989-1990 by his Rotary Club.