Bay Area GOP
December Newsletter

Ignacio Velazquez Elected Hollister Mayor


On November 6 Republican businessman Ignacio Velazquez was elected as Hollister's first directly-elected mayor.

Velazquez scored a solid victory, taking over 40% of the vote in a four-way race, well ahead of his opponents.

After 140 years of mayors elected by the City Council, Hollister decided in June to change to direct election by the voters.

Ignacio Velazquez ran a campaign to provide a forward thinking agenda that is business friendly.  He wants to encourage economic development.

With regard to the city budget, he plans to work with the community to streamline city operations.  But he says "I'm still going to make sure we're funding public safety first."

He opposed Measure E, the city measure to extend a 1% sales tax.  Since it passed in the election, Velazquez wants to put part of the money into public safety and part into reserves.  He will also establish an oversight committee so people know how the money is spent.

Velazquez also plans to work with the school district to keep kids in school and not in gangs.

The San Benito County Republican Party assisted by walking, placing signs, sending mail to Republicans and including Ignacio in their voter guide.

The campaign also received significant help from firefighters and from GROW Elect, an organization which has helped elect 29 Latino Republican candidates to local office over the past year.

Ignacio has served as a county planning commissioner.  He also had prior experience as a candidate, having run for Congress in 2002 and Assembly in 2006.

A small businessman, Ignacio is the owner of The Vault banquet hall and American Electrical Services, which does electrical and solar work. 

He is also a past President of the Hollister Downtown Association and past President of the San Benito Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Ignacio received his B.A. at Cal State Monterey Bay and his MBA at Cal State Hayward.

He and his wife Elizabeth have two children.

You can attend Ignacio's swearing in ceremony as mayor Monday, December 10 at 6:30pm at Hollister City Hall, 375 5th St. 

 
December, 2012
Luis Buhler, Publisher

 

 

Bay Area Election Results Highlight GOP Successes and Opportunities

While election results around the country have been mixed, it is important to highlight some GOP successes right here at home.
 
We continued our progress on pension reform by electing Republican Johnny Khamis to the San Jose city council, replacing a pension reform opponent.  As a result the pension reform majority on the council increased from 6-5 to 7-4 and helped secure the nationally recognized reforms passed by San Jose voters in June.

Additional highlighted local candidates also won their races:  Jerry Thorne for Pleasanton Mayor, David Haubert for Dublin City Council, and Catherine Carlton for Menlo Park City Council.

A new organization, Grow Elect, reported helping to elect 29 Latino Republicans around the state.  Many of these candidates had support from their local Republican Central Committees.  In our region, elected Republicans included: 

 

Ignacio Velazquez - Mayor of Hollister
Jose Esteves - Mayor of Milpitas
Dan Romero - Hercules City Council
Luis Reynoso - Hayward Unified School District Board
Edward Duarte - Dublin-San Ramon Services Board

The new top-two system produced a notable result in Marin and Sonoma counties.  In the November runoff between two Democrats, Marc Levine, backed by a coalition of Republicans and Democrats, defeated a well-financed labor-backed candidate in a very close election.  It will be interesting to see if this helps build a bi-partisan coalition for fiscal and education reform.

In this holiday season, we at BayAreaGOP offer congratulations to our victorious GOP candidates, including many more than we could mention here, and our heartfelt thanks to all our Republican candidates and volunteers who contributed to our effort this election season.

  

Best regards,

Luis

December Events



Conservative Forum Christmas Party with Armstrong & Getty
Tuesday, December 4, 2012 / 6:15 pm
IFES Portuguese Hall, 432 Stierlin Road, Mountain View

You are invited to The Conservative Forum's Annual Christmas Party with special guests, talk show hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty. Click here to purchase your ticket. Doors open at 6:15pm; Program begins at 7:00pm.


Coro Fellows Program Open House
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 / 6:00 pm
Coro Center for Civic Leadership, Northern California, 601 Montgomery Street, San Francisco

Coro Center for Civic Leadership, Northern California will host a Fellows Program in Public Affairs Open House event in San Francisco. Join with current Fellows and other alums to talk about your Coro experience. Share the memories.

Please contact lnguyen@coro.org or (415) 986-0521 Ext. 103 if you would like to attend.


Silicon Valley RWF Luncheon with Ben Ferguson
Thursday, December 6, 2012 / 11:30 am
Blue Pheasant Restaurant, 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

The Silicon Valley Republican Women Federated present Ben Ferguson of Adopt-a-Chaplain.  Adopt-a-Chaplain is a ministry providing care packages and spiritual support to chaplains serving in the Middle East and to their families at home. Social 11:30 AM, Lunch Noon.

Cost: $20 per person. Donations of toiletry or snack items for our troops are appreciated.  Find out more ...


Alameda GOP 20th & 25th Assembly District Caucus Meeting & Social
Thursday, December 6, 2012 / 7:00 pm
Century 21 Mission Bishop Real Estate, 39180 Liberty Street, Fremont

The Alameda County Republican Party 20th/25th Assembly District Caucus will host a monthly Pot Luck Meeting & Social including a review of the November 2012 election and the plan for victory in 2014.  Find out more ...


Peninsula Republican Women Gala Christmas Luncheon
Friday, December 7, 2012 / 11:30 am
Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, 2900 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park

Join the Peninsula Republican Women for their Gala Christmas Luncheon and enjoy The Madrigal Singers from Mountain View High School. Please bring a gift-wrapped present for a hospitalized veteran.

RSVP: Prepaid reservations are due by Saturday, December 1. Price: $50. Find out more ...


Marin GOP Christmas Gala
Friday, December 7, 2012 / 6:00 pm
Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley

The Marin County Republican Party invites you to their Christmas Gala featuring "Holiday Tastes of Marin". Enjoy delicious holiday food and wine presented by the Best of Marin Caterers, Restauranteurs and Wineries. Please bring a small gift for our wounded veterans and/or their children.

RSVP: Purchase tickets at maringop.org  Cost: $45 per person. Find out more ...


The San Francisco Log Cabin Holiday Party
Saturday, December 8, 2012 / 4:00 pm
Michael Gallardo and Jose Cardoza Residence, 1017 Hayes Street (on Alamo Square), San Francisco

This Log Cabin Club event is expected to be one of their best Holiday parties ever! Join in and celebrate Christmas, the Holidays and the coming New Year.  RSVP by Wednesday, December 5.  Find out more ...


SVARW Christmas Patriot Party
Saturday, December 8, 2012 / 5:00 pm
Home of Maria & Larry Fischer, 105 Kathy Court, Los Gatos

The Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women invites you to their Patriot Christmas Party. Enjoy delicious appetizers and wine.  Cost: $10.  Find out more ...


Contra Costa GOP Presents A Christmas To Remember
Sunday, December 9, 2012 / 4:00 pm
Private Home in Blackhawk, address provided upon RSVP

Contra Costa Republican Party Chairman, Becky Kolberg, and The Contra Costa Republican Party invite you to join them for "A Christmas to Remember".
You will enjoy delicious catered hors d'oeuvres - good wine - good friends!

RSVP: Pre-paid registration required. Questions? Call: (925) 828-2360. Cost: $25 per person.  Find out more ...


Nob Hill Republican Women Holiday Gala
Sunday, December 9, 2012 / 6:00 pm
The St. Francis Yacht Club, 99 Yacht Road (on the Marina), San Francisco

The Nob Hill Republican Women's Club, Federated hosts its seventeenth annual Holiday Gala on behalf of the US Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" Fund and Wounded Warrior Project. No host cocktails 6:00 pm; dinner 7:00 pm.

Cost: $95. RSVP as soon as possible to club President Joan Leone at jleone@sonic.net or 415-567-7424.  Find out more ...


Supervisor Bill Dodd's 13th Annual Christmas Party and Golf Tournament
Monday, December 10, 2012
Silverado Country Club, 1600 Atlas Peak Rd., Napa

You are cordially invited to Napa Supervisor Bill Dodd's 13th Annual Christmas Party and Golf Tournament benefiting Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center.

11:30 am - Golf Tournament Shotgun Start
Johnny Miller North Course

5:30 pm - Dinner & Christmas Party
Featuring Fine Wines, Buffet Dinner & Auction
Silverado Mansion

Tickets
$75 per person includes Dinner and Christmas Party
$175 per person includes Golf, Dinner and Christmas Party
Please respond by Monday, December 3.  Find out more ...


Debbie Giordano Christmas Event to Benefit Angel Tree
Monday, December 10, 2012 / 5:00 pm
Debbie Giordano Residence, 1916 Grand Teton Drive, Milpitas

Milpitas Councilmember Debbie Giordano invites you to attend the 13th Annual Christmas Event to support "Angel Tree", a non-profit organization that supports the children of incarcerated mothers and fathers. Dinner and live entertainment will be provided. Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child ages 2-16 in the $10-$15 range, or make a cash donation at the event.

Questions? Call Debbie at (408) 945-8988. Find out more ...


City of Hollister Swearing In Ceremony for Ignacio Velazquez
Monday, December 10, 2012 / 6:30 pm
Hollister City Hall, 375 5th St, Hollister

Please plan to attend the swearing in ceremony for Councilmembers Victor Gomez and Ray Friend, and Hollister's new Mayor, Ignacio Velazquez. Join the San Benito County Republican Party as History is made in Hollister.


Novato RWF Annual Holiday Luncheon and Boutique
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 / 11:30 am
Marin Country Club, 500 Country Club Drive, Novato

Shop, socialize and celebrate! The Novato Republican Women, Federated host a "White Elephant" Sale and Boutique. Bring a new or very gently used gift or holiday treat to enter into the silent auction. Shop from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm.  Lunch will be served at 12:15, followed by a short meeting to install 2013 officers.

Non-member cost is $31. Reservations are due by Friday, December 7. Find out more ...


SVARW Christmas Luncheon Featuring Marc Klaas
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 / 10:00 am
La Rinconada Country Club, 14595 Clearview Drive, Los Gatos

The Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women invite you to their Christmas Luncheon featuring Marc Klaas of KlaasKids Foundation.  Mr. Klaas has been a very passionate and involved presence in our own local missing child tragedy, Morgan Hill's Sierra LaMar.

RSVP: Purchase your ticket by December 5th. Cost: $35 (includes a three course lunch).  Find out more ...


Tri-Valley RWF Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 12, 2012 / 6:00 pm
Cattleman's Restaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore

You are invited to the Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated Christmas Party where you will enjoy an evening of holiday music, good food, and good company.

RSVP: To reserve, contact Phyllis Couper at coupclan1962@pacbell.net or (925) 462-4931 by Friday, December 7th.  Just $26 per person.  Find out more ...


Monterey Peninsula RWF Luncheon
Thursday, December 13, 2012 / 11:30 am
Rancho Canada Golf Club, 4860 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel

The public is always welcome at the monthly Monterey Peninsula Republican Women's Federated Luncheon. The December meeting will include installation of new officers. Please bring a Teddy Bear for donation to the Monterey County Sheriff's Department Child Crisis Intervention program.

RSVP: Sign up by Monday before the meeting by contacting Pat at 375-3573 or Diane via email at dlcare@sbcglobal.net . Social time is at 11:30, and luncheon starts at noon. $22 per member and $25 for non-members.


West Valley RWF Christmas Luncheon
Thursday, December 13, 2012 / 12:00 Noon
Home of Shannon Wagner, 15788 Izorah Way, Los Gatos

You are invited to the West Valley Republican Women Federated Christmas Luncheon. Please bring an unwrapped stuffed animal for donation to the Sheriff's Department. Financial donations to the Salvation Army will also be accepted and appreciated!

RSVP: Cost: $10 per person. Please pay by Dec. 7th. Find out more ...


PARWF Gala Christmas Party with Roseann Slonsky-Breault
Thursday, December 13, 2012 / 5:00 pm
Ming's, 1700 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

The Palo Alto Republican Women Federated cordially invite you to attend their Gala Christmas Party. CFRW Northern Division President Roseann Slonsky-Breault will speak. New officers will be installed. 5:00 pm Social, 6:00 Dinner.

Cost: $35. Reservations required by Thursday, December 6. Find out more ...


San Mateo GOP Christmas Party
Thursday, December 13, 2012 / 6:00 pm
Porterhouse Restaurant, 60 East 3rd Avenue, San Mateo

You are invited to a Christmas Party hosted by the San Mateo County Republican Party. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, no-host bar and a silent auction.

RSVP: Please purchase your tickets online. Cost: $25 online, and $30 at the door.


Solano County GOP Christmas Dinner Party
Thursday, December 13, 2012 / 6:30 pm
Solano County Central Committee Headquarters, 625 Jackson Street, Fairfield

Come join the Solano County Republican Party for a Prime-Rib dinner to celebrate the hard work of all the folks that dedicated their valuable time and resources helping to get Republican candidates elected.

RSVP: Reply online or call Republican Headquarters at (707) 422-5000. Cost: $30.


SFYR Christmas Party
Thursday, December 13, 2012 / 7:00 pm
Alfred's Steakhouse, 659 Merchant Street, San Francisco

The San Francisco Young Republicans invite you to attend their Christmas Party. Tickets are now $35 if purchased online ($40 at the door). Included with your ticket: 2012 SFYR membership ($30 value); Appetizers from 7pm to 9pm; Drink Specials; Drink tickets; Guest Speaker: to be announced shortly! Make sure to wear your dancing shoes!

If you have any questions, please contact Catherine Carr at membershipdirector@sfyr.org or Jaime Covey at social@sfyr.org


Blackhawk RWF Annual Christmas Luncheon
Friday, December 14, 2012 / 11:30 am
Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Drive, Danville

You are invited to attend the Blackhawk Republican Women Annual December Christmas Luncheon supporting Toys for Tots Foundation. Program will include installation of Officers for 2013, presentation of donated toys to the Marine Corps and Christmas Carols. Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child.

RSVP: Please make your reservation by Wednesday, December 12.  Cost: $25.  Find out more ...


Alameda GOP Post-Campaign Gathering
Friday, December 14, 2012 / 6:00 pm
The Hop Yard Restaurant, 3015 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton

Join the Alameda County Republican Party - Tri-Valley Area - for a post-campaign gathering to show appreciation to the candidates and volunteers who participated in the November election.

RSVP: Contact Lori Drake to RSVP, and call (925) 556-1148 if you have questions.


SVGOP Christmas Party
Friday, December 14, 2012 / 6:00 - 9:00 pm
35 Hobson St, San Jose

Join SVGOP for their 2012 Christmas Party! This year's Christmas Party will be hosted by Chairman Charles Munger, Jr. and Vice-Chairman Pete Constant.

Join Republican leaders, elected officials and local Republicans for a festive evening to celebrate the upcoming holidays and a successful year for the Santa Clara County Republican Party of Silicon Valley.

The event is FREE. Food and beverages will be provided. RSVP is required to attend. To RSVP, click here! For questions, contact HQ at director@svgop.com.


PRI Presents Stephen Moore
Monday, December 17, 2012 / 12:00 Noon
Omni Hotel, 500 California Street, San Francisco

The Pacific Research Institute will feature a book signing and luncheon with Stephen Moore, Wall Street Journal Editorial Board Member and Senior Economics Writer. He will discuss his recent book, Who's The Fairest Of Them All? The Truth About Opportunity, Taxes, and Wealth in America.

Luncheon cost: $30 per person.  Find out more ...


Santa Rosa RWF Luncheon with Cindy Eisenhower
Tuesday, December 18, 2012 / 11:15 am
Fountaingrove Golf and Athletic Club, 1525 Fountaingrove Parkway, Santa Rosa

The Santa Rosa Republican Women Federated will host a luncheon with speaker Cindy Eisenhower, National Training Director for John Hancock Insurance. She will be speaking on Long Term Care and how this Insurance will fit in with Obamacare. They will also be installing their 2013 officers. The cost of lunch is $27.  Find out more ...


SPARC Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 / 6:00 pm
Fremont Hills Country Club, 12889 Viscaino Place, Los Altos Hills

Cheer the holidays with your friends at the South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition. This party will include dinner and dancing with Linda Mankin and the "Sophisti-Cats!" Please bring canned goods for charity.

RSVP:  All reservations must be prepaid by Monday, December 17. Time: 6:00 pm Social; 7:00 pm Prime Rib Dinner.  Cost: 2012 Members: $35; Non-Members: $45 - ($35 if 2013 dues are paid by night of party).  Find out more ...

 

Calendar

This section contains information on county committee meetings, club meetings without a speaker, grassroots activities, etc.


Solano County Republican Committee Meeting
Friday, December 7, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Republican Headquarters, 625 Jackson Street, Fairfield 

The Republican Party of Solano County normally meets on the first Friday and third Wednesday of every month. Meetings are open to all Solano Republican voters, donors, candidates, students and volunteers. Contact them at 707-422-5000.


San Benito County Republican Party Committee Organizational Meeting
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 - 7:00 pm
YMCA, 351-A Nash Road, Hollister

Regular meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month.  This is the organizational meeting, during which new officers will be elected.      

 

 

Solano County Republican Committee Meeting
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 - 7:00 pm
Republican Headquarters, 625 Jackson Street, Fairfield

The Republican Party of Solano County normally meets on the first Friday and third Wednesday of every month. Meetings are open to all Solano Republican voters, donors, candidates, students and volunteers. Contact them at 707-422-5000.   

 

   
Save the Date!


CFRW Northern Division 2013 Leadership Workshop
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Sacramento Marriott/Rancho Cordova, 11211 Point East Drive (near Hwy 50 and Sunrise Blvd), Rancho Cordova

The California Federation of Republican Women Northern Division holds leadership training for club officers and members.   Contact: Laura Riffle at laura.riffle@comcast.com.


California Republican Party Spring 2013 Convention
Friday-Sunday, March 1-3, 2013
Hyatt Regency Sacramento and Convention Center, 1209 L Street, Sacramento

This is the California Republican Party's organizing convention, where new officers will be elected.  For more information, please contact Jasmine Megrabyan at jmegrabyan@cagop.org .

   
Be sure to visit my website for the latest information: