The California Trailblazers organization is working to train and support legislative candidates.  It will hold its next candidate school on Saturday, April 6 in Sacramento.

The mission of the California Trailblazer Program is to identify, recruit and advise a new generation of fiscally conservative leaders for California Assembly and Senate seats in 2014 and beyond.

The candidate school aims to give our candidates the tools for victory.  It is open to candidates planning to run for State Assembly or State Senate.

The school will offer insight from Republican leaders and top political experts on what it takes to win.  This school is hosted by Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway.  Speakers will include fundraiser John Bovée and political strategist John Peschong.

The Trailblazer Program follows the model of the successful Young Guns Program, founded by Congressmen Eric Cantor, Paul Ryan and Kevin McCarthy, which is widely credited with helping Republicans win the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010.

California Trailblazers is supported by Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff,  Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway, and House Majority Whip Congressman Kevin McCarthy.

At the inception of the program last year McCarthy said, "We don't have a bench. So we've got to go create one."

In 2012 three participants in the program, Frank Bigelow (AD-5), Brian Maienschein (AD-77), and Scott Wilk (AD-38), won election to the State Assembly.

The program consists of three tiers that candidates must reach progressively in order to advance in the program: 1 Pathfinder, 2 Rising Star and 3 Trailblazer.

Rigorous fundraising and campaign benchmarks are required before advancing to the next tier. As our members advance through the tiers, additional support is given to ensure a strong and competitive campaign.

When a candidate reaches a new tier, it is announced in the media and gives the candidate increased credibility in the political community.

In addition to the rigorous goals set by the 3-tier framework, the Trailblazer Program also provides resources of ongoing education for candidates to learn campaign fundamentals. Candidates will have access to industry professionals to assist in developing finance, grassroots, administrative, and political plans.

The program will supply quality fundraisers, coalition building experts, media training, issue briefings and more to ensure Trailblazer candidates have the tools to win on Election Day.

To learn more about the California Trailblazers program or the candidate school, visit their website or contact jpatterson@CAtrailblazers.com. Registration for the candidate school is due by Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

Saturday, April 6, 2013
Hyatt Regency, 1209 L Street, Sacramento

California Trailblazers and Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway are hosting a daylong campaign school geared toward State Senate and State Assembly races to kick off the 2013-2014 election cycle and teach potential candidates campaign fundamentals.

The candidate school will offer insights from Republican leaders and top political experts on what it takes to win. Attendees will have special access to the best political minds in the country to ask questions and seek advice on their campaigns.

RSVP: Contact jpatterson@CAtrailblazers.com or visit the California Trailblazers candidate school webpage.  Registration is due by Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

South County RWF Luncheon with Steve Bernal
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 / 11:30 am
Stravaganza Grill, 611 Canal Street, King City

The South County Republican Women Federated in Monterey County host Deputy Sheriff Steve Bernal at their luncheon. He will discuss Agricultural Crime in Monterey County. Social 11:30 am, lunch noon.  Cost: $15.  Find out more ...

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The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley Presents Dr. David J. Bobb
Tuesday, April 2, 2013 / 6:15 pm
IFES Portuguese Hall, 432 Stierlin Road, Mountain View

The Conservative Forum of Silicon Valley will host a special event featuring Dr. David J. Bobb speaking on "Reviving the Constitution in an Age of Arrogance and Apathy". Dr. Bobb is the Director of the Kirby Center, and is a lecturer in politics at Hillsdale College.  Cost: $10 Members; $20 Non-Members.  Find out more ...

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Benefit for CYRF Featuring Rep. Duncan D. Hunter
Wednesday, April 3, 2013 / 6:30 pm
Private Residence in San Francisco, Address Provided Upon RSVP, San Francisco

Please join Hosts Able Ostrovsky & Christine Hughes, CRP Vice Chairman Harmeet Dhillion, the San Francisco Young Republicans and Maverick PAC Bay Area for a reception featuring Congressman Duncan D. Hunter.  The event will support the California Young Republican Federation.  Find out more ...

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Silicon Valley RWF Luncheon with Chuck Page
Thursday, April 4, 2013 / 11:30 am
Blue Pheasant Restaurant, 22100 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino

The Silicon Valley Republican Women Federated present Chuck Page. He is a member of the Saratoga City Council, where he served as Mayor in 2009 and 2012. His topic is "Current Issues Facing Our Local Communities". Social 11:30 AM, Lunch Noon.

Cost: $22 per person. RSVP to Louise Kenney at (408) 739-4724 by noon, Monday before the meeting.  Find out more ...

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The Commonwealth Club Presents Grover Norquist
Thursday, April 4, 2013 / 6:00 pm
San Francisco Commonwealth Club Office, 595 Market Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco

The Commonwealth Club will feature Grover Norquist, Founder, Americans for Tax Reform. Norquist organizes the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which asks all candidates for federal and state office to commit themselves in writing to the American people to oppose all tax increases.  Cost: $25 non-members.  Find out more ...

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San Francisco GOP Presents Grover Norquist
Thursday, April 4, 2013 / 7:00 pm
The City Club of San Francisco, 155 Sansome Street 11th Floor, San Francisco

Join the San Francisco Republican Party as they host a Cocktail Hour with tax reform legend Grover Norquist.

RSVP: Tickets and additional details are available online. Cost: $90 Chartered Club Discount; General Admission $100; Event Sponsor $1,000. Please contact Daniel Higa for any questions at (415) 830-7558.

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CFRW Advocacy Workshop - Sacramento
Monday, April 8, 2013
Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel, 1230 J Street, Sacramento

The California Federation of Republican Women sponsors its 38th annual Advocacy Workshop. Several hundred women from throughout California converge on the state Capitol April 8-9 in Sacramento to lobby legislators on important bills, and hear from legislators.  Men are also welcome.  Contact your Republican Women Federated club or advocate@cfrw.org.

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Tri-Valley Area GOP Presents Rohit Joy
Monday, April 8, 2013 / 6:00 pm
The Hop Yard Restaurant, 3015 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton

The Alameda County GOP Tri-Valley Area (16th Assembly District) will host an event with featured speaker Rohit Joy speaking on the topic "Tri-Valley: California Battleground Region". Rohit Joy is a noted Bay Area Republican and Young Republican leader, and he looks forward to discussing how the GOP can retake the Tri-Valley for Republicans in 2014. Find out more ...

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Novato RWF Luncheon with Michael Lotito
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 / 11:00 am
Marin Country Club, 500 Country Club Drive, Novato

Join the Novato Republican Women Federated at their luncheon meeting with Attorney Michael Lotito, a well-known public pension reform advocate.  His topic, "Pensions and Potholes," is a hot non-partisan topic of interest to all.  Find out more ...

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Tri-Valley RWF Present Sharron Angle
Thursday, April 11, 2013 / 6:30 pm
Cattlemens Restaurant, 2882 Kitty Hawk Road, Livermore

Sharron Angle will be the featured speaker at the Tri-Valley Republican Women Federated dinner. Author of the book, Right Angle and political activist for Main Street America, Sharron gained national attention when she challenged Harry Reid for his seat in the United States Senate in 2010.

RSVP:  Guests $30.  Find out more ...

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Palo Alto RWF Luncheon with Annelise Anderson
Monday, April 15, 2013 / 11:30 am
University Club, 3277 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto

Join the Palo Alto Republican Women Federated as they host a luncheon with guest speaker Annelise Anderson, Ph.D., on the topic "Ronald Reagan's Legacy". Dr. Anderson is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution.

RSVP: Make your reservation by April 8.  Cost: $23. Questions?  Find out more ...

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Sonoma GOP Speaker Forum: The 2nd Amendment
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 / 7:00 pm
The Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa

Join the Sonoma GOP Central Committee for a discussion of the 2nd Amendment and how to avoid being legislated into being a victim - including proposed legislative changes to firearms laws. Speakers include Sheriff Steve Freitas, Gene Hoffman from the Calguns Foundation, and an exclusive video interview with Amanda Collins, an attack victim with a compelling story to tell.

Admission is free, and this event is open to the public. Find out more ...

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SVARW Presents Dr. Charlie Self
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 / 9:00 am
La Rinconada Country Club, 14595 Clearview Drive, Los Gatos

The Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women will host a breakfast meeting with guest speaker Dr. Charlie Self, "Dr. History" on KSFO. His topic will be "The First Freedom: The Threats to Liberty of Conscience in 21st Century America". Dr. Self will examine the revolutionary brilliance of America's Founders as they penned the Bill of Rights.

Cost: $15 includes continental breakfast.  Find out more ...

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Blackhawk RWF Spring Luncheon with Edelweiss Geary
Wednesday, April 17, 2013 / 11:30 am
Blackhawk Country Club, 599 Blackhawk Club Dr, Danville

Join the Blackhawk Republican Women Federated for their Spring Luncheon, celebrating Members, New Members and Prospective Members. NFRW Legislative Committee Chair Edelweiss Geary will present the History of the Republican Party.

Cost: $25 per person.  Find out more ...

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West Valley RWF Luncheon with Ed Soetje
Thursday, April 18, 2013 / 11:30 am
Holder's Country Inn, 998 So. De Anza Blvd., San Jose

The West Valley Republican Women Federated invite you to their next luncheon with featured speaker Ed Soetje. Ed is an NRA Certified Instructor. He will share information on the proper storage, handling and transport of firearms, as well as the status of gun laws in California today.

Price: $18.50. Find out more ...

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SFRA Special Dinner Forum
Thursday, April 18, 2013 / 6:00 pm
San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton Street, San Francisco

The San Francisco Republican Assembly will host a Dinner Forum in advance of the CRA Convention taking place April 26-28. The agenda for the dinner includes a Delegates Review of CRA candidates and issues, and a Members Roundtable to make recommendations for the Republican Party on county, state and national issues.

RSVP: Make checks payable to "SFRA" and mail to Alan Smith, 2515 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Cost: $45 for Members; $55 for Non-members. Seating is limited.

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California College Republicans Annual Convention
Friday-Sunday, April 19-21, 2013
Claremont Resort, 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley

The Berkeley College Republicans invite all College Republicans to attend the 2013 CCR Statewide Convention, April 19-21, 2013.

Check this site for more information, or contact Convention Director Shawn Lewis.

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Republican Club at the Villages Dinner with Jim Brulte
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 / 6:30 pm
Clubhouse at The Villages Golf and Country Club, 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose

The Republican Club at the Villages will host a dinner with guest speaker newly elected Chairman of the California GOP, Senator Jim Brulte (Ret). Brulte has promised to take the California GOP in a new direction, and he will provide the inside story of how and why he was elected at the March Republican convention, as well as the strategy for giving new hope and re-engaging the Party.

RSVP: Advanced reservations and prepayment are required.  Find out more ...

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San Francisco Log Cabin Republicans Monthly Meeting with Harmeet Dhillon & Kevin Krick
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 / 7:00 pm
The Sausage Factory, 517 Castro Street, San Francisco

Join the Log Cabin Republicans of San Francisco for their monthly meeting. Special Guests are Harmeet Dhillon, the new state GOP Vice Chair, and Kevin Krick, who was elected Bay Area Regional Vice Chair.

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CRA Spring Convention
Friday-Sunday, April 26-28, 2013
DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport, 835 Airport Blvd., Burlingame

The California Republican Assembly holds its statewide convention. Theme: "Duty and Honor to Our Country". For more info, see the CRA website or contact event Chairman Elsie Gufler at: elsiegufler@aol.com.

Be sure to visit my website for the latest information: