State Senator Anthony Cannella is running for re-election in the 12th State Senate District, one of three senate seats statewide described as "in play" in 2014 by Allan Hoffenblum, publisher of the California Target Book.  Its retention is essential to Republican efforts to break the Democrats' state senate supermajority.

Cannella won in 2010 with 51.5% of the vote in a district with 31% Republican registration.

The new 12th Senate District includes San Benito and eastern Monterey Counties.  It also has major portions of Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and western Fresno Counties in the Central Valley.  (See the map.)  Major population centers are Salinas, Merced, and Madera.

After redistricting, SD-12 retains most of the previous district, and Republican registration has increased by about 0.5%.

Senator Anthony Cannella currently serves as vice-chairman of both the Agriculture Committee and the Natural Resources & Water Committee, both important to his district. 

He is also a member of the Senate Committees on a) Energy, Utilities and Communications, b) Governmental Organization, and c) Transportation & Housing, as well as the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.

Prior to his election to the Legislature, Cannella served in his hometown of Ceres (south of Modesto) on the Planning Commission, City Council and for two terms as Mayor. 

Under his leadership, Ceres repeatedly produced balanced budgets, built financial reserves by cutting costs, and streamlined decision-making to make government more efficient.

While reducing waste, Cannella prioritized funding for public safety programs.  On his watch, the city funded 21 new police officers and expanded the number of fire houses.

In addition to his duties as mayor, Anthony Cannella served as a member of the executive committees on the Stanislaus Economic Development and Workforce Alliance. He is also a past member of the American Red Cross.

Anthony was raised with an appreciation for public service that he learned from his father, former Assemblyman Sal Cannella.  

A lifelong Central Valley resident, Anthony Cannella graduated from the University of California, Davis and began his professional career in a civil engineering firm.

He founded two successful civil engineering businesses.  He and his business partners continue to operate Northstar Engineering today.  As a business owner, he understands firsthand just how difficult the Legislature has made it to start a business and create jobs.

Anthony and his wife, Julie, have four children.

Anthony will host a Health Care Town Hall meeting in Salinas on Thursday, December 5 (see the Events section).

You can learn more about Anthony Cannella on his legislative website or in this Fresno Bee article.  To contact his re-election campaign, email Cameron at cam@anthonycannella.com.

Republican Club at the Villages Luncheon with Debra Figone
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 / 11:30 am
The Villages, Clubhouse, San Jose

The Republican Club at the Villages is having its annual Christmas Luncheon when the new officers for 2014 will be installed. They will be collecting unwrapped toys for underprivileged children and will hear from Debra Figone, who is retiring from her San Jose City Manager position.

RSVP: Reservations are required ASAP. Cost: $18.50.  Find out more ...

  

  

 

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Sonoma County GOP Fundraiser
Friday, December 6, 2013 / 6:00-8:00 pm
The Lagunitas Loft, 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma

Head to Lagunitas Brewery for this Beer & Pizza event to benefit the Sonoma County Republican Party. Drink and Donate is co-sponsored by Lagunitas Brewing Company and Mary's Pizza Shack.

Cost: $20 per person for all you eat pizza and all you can drink beer. Find out more ...

   

 

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Marin County GOP Dickens Christmas Party
Sunday, December 8, 2013 / 5:00 pm
Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Avenue at "E" Street, San Rafael

The Marin County Republican Party will hold a "Dickens" of a Christmas Party at the beautiful Falkirk Cultural Center, an 1888 Victorian Mansion listed on the National Historic Register. There will be Christmas carols and live music, food, drinks and fun.

Cost: $35 per person.  Find out more ...

 
Nob Hill Republican Women Christmas Dinner Gala
Sunday, December 8, 2013 / 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 18th Annual Christmas Dinner Gala. Music by Vince Aguiar Trio. In support of the United States Marine Corps "Toys for Tots" Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project. Reception 6 pm, Dinner 7 pm.

Cost: $95. Reservations Required. Find out more ...

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Contra Costa Sup. Mary Piepho Holiday Open House
Monday, December 9, 2013 / 4:00 pm
Office of Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho, 3361 Walnut Blvd., Suite 140, Brentwood

Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho will host a Holiday Open House. Come for the holiday treats, and stay for the friendly conversation!

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Palo Alto RWF Christmas Celebration Dinner
Monday, December 9, 2013 / 5:00 pm
Ming's Chinese Cuisine & Bar, 1700 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

Join the Palo Alto Republican Women Federated for their Christmas Celebration. There will be music, a silent auction and attendees are asked to bring a wrapped gift (with a hint), and gifts for the Vets.

Cost: $35. Social begins at 5:00pm and Dinner is at 6:00pm. Find out more ...

SF Republican Assembly Holiday Dinner with Bill Evers, Ph.D
Monday, December 9, 2013 / 6:00 pm
San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, 1630 Stockton Street, San Francisco

The San Francisco Chapter of the California Republican Assembly will host a Holiday Dinner with featured speaker Williamson M. Evers, Ph.D on the topic "Common Core National Curriculum Standards - Do new education standards help or hinder a 21st century workforce?"  Dr. Evers is a Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution and has served on state academic content commissions.  

The Dinner will benefit the USMC "Semper Fi Fund", providing financial assistance for families to visit wounded Marines.  Cost: Members and Guests $65.  Find out more ...

 
SVARW Christmas Luncheon Featuring Betty Ann Boeving
Wednesday, December 11, 2013 / 10:00 am
La Rinconada Country Club, 14595 Clearview Drive, Los Gatos

Whether you are celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah, you are invited to join the Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women for their annual Celebration Luncheon. The event will include installation of SVARW officers for 2014, and their featured guest speaker will be Betty Ann Boeving, founder of the event beneficiary Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition.

RSVP: Tickets must be purchased in advance by Tuesday, December 3rd. Cost: $35. Find out more ...

 
SFYR Christmas Party
Thursday, December 12, 2013 / 7:00 pm
East Side West, 3154 Fillmore Street, San Francisco

Plan to join the San Francisco Young Republicans for their annual Christmas party at East Side West. Please join SFYR as they toast to a wonderful 2013 and to hope, health and prosperity in 2014. ESW will have a DJ starting at 10pm to liven up the celebration so bring your dancing shoes!

RSVP: Register now! Cost of admission is $40 before Dec. 11; $50 at the door, and includes appetizers, a glass of champagne, and 2014 membership. Cocktail attire requested.  Find out more ...

  

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Solano Republicans Christmas Dinner
Friday, December 13, 2013 / 6:00 pm
Headquarters, 625 Jackson St., Fairfield

The Solano County Republican Central Committee is hosting a Christmas Party to thank all of their friends and supporters for their efforts this year. Please join them for good food and great fellowship. In the spirit of the holidays, everyone is welcome!

Roast Turkey and Honey Baked Ham with all the trimmings. They will be announcing the keynote speaker shortly. Price: $20 per person, $35 per couple.  Find out more ...

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Campaign Kick-Off for City Council Candidate Van Le
Saturday, December 14, 2013 / 11:00 am
Flourishing Garden Restaurant, 1650 Monterey Highway, San Jose

Van Le is running for San Jose City Council, District 7, and you are invited to join her at this campaign kick-off lunch. Stop by and learn how she plans to provide innovative leadership at City Hall, fight crime, grow our economy, and improve our neighborhoods.

RSVP: Reply to vanle4district7@gmail.com.

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SVARW Christmas Patriot Party
Saturday, December 14, 2013 / 5:00 pm
Home of Martha and Tom Snodgrass, 203 Montclair Road, Los Gatos

The Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women invites you to join like-minded conservatives for a relaxed evening of appetizers and wine hosted by Martha and Tom Snodgrass. Office holders and candidates running for office in 2014 are invited as guests.

RSVP: Purchase tickets online. Cost $15.

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CCRP Christmas Party - "A Time Like No Other"
Sunday, December 15, 2013 / 4:00 pm
A lovely private home, Alamo (address available upon RSVP)

Contra Costa Republican Party Chairman Becky Kolberg and the Contra Costa Republican Party cordially invite you to join them for "A Time Like No Other".

With delicious catered hors d'oeuvres and live Christmas music! $25 per person. Please bring white wine to share (no reds, please). Pre-paid registration required. Deadline: Thursday, December 12, 2013. Find out more ...

Solano County Republican Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 3, 2013 / 7:00 pm
Republican Headquarters, 625 Jackson Street, Fairfield

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