TRUNK LINE FRESNO COUNTY & CITY REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED Affiliated with the California & National Federated Republican Women THE LARGEST ALL WOMEN’S VOLUNTEER POLITICAL ORGANIZATION IN THE UNITED STATES
+,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,+ Cheryl Storer, President, 559-325-1525, storer77@gmail.com MARCH 2014 Judy Harlan, Membership Secretary, 559-431-9631, harlan.j@comcast.net Roberta Genini, Editor 559-435-7667, r_genini@yahoo.com
Edition XV, Number 3
Visit us on the web at www.fresnorepublicanwomen.org
Join us for the March luncheon! Featuring guest speaker:
President and Co-Founder, Election Integrity Project
LINDA PAINE
“Observation with a Purpose” Thursday, March 27, 2014 Ramada Inn University(Shaw Avenue & Freeway 41) Room Shaw A
MENU: Garlic and Herb Bruschetta, Roasted Red Potatoes, Mixed Green Salad, Cooked Vegetables, Rolls, and Dessert Check-in starts at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at 12 Noon. All attendees must register for the luncheon. Luncheon costs $18. Vegan/dairy-free or gluten free options are available if requested at the time of reservation. Payment accepted at the door with reservations. (Please make checks out ahead to FCCRWF for luncheon and dues.) Or pay online at www.fresnorepublicanwomen.org. For more information, or to make a reservation by phone, call Una Freitas at (559) 224-3720 or email fresnorepublicanwomen@reagan.com Please reserve by Tuesday, February 25. Cancellations will be accepted until 24 hours before the luncheon.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE This past month just flew by. Many thanks to all of you that attended FCCRWF’s first ever Campaign School held here in Fresno on March 1. We had a full room, and I believe we all learned a lot about running a campaign, but I also found it helpful in promoting our club. Congratulations to Linda Dubbels, Chairman of this year’s Youth Government Forum and to the co-founders of this event, Gwen Hansen and Paula Guzman, and all the volunteers that worked so hard. We hosted 46 eighth grade students plus teachers and chaperones at the Hall of Records on Friday, March 7 and followed that with a trip to Sacramento on the bus to visit the State Capitol and the California Highway Patrol. The speakers were outstanding and well received by the students. This month’s speaker, Linda Paine, will be speaking about “Guard My Vote” (See http:// guardmyvote.org/) and the “Common Sense Voting Act”. We will have more petitions available at the meeting on March 27 for signatures to support the initiative for voter identification to be on the ballot. Provisional ballots and mail-in ballots will require citizen’s information for verification such as driver’s license, birth date and other ID. It is important that we work to get these signatures in on time to ensure that this issue is on the ballot. If you have not paid your DUES, please do so right away so we can keep you on our Trunkline and email list. See you on March 27!
Cheryl Storer , President
Youth Forum Chair Linda Dubbels addresses eighth graders.
The Hon. Brad Hill, Judge with the 5 th District Court of Appeal, explains how justice works in Fresno County and California.
Sheriff Margaret Mims Speaks to Students on the Challenges of Law Enforcement.
Look for the ladies offering opportunity drawing tickets at the FCCRWF March luncheon! Spring Into jewelry with a patriotic theme for sale at the luncheon!
CARING for AMERICA By Mary Heredia, Caring for America Chairman
At the March 27 luncheon, FCCRWF will gratefully receive your tax-deductible monetary contributions to Evangel Home, http:// www.evangelhome.org/ Evangel Home has been serving homeless women and children since 1955. Your contribution by check made out to Evangel Home will serve as your receipt.
DO YOU KNOW? Education Committee
. . . that there’s never a dull moment at the FCCRWF Read to Know Book Club meetings? Marian Mosley led the group in a discussion of Mexifornia by Victor Davis Hanson at the March meeting. The Story Killers: A Common Sense Case Against the Common Core by Terence O. Moore is on the agenda for the April 13 meeting. These are two front-burner t o p i c s. W i t h e l e c t i o n s coming up, being informed is a must. All women are welcome to attend these meetings on the second Thursday of each month at the home of Adair Murphy at 10:00 a.m. For further information, please call Adair at (559) 439-7094. . . . that items on the Education Committee agenda for March are the Youth Government Forum and scholarships, the deadline for submission being April 1. (See article below.)
QUILT RAFFLE TICKETS at $5 each will also be available at the March luncheon.
When donating to Evangel Home you may rest assured that your contribution is used in the most direct way to help needy women and their families in our local community.
FCCRWF Spring Sunshine Corner By Connie Silva, Sunshine Committee
Do you know of a member who has had a recent bereavement, an illness, or who could just use a kind word of encouragement? Please let me know at (559) 276-2386 or email me at muf fingal@comcast.net Do not forget to inform me of contact information for the person who might appreciate a card or other greeting from FCCRWF.
(See the article in this Trunkline for more info on the Quilt)
Deadline Fast Approaching for
Violet Heintz Scholarship Applications
By Roberta Genini, Editor
Two annual scholarships of $500 each named in honor of Violet Heintz are offered by FCCRWF to further the education of women attending California State University Fresno and majoring in math, engineering or one of the natural sciences. Please use the link below to access the application, or they may be obtained by inquiring at the CSUF math, engineering or science departments. Applications must be received by April 1, 2014. http://fresnorepublicanwomen.org/pdf/ scholarship.pdf
Over 100 Attend February Luncheon By Roberta Genini, Editor
With California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte to inspire, FCCRWF welcomed over 100 guests at the February luncheon, and politics were popping as the June 3 Primary date approaches. A custom quilt to be raffled on May 26, was on display at the luncheon. Three years in the making, the quilt is 60" X 75". This unique quilt features embroidered eagles symbolic of our great nation. Tickets are $5 each, and may be purchased at the FCCRWF March luncheon. The drawing will take place Memorial Day (May 26) at the Clovis Memorial Veterans Hall. All proceeds will be used to cover the Joint Service Honors Command operating expenses as they provide proper military honors to deceased veterans.
The future of the Republican Party in California was Jim Brulte’s theme.
Quilt to be raffled on Memorial Day, May 26, to benefit Fresno Joint Service Honor Command.
CD 16 Candidate Johnny Tacherra greets FCCRWF members at February luncheon.
Fresno County Board of Supervisors District 1 Candidate Gary Yep, Mayor of Kerman
Lisa SondergaardSmittcamp, Candidate for Fresno County District Attorney flanked by President Cheryl Storer and Parliamentarian Mary Ann Dews
SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT on Darrell Issa By Roberta Genini, Editor
FCCRWF would like to take a moment to thank Rep. Darrell Issa, California CD 46, for his bulldog tenacity in pursuing government transparency. As Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government and Reform, he was most recently excoriated in the liberal media for not allowing a Democrat, Elijah Cummings, Maryland 2nd CD, to run away with the hearing where Issa had just attempted to question Lois Lerner on the IRS’s targeting of conservative groups. He has attracted national attention for his determination to defend the basics of our American system, the principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution literally constitutes us as a nation. Issa realizes how fragile is our existence as a nation if its founding principles are skirted or ignored. America faces the storms of bad government, so natural to human beings, in “a skiff made of paper”, to apply to the U.S. Constitution the phrase John Dickenson of Pennsylvania used to characterize the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Here is Darrell Issa’s philosophy in his own words, as expressed to the Concord Monitor, Feb. 16, 2014: “As a young business owner, it was the first President Bush who drew my attention and ire to government with a broken promise and an ill-considered tax hike. President Clinton’s tax hike just a few years later was a bad second act, and his class warfare rhetoric was worse. It was time to get involved. Just as we’d achieved success in our business, after a decade of determination and toil, job creators were being vilified in the media and targeted for a new punitive tax scheme – to fund a president’s personal agenda. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? They never seem to run out of ideas on how they want to spend your money. And that’s the biggest difference between Democrats and Republicans – we have a fundamental difference on what the proper role of government should be. What we need in America is a fundamental rebalancing of power back to the states, back to local governments, back to the people. The only way to make government work better is to restore genuine accountability. That is the role I have played in Congress as chairman of the House Oversight Committee over the last few years. While President Obama has been an egregious offender of executive over-reach, this is an ailment that is chronic throughout the entire history of our government. Every president jealously guards and gathers power. Executive power may be the most efficient when it is dictatorial, but our nation was founded on the principle of avoiding dictatorial power – today’s reality is that countless unnamed and unknown bureaucrats yield tremendous power over people’s lives. The separate branches of government were established to resist the growth of power of the executive with the idea that most governance would flow from the states – that the exercise of democracy at its best would be found in small towns and cities – with only limited responsibilities given to the federal government. There was a belief that government closest to the people would be the most responsive – that belief still holds. Yet, as time has gone by, more power has been taken from those closest to the people. And it is my belief that as this continues to happen, as Washington continues to grow more powerful, liberty has suffered the most. With every new regulation and executive order, we lose a little more liberty, our right to make our own decisions and to make mistakes. The preservation of our liberty today relies on resisting the expansion of government. That’s why it is for the Republican Party to stand with Americans to check the growth of executive power and the growth of government.”
Darrell Issa at the Lincoln-Reagan Dinner with FCCRWF members Edie Kassabian and Susan Abbott. At right, associate member Ralph Hatland
The Growing Desperation for Common Sense and Water in Our Valley By Roberta Genini, Editor
It is nothing short of heartbreaking to imagine what summer will be like for the myriads of Central Valley citizens directly and even indirectly involved in agriculture. It is also difficult to comment on the dire situation except by sputtering, but I will attempt to use words. Rep. Devin Nunes seems never to rest from his efforts to restore water sanity to the Valley. His radio appearances have certainly helped to raise community awareness of something that should be on everyone’s front burner. Recently the Wall Street Journal published an article praised by Congressman Nunes as a fine summary of a crisis which is complex but solvable, if only the incomprehensible goals of the environmentalist establishment were not so entrenched: “How the Other California Lives” by Allysia Finley, online update published March 7, 2014. These are some facts mentioned in the WSJ article that every Valley citizen should be aware of: 1. The Central Valley produces half of America’s fruits and vegetables, a third of U.S. dairy exports, and more than 98 per cent of its almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. 2. West side growers have already taken tens of thousands of acres out of production. This year half a million more acres will be left fallow. 3. 72 million heads of lettuce will not be produced in the Valley this year, and will likely be imported from Mexico. 4. Lack of state water allocation leads many farmers to deplete aquifers, and once gone they don’t come back. 5. The recent northern California “deluge” storm resulted in quick government action to protect the three-inch delta smelt: The delta pumps that would have directed this gift of water to the Central Valley was diverted by regulators, who flushed 95,000 acre-feet of water into the ocean. To view the complete article use the link at nunes.house.gov Some claim outright that what the so-called environmentalists and the Obama regime seek as their ultimate goal is the complete elimination of agriculture in the Central Valley. What is certain is that their actions threaten just such an outcome if persisted in long term.
“The Voice of Concerned Citizens” Hosts Town Hall Meeting on Government Over-Reach By Roberta Genini, Editor
A group calling itself “The Voice of Concerned Citizens” has declared its number one goal to put together a coalition of citizens dismayed at government over-reach. They held a meeting March 7 at Bullard High School, Fresno where community members were invited to listen, learn and ask questions with a view to determining what they might do to make a difference. Speakers who participated included Brad Maaske, John Broeske, Sheriff Margaret Mims and FCCRWF’s Paula Guzman. All are familiar to FCCRWF members as participants or speaker’s at club events, and each contributed expertise in various facets of the “over-reach” problem. Government intrusiveness relates to Agenda 21, Common Core, over-regulation of small businesses, water denial, and other issues. FCCRWF members Carole Jacoby, Av Daniels, Kay Errotabere, Elaine Long and others organized the event. Excellent research was contributed by Betty Van Valkenburg.
ACTION ITEMS
for MARCH
P Rally for Water March 19, 2014 in front of Fresno City Hall at 9 a.m. The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a field hearing in Fresno, California on Wednesday, March 19 at 10 a.m. entitled “California Water Crisis and Its Impacts: The Need for Immediate and Long-Term Solutions.” The San Joaquin Valley is once again suffering from drought conditions exacerbated by unworkable federal regulations that put the needs of a 3-inch fish over people. The House of Representatives passed a bill (H.R. 3964) to help resolve this situation. That bill, along with another bill (S. 2016), has remained pending in the U.S. Senate for over a month. Although Senate action hasn’t been announced on either bill, a number of House Members recently stated that they stand ready to negotiate with the Senate to bring relief to the San Joaquin Valley. In the interim, this field hearing is designed to focus on the need to resolve differences in order to bring immediate and long-term water supplies to the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of California. This field hearing is also based on the request of Congressman David Valadao (CA-21) and others including from Rep. Jim Costa, D, California CD 16, and even from a number of heavy hitting advocates for treating the current water problem as primarily due to “climate change,” so this might be shaping up a little like the showdown at the OK Corral! A rally to show the Valley community’s concern for a sensible solution to the issue will be held at 9 a.m. in front of City Hall, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Please bring yourselves, your family, friends and signs!
P Bathroom Bill Update
From Capitol Update, Allison Olson, CFRW Advocate
The referendum to repeal AB 1266 failed the signature validation phase to qualify for the ballot. Although proponents of the referendum gathered and turned in over 600,000 signatures, the Secretary of State’s office threw out 131,000 of those signatures, claiming they were invalid for one reason or another. That is approximately 1 out of 5 signatures the Secretary of State deemed unacceptable. But the proponents, Privacy for All Students, are not giving up the fight! They are beginning the long process of reviewing invalid signatures in all 58 counties, even though they are met with hostility and red tape. As you will recall, AB 1266 (Ammiano, D) will allow students, Kindergarten through 12th grade, to use school facilities such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and showers, with the gender they currently identify with, not the gender on their official school records. This is dangerous for all students! You can support Privacy for All Students by visiting their website : http://privacyforallstudents.com/
P Women’s History Month
From Capitol Update, Allison Olson, CFRW Advocate
March is Women’s History Month, and there are many great Republican Women to honor! From Nancy Reagan to Condelezza Rice to Susan B. Anthony and Sandra Day O’Connor, there are so many inspirational Republican Women to celebrate! The California Republican Party Vice Chairwoman, Harmeet Dhillon, released this statement: “Today we honor Women’s History Month, a celebration that has its genesis right here in California. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women began a ‘Women’s History Week’ celebration, which eventually led to Congress establishing a month to highlight the contributions women have made to our nation’s history and its success.( ( “From Susan B. Anthony, who fought to secure a woman’s right to vote, to Mae Ella Nolan, the first California woman elected to Congress, to our own Assembly Republican leader, Connie Conway, Republican women have led the way to help bring justice and equality to everyone. We’re especially proud that two trailblazers will be speaking at California Republican Party events during Women’s History Month: Condoleezza Rice, the first female African-American Secretary of State; and Gov. Nikki Haley, our nation’s youngest sitting governor.( ( “In the spirit of their courage, Republicans will continue to empower women to pursue their own opportunities and live their lives free of an overbearing bureaucracy that wants to pile up debt that our children and grandchildren will be forced to pay. Let’s really celebrate Women’s History Month by dedicating ourselves to establishing a legacy of liberty for all women.”
P Rep. Jeff Denham, California CD 10 introduced a new bill last week designed to help seniors whose Medicare Advantage plans are being negatively impacted by the Affordable Care Act. The Seniors’ Right to Know Act, H.R. 4201, would require that Medicare Advantage providers inform program enrollees when they make a change to seniors’ plans in order to comply with the Affordable Care Act. Read more about this important bill at ttp://denham.house.gov/press-release/denham-introduces-legislation-help-seniorsimpacted-affordable-care-act
CALENDAR
March
PLEASE MAKE PLANS! 19 ................... Water Rally in front of Fresno City Hall 9 a.m. 27 ................... FCCRWF Luncheon Meeting @ Ramada
April
3 ................... 5&6 ................... 10 ................... 12 ................... ................... 14 ................... 24 ...................
May
1 ................... 5 ................... ................... 19 ................... 22 ................... 26 ................... 27 ...................
June
FCCRWF Board of Directors Meeting Clovis Big Hat Days (Voter Registration/ “Guard Your Vote” Petitions) FCCRWF Book Club, “Read to Know” Sunbird Conservatives Conference, Fresno Pacific U. www.sunbirdconservatives.org FCCRWF Education Committee Meeting FCCRWF Luncheon Meeting FCCRWF Board of Directors Meeting First day to vote by mail (formerly called absentee). This is also the day most vote-by-mail ballots are mailed. Last day to register to vote for June 3 Primary FCCRWF Luncheon Meeting @ Ramada Raffle of Joint Service Honor Command Quilt Last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot by mail.
3 ................... Primary Election Day in California
November 4 ................... General Election Day in the U.S.
+,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,+ FRESNO COUNTY & CITY REPUBLICAN WOMEN FEDERATED 1486 W. Menlo • Fresno, CA • 93711
CFRW Central Division 1st Place Newsletter-- 2008 & 2009, Large Clubs
+,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,++,+ Inside This Issue . . . March Luncheon Will Give FCCRWF Something We Can Do on Voter ID “The Voice of Concerned Citizens” Gathers Strength to Combat Government Over-Reach June 3 Primary ….Closer Than It Looks! Water Rally and Hearing in Fresno March 19! Darrell Issa Deserves a Big Thank You Youth Forum Enlightened 46 Young Minds Campaign School Was a Hit
Fresno County and City Republican Women Federated Membership Application
Name_______________________________________________Date_________ Mailing Address____________________________________________________ City&State_____________________________________________Zip________ E-MAIL______________________________________Phone________________ (Please print e-mail clearly and notify us of changes. This is our preferred communication.)
Make check payable to FCCRWF Dues: $30.00 active member $15.00 associate member
Active membership is for all women with FCCRWF as their primary membership. Associate membership is for women with other Republican Women memberships, and men. Associate women please specify your other current active membership_______________
Who referred you to us?_________________________________________________ For more information, please visit our website at www.fresnorepublicanwomen.org or email us at www.fresnorepublicanwomen@reagan.com Mail completed application and check payable to FCCRWF to: FCCRWF Membership Secretary PO Box 27590 Fresno, CA 93729-7590