Cerritos Republican Club News
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August thru December 2010
Cerritos Republican Club Christmas Dinner Party December 14, 2010
The annual Cerritos Republican Club Christmas Dinner was catered by Marilyn Christianson. We had chicken for the main course with rice pilaf, green beans, carrots, an apple salad and green salad. Caramel and raspberry cheesecake were our desserts. Twenty-four 1st CEB Marines, eight of their spouses/companions, and two of their children were guests of the Club.
Patriot by L.B. Strawn (July 4, 1976)
Two centuries ago our nation was born---
To fight to the finish our forefathers had sworn,
And now, over many a patriot's grave
We can sing, "Land of the free and home of the brave."
They gave this heritage to everyone,
Using sword and cannon and musket gun;
Marching o'er fields where blood ran red,
Over the bodies of comrades, dead.
In summer's humid and stifling heat--
Mostly forward and seldom retreat.
In dreaded cold of winter's snow;
Always onward to meet the foe.
In hunger, in thirst, with battle wound,
In agonizing strife, with scarcely a sound
Of complaint o'er the lot of a soldier, brave,
Marching onward into many a grave.
Often weary or fevered and ill,
Lack of clothing against winter's chill,
Lack of munitions, with which to fight,
But, fight they did, with all of their might.
Some gave their wealth but gained their fame,
And, with all who fought, gained a name.
"Patriot!" It rings, as it flies through the land.
"Patriot!" Wonderful name, so grand.
That's right!! They gave for you and me;
Died that America might be free.
Let's vow to keep it that way--you and I.
And, for this great land, be willing to die.
"Patriot!!" Are we worthy of the name?
"Patriot!!" Like those of old, are we the same?
Would we uphold their traditions, true?
I know that I would---would you????
L.B.'s poem was followed by the Women's Ensemble of the New Life Church who entertained us with several Christmas carols.
Staff Sergeant Griffel thanked the Club for inviting the Marines and then asked each Marine to introduce himself (and his companion, if present) and describe his responsibilities. Among the Marines were quite a few Texans, a few Pennsylvanians, and Californians, including a couple from Downey and Bellflower. One Marine's wife was expecting a child in February. Several would be deployed in Afghanistan. Many had already returned from a tour. The audience gave all the Marines an ovation for their service to our country.
Lew Gentiluomo conducted the 50/50 drawing and the lucky winner of $110 was Frank Trevino, one of the Marines. President Matt Kauble announced that the Board members had voted to donate the other half ($110) of the drawing proceeds to the Marines for buying additional gifts. Matt proceeded to tender the $110 to Staff Sergeant Griffel. Program Chair Allen Wood thanked everyone for the numerous toys that were brought for donation to the children of the Marines. He also announced a break so that the Marines could package the gifts for taking to Camp Pendleton, after which the Marines left the Party.
After the break, Jane Barnett, newly elected Chair of the Republican Party of Los Angeles, swore in the new 2011 CRC Board. She spoke about what was happening to the Party from her perspective. Why were the November election results in California so opposite to what happened in the rest of the nation? What will the Republican Party do about the poor showing? Plans are being made for a Republican comeback over the next two years. Republican elected officials outside of California have taken a keen interest in helping the Republican Party get back on track here. Jane ended her talk on a positive note.
Matt Kauble asked Rick Royse to speak a couple minutes about his candidacy to the Bellflower City Council. He was followed by three candidates for the Cerritos City Council---Harshad Mody, Grace Hu, and Bruce Barrows.
Hospitality Committee Chair Janice Dawson announced that there were more sponsorships of the Marines than were needed. The surplus of $276 would be donated to the Marines to buy additional gifts or use at their upcoming Marine Ball.
Joan Pylman announced the reorganization of the AD56 Central Committee.
Christmas Tree Lighting November 22, 2010
On a crisp evening the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony was held at the Cerritos Civic Center. It began with three different Tot Lot groups singing Christmas songs followed by a Violin class which played three different traditional Christmas songs including Silent Night and Jingle Bells. After State Senator Alan Lowenthal made a short greeting, Mayor Cho asked all children to help in counting down for the Christmas tree lighting. 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... 0! The City Tree was lighted magnificently whereupon the siren from a firetruck sounded the entrance of Santa on the firetruck. Santa took the stage to welcome everyone and to visit with him for pictures and partake of refreshments. The New Life Ensemble then sang more Christmas songs. All in all, a beautiful evening of joy and cheer!
Veterans Day Celebration
November 11, 2010
On a gorgeous day a few hundred local residents gathered at the Civic Center next to the Cerritos Veterans Memorial to celebrate Veterans Day. The California National Guard 40th Infantry Division Band played patriotic music before the Ceremonies. City Staff Coordinator Kari Franco introduced Amir Greenidge who sang a medley of military songs played by the Band. After Mayor Joseph Cho introduced the City Council members, Carol Chen recited the Veteran's Day prayer by Ms. Joanna Fuchs. Then Mayor Cho talked about economic conditions in Cerritos and the importance of Veterans Day. Bruce Barrows introduced the Flag Honor Guard who marched forward with the Stars and Stripes. Then the National Anthem was played by the National Guard Band. Mayor Pro Tem Laura Lee followed with introductions of local and civic leaders. After they were recognized, Councilman Jim Edwards called out the names of veterans who had given their lives for our country. Then Mr. Edwards announced the names of veterans who were present whereupon each Veteran stood to be recognized. After all those present were recognized, the crowd gave them a rousing ovation in appreciation of their past service to our country. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez followed with a speech. The ceremonies concluded with more patriotic music and light refreshments.
CRC General Meeting
November 9, 2010
At the November CRC General meeting the guest speaker was Brad Dacus, Founder and President of the Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), "a non-profit legal defense organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties." With offices in Sacramento, the Bay area, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego, PJI "works diligently, without charge, to provide their clients with all the legal support they need." Pacific Justice has over 500 attorneys who have volunteered their services in California. PJI is currently involved in "The Legal Edge," a weekly radio commentary on religious liberty cases or other issues.
Brad described a pot pourri of current and past cases that PJI has participated in. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PJI has worked with union workers who, because of their religious beliefs, have opted to have their union dues paid not to the union but to a charitable organization. They have worked in public schools to defend Bible study clubs. Pacific Justice stepped in when the city of Rancho Cucamonga tried to shut down a home bible study group because it was an illegal "church." PJI is challenging the constitutionality of the Health Care Bill and the case is going to the Supreme Court. PJI has filed a suit to force the Governor and Attorney General of California to uphold Proposition 8. Brad also discussed other cases.
After Mr. Dacus' interesting presentation, the Club convened in a Members-only meeting and approved a slate for the 2011 Board. Matt Kauble would serve a second term as President, Larry Andre stepped in as Vice President, Ken Hustings will stay as Treasurer, John Ekman would remain as Secretary, Barbara Lockwood will serve as Membership Chair for another year, Allen Wood acquiesced to be Programs Chair, Roger Garrett will stay on as Ways and Means Chair, Lew Gentiluomo will repeat as At-Large Board Member, Rick Royse decided to serve as the other At-Large Board Member, Jim Yee will be Communications Chair/Editor of the Local Republican, Bruce Barrows will be the Legislative Chair, and Becky Lingad will be our Auditor.
Grace Hu announces candidacy for Cerritos City Council
November 9, 2010
Many of Grace Hu's friends gathered at Arte Cafe in Cerritos Towne Center to hear her announce that she will file for candidacy for one of the three openings in the Cerritos City Council in next March's City election. Lunch was provided generously by the longtime Cerritos Republican Club member Grace who is a past Cerritos City Council member and Mayor. Since the election is non-partisan, many supporters of both Republican and Democratic parties were present. Former Mayor Diane Needham, Former Mayor Paul Bowlen, Cerritos College Board Trustee Dr. Shin Liu, Former Mayor John Crawley, Former Mayor Barry Rabbitt, Pino Pathak, Becky Lingad, Jose Iglesias, Dixie Primosch, Chuck Carson, and Cheri Huang spoke glowingly about Grace's past and recent accomplishments and contributions. She was depicted as a hard working, magnanimous public official who was always looking out for the citizens of Cerritos.
CRC General Meeting
October 12, 2010
At the October General Meeting, arrangements were made to show a live broadcast of the third and final gubernatorial debate presented by Dominican University of California and NBC. Former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw was the moderator who asked numerous questions relating to this year's campaign including recent personal events.
Following the debate, Paul Bowlen led a discussion about the questions and responses of both Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown. The Club members in attendance related their take on what they saw and heard (while also considering what was already in the news). Some thought that each candidate was very good with some responses and not as good as he (she) could have been with other responses. No one thought that there was a clear winner in this last debate.
After the discussion Paul Bowlen talked about his running for next March's City Council election. He was followed by Bruce Barrows who talked about his running for re-election to the City Council. Then Larry Andre spoke briefly and candidly about his campaign to unseat Linda Sanchez from her United States Assembly office.
Mr. Andre was asked to leave the meeting while the members brought up the subject of whether to officially support Larry's bid for Congress. A motion was made, seconded, discussed, and passed for the Club to support Larry. Another motion was made, seconded, discussed, and passed for the Club to donate $500 in support of Larry's campaign. Individual members were also encouraged to assist in his campaign by donating time and/or money to his campaign.
Re-Elect Bruce Barrows for Cerritos City Council Kickoff Meeting
October 2, 2010
Numerous people gathered at the home of Bob and Nancy Crockett for Bruce Barrows' Kickoff meeting for his re-election campaign. Everyone enjoyed the large selection of food that the hosts provided. Bruce thanked the hosts and spoke briefly about the months leading up to the March 2011 election. Photos were provided by Council Member Carol Chen.
CRC General Meeting
September 14, 2010
Educator Barbara Stone began her talk by saying that this year offers the best opportunity in a long time for the Republican Party to take away seats from the Democrats. We must not blow this chance. Most people will have decided by Labor Day how they're going to vote. Therefore we must concentrate our efforts on the voters who are likely to change. We must target the undecided, the independents and the Republicans who haven't voted before.
Barbara also spoke about the Tea Party Express which is run by political consultant Sal Russo. If the candidates supported by the Tea Party Express win, everyone will be happy. However, if too many of them lose, then there's going to be a lot of fingerpointing at Mr. Russo. Hopefully the former scenario will become reality.
Then Barbara turned her attention to the propositions that will be on the November ballot. She has spent considerably more time analyzing them than the average voter and has come up with how she will be voting on them. Refer to the Ballot Recommendations link under News to see some of the actual wording of the propositions. The CRC Board will post its recommendations.
- Prop 19: Initiative to legalize marijuana and tax its sale. Federal law says that it is illegal to sell marijuana. The seller and buyer would be admitting guilt in breaking federal law. This would be a violation of the Fifth Amendment. This is not a good initiative. Barbara says, "No" on this one.
- Prop 20: Initiative that places reapportionment under the Citizens Commission. Takes it away from the legislature which would otherwise not be fair and lead to gerrymandering as seen in the past. Let's go for fair reapportionment. Barbara says, "YES, YES, YES" on this one.
- Prop 21: Initiative to levee $18 vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs. It is not good governance to take money from one area (transportation) and give it to another area. However, because most people will favor the latter, this will probably pass. Barbara says, "No" on this one.
- Prop 22: Reduces or eliminates state's authority over certain uses of state fuel taxes, redevelopment money, property taxes and vehicle license fee. This would restrict the state's ability to use these funds and severely strap the state. This will probably pass. Barbara says, "No" on this one.
Bruce Barrows, speaking from the standpoint of a city that stands to lose redevelopment money, said that Cerritos has done everything legal and should keep the money and that it's unfair for the state to take it away from cities like ours. He says, "Yes" on this one.
- Prop 23: Would suspend AB 32 global warming measures until the state's unemployment goes down to 5.5% for four consecutive quarters. Since the unemployment rate has never gone down this low, the suspension would be likely be forever. AB 32 was not a good law. Barbara says, "Yes" on this one.
- Prop 24: Repeals recent legislation that would allow businesses to carry back losses, share tax credits, and use a sales-based income calculation to lower taxable income. Passing this would not be good for business. Do we need to send more businesses out of California? Barbara says, "No" on this one.
- Prop 25: Abolish 2/3 vote to adopt a state budget, replacing it with a majority vote. This would clear the way for an already Democrat majority legislature to spend, spend, spend. Barbara says, "No" on this one.
- Prop 26: Redefines as taxes many items considered fees, thus increasing state and local votes necessary for passage to 2/3. If a fee is really a tax, it should be treated as a tax. Barbara says, "Yes" on this one.
- Prop 27: Eliminates Citizens Commission and returns reapportionment to legislature. Refer to Prop 20. Must not eliminate the Citizens Commission which is the only way to get fair reapportionment based on population. Barbara says, "NO, NO, NO, NO" on this one.
Bruce Barrows announced his candidacy for re-election to the Cerritos City Council and invited everyone to his Campaign Kickoff Get Together on October 2 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at the home of CRC Members Bob and Nancy Crockett..
Larry Andre followed with a pitch for help on his race against Linda Sanchez.
Matt Kauble adjourned the meeting in memory of our dearly departed friend Willie Wiswell.
Patriot Day
September 11, 2010
Patriot Day was celebrated with a memorial at the Civic Center on a day that began slightly overcast with the shimmering sun breaking through later. All five City Council members were present for this solemn event. Point and click on CRC members Carol Chen, Bruce Barrows, or Jim Edwards.
Mayor Joseph Cho greeted all the guests and council members.
Sascha Elegino sang the national anthem so beautifully.After Linda Sanchez's speech and closing remarks, the Cerritos College Community Band played several patriotic songs. It was a very nice day to remember what happened nine years ago.
CRC General Meeting
August 10, 2010Cerritos City Manager Art Gallucci spoke at the August General meeting about his over thirty years as our City Manager. In reference to the recent news about the Bell City Manager, Art was quick to point out that he doesn't earn $750,000 a year and he was glad that he doesn't because of the notoriety of that other city manager. He was very proud of the City's accomplishments over the years and credited the vision of the many City Council Members who have served our city.
Art then discussed how Cerritos planned for the current economic downturn. Three years ago his staff foresaw the shrinking of sales tax revenue and froze full time hiring. Staff was reduced through attrition.
Mr. Gallucci discussed several projects that will help our City's revenues. To name a few: the expansion of Nordstrom's, the opening of the flagship Forever 21 department store, the opening of the Apple store that was sought after by several surrounding cities, the luring of Roger Penske to the Auto Mall, the opening of the Kia car dealership, and the grand reopening of Landmark Square.
Art related that Cerritos won a grant to install solar panels to power the two water pumping stations. He told us that the Cerritos Electric Utility is able to provide lower cost electricity for Los Cerritos Mall and Towne Center businesses. Unfortunately there is not enough power for all residences.
When asked what advice he would give to young aspiring City Managers, Mr. Gallucci said that one thing he would look for is a city that has the potential of high revenues. This would enable the City to serve its citizens.
Art concluded his talk by saying that he enjoyed talking with us and would entertain returning next year. The Club members enjoyed his informative and interesting talk. He will most likely be invited to speak to our Club next year.
