Member Newsletter - February 2024 Volume 4, Issue 2

A Message from Jen Belnap, CRWF President In February, we celebrate President’s Day and Black History Month. Our country is not free from blemish, yet we move forward with hope because we know that America, through all her struggle and strife, gets it right in the end. Under the leadership of President Lincoln, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed both houses of Congress in 1865. It was ratified by the required states just months after Lincoln’s assasination. It is estimated that about 180,000 African-American men served in the civil war, prior to the 13th Amendment and the abolition of slavery. Frederick Douglas said, "Once let the black man get upon his person the brass letters U.S., let him get an eagle on his button, and a musket on his shoulder and bullets in his pockets, and there is no power on earth which can deny that he has earned the right of citizenship in the United States." The freedoms enshrined in our constitution allow us to pursue justice when wrongs are committed and to aspire to equality for all people. In November 2024, we have an opportunity to witness the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. As individuals, we can set the tone in our homes and schools as well as in our places of worship, work and community. America is great and grand, in spite of her faults, which lends herself to growth and perfection. America remains a beacon of freedom for all the world to see. We have the best government on earth, and we have the best citizens. Let’s aspire to be and live higher. In Service, Jen Belnap President, CRWF

Carlsbad Republican Women Federated Invites you to attend our next meeting Tuesday, February 27th Doors open at 10:30 am - Events begin at 11:00 am HOLIDAY INN 2725 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA  CRWF Members (including Spouse and Associate Members): $39 Non-Members: $44 CLICK HERE to make a reservation and select your entree Reservations must be paid by credit card. Reservations deadline is Noon - Tuesday, February 20th If you have questions, email [email protected] or call Joy Noonan at 714-390-7662 *****************************

CRWF Welcomes Nathan Shackelford First Liberty Institute At the February 27th luncheon meeting we welcome keynote speaker, Nathan Shackelford, Associate General Counsel for the First Liberty Institute. As the Institute is the largest legal non-profit in the country focused exclusively on protecting this country's First amendment religious freedoms, this is a not to miss event. Please join us to hear Shackelford’s insightful presentation on “The State of Religious Freedom in the United States.” The First Liberty Institute believes that every American of any faith has a fundamental right to follow their conscience and live according to their beliefs. Clients include those in schools, the military, houses of worship, the workplace, and the public arena. Since the Institute’s founding over 25 years ago, First Liberty has had a 90%-win rate or higher on their cases, including four Supreme Court victories in the last two years. Shackelford is the eldest son of the Institute’s founder, CEO and President, Kelly Shackelford. He obtained his undergraduate and master's degrees from Texas A&M and his J.D. from SMU Dedman School of Law. He and his wife, Sarah, have been married for seven years and just welcomed their firstborn son, Harvey, in July! CRWF will also have two additional speakers:

Bibi Mesmer is currently the CA Federation of Republican Women Region 8 Director for Orange County and the Region 9 Director for Imperial and San Diego Counties. She has also served on several CFRW committees and is a past president of the Seal Beach Republican Women Federated club. Bibi will update our club on CFRW’s 2024 programs and support for our club.

Zack Gianino, Vice President External Affairs, San Diego Young Republicans, is a candidate for the 2024 San Diego County Republican Central Committee.

Happy February from CRWF! Andrea Ryon, Membership Co-Chair Thank you to all CRWF members who have renewed their membership, or have recently joined our club for 2024! We appreciate you and look forward to working with you in this challenging election year! As the largest individual Republican women's club in San Diego County, CRWF is also a member of the state (CFRW) and national (NFRW) organizations. All of our memberships are based on the calendar year. IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE RENEW TODAY! ONLINE MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION and PAYMENT. CLICK HERE to complete your membership application online and pay by credit card. If you have questions about the categories, please contact Membership Co-Chair, Andrea Ryon, at [email protected] or 760-518-8238.   2024 Member Renewals and New Members As of February 9th, 119 (or 58.7%) of our year-end 2023 regular members (203) have renewed for 2024, so we still have a ways to go! PLEASE RENEW TODAY IF YOU HAVE NOT YET DONE SO! But we are very happy to have 9 more new members since the January 2024 newsletter! Please welcome Laura Andert, Patricia Eby, Bonnie Hester, Patti Hopkins, Natilee Meacham, Marijane Relth, Fran Sesti, Doris Ward, and Christine Zenser as NEW members! TOTAL FULL MEMBERS SO FAR in 2024 = 137 members (119 renewals and 18 new members). We also have 5 Associate members and 13 Spouse members in 2024. Please welcome new Associate member Donn Rutkoff and new Spouse member David Eby (husband of new member Patricia Eby).

Revisiting Our History and the Boston Tea Party Judy OConnor, 4th VP – Election Integrity / Voter Registration Sons of Liberty Strong!  Recently I watched a documentary about the Boston Tea Party. Although we all know the story, it was inspiring to rehear it and learn many of the details. The people of the English colonies, from Rhode Island to North Carolina, were facing orders from England that they did not want. England wanted to impose a very high tea tax and rule the colonies. The people of Boston were not going to stand for this, so they formed “The Sons of Liberty”. Their battle cry was “No Taxation Without Representation”. Their only communication was talking directly with each other and writing letters, delivered by Pony Express. Despite these limitations, they got the job done. Paul Revere’s job was to recruit men for what was to come. Sam Adams and John Hancock were organizing details so no one would get caught. If they did get caught, the charge would be treason, punishable by hanging, so the stakes were high. On the evening of December 16, 1773, in the Boston Harbor, the famous Tea Party took place. It was a total success! The very tyrannical Governor Hutchinson of Massachusetts nor England could not charge anyone with the crime of the Tea Party. Fast forward to July 4th, 1776, and you know the rest of the story.  Studying the fight for independence for our country, it should inspire all of us that we must continue the fight. We may not be as drastic as the Boston Tea Party but there are many things we must do.  VOTE, it is our right and privilege. You are encouraged to vote early by mail. If you have not voted yet, do so today.  Campaign for the best candidates. This can be through phone calls, door knocking, mailings and financial support.  Volunteer to be a poll watcher to guarantee a fair election.  Be an informed voter, learn all the issues, inform your friends and vote your conscience.

DATE CHANGE for BBQ in Carlsbad It was originally Wednesday, February 14. The new date is Saturday, February 17th from 12:00 to 1:30 pm at the Harding Center. The Republican Party is encouraging everyone to fill out their ballots and mail them in immediately. If you have not done so, please do it today. If you are not sure on some issues or candidates, CLICK HERE and refer to the San Diego County Republican Party Voter Guide.

A Report from Judy Judy Rees, SDCRP 76 AD Central Committee Voter Registration/Election Integrity Officer The 2024 Presidential Primary Election is underway and by now you know your favorite candidates and have probably already voted. If you haven’t dropped your ballot in the US Postal Service Mailbox, use any of the Ballot Drop Boxes - CLICK HERE for a complete list. Also, there is always that trip in person to the Register of Voters Office at 5600 Overland Court in Kearney Mesa. To protect your vote, CLICK HERE to make sure you Track your Ballot at “Where’s my Ballot?”. In 10 days, if there is no response, go to a Voting Center and ask for a ballot and vote again. The Registrar of Voters is asking that you mail your ballot back promptly and no later than February 27th. If you see something, say something. Your San Diego County Republican Party has an Election Integrity team dedicated to Protect the Vote, while also supporting our Republican candidates. It is not too late to join our Election Integrity Team as a Poll Observer and or an Observer at the Register of Voters Office. Sign up with our team and you will work alongside like-minded individuals that are dedicated to Protecting the Vote.  You can assure that you follow all of the rules of your job and that all votes will count by taking an on-line training. CLICK HERE to sign up. Starting February 24, select Vote Centers and the Registrar’s Office are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. All Vote Centers are open March 2 through March 5. The last day to vote is March 5 and Vote Centers will be open 7 am to 8 pm.  Let’s get started!!   Choose to work a 4 hour shift every day for 10 days before the election.  Plan on starting your shift at 7 am – until 1 pm or select an afternoon shift. To schedule your shift at the Vote Center of your choice, contact me at [email protected] or 619-997-2912 Judy Rees, 1st VP - Programs

Announcement! This Monday, February 12, the Republican Party of San Diego County will have CAGOP Chairwoman, Jessica Patterson as the Guest Speaker. The Legacy in Mission Valley "Library" 875 Hotel Cir S, San Diego, CA Reception: 6:00 PM  - Meeting: 7:00 PM CLICK HERE to RSVP This is where Republican activists, candidates, elected officials, vendors, and business leaders get together to network, hear from interesting speakers, and learn how to advance our proud, conservative principles by electing and re-electing Republicans to all levels of local government.

HAPPY FEBRUARY CRWF BIRTHDAYS! Nancy White, Membership Co-Chair  February 6 – Carol Erickson-Duffey February 7 – Laura Andert, Kris Urdahl February 9 – Lynne Barr February 10 – Ruth Pong February 13 – Lee Ann Magliozzi February 16 – Janet Hale February 18 – Janet Furrer February 19 – Gail Dieterich, Carrie Gommel February 20 – Dolores Frazee, Patricia Shankland   February 21 – Margie Wilhelm February 23 – Nancie Chadwick

In Loving Memory of Marlyn Milberger October 22, 1931 – February 6, 2024 It is with a heavy heart that we learned Marlyn Milberger passed away on February 6, 2024 at Monarch Cottages in La Jolla. Marlyn was a member of Carlsbad Republican Women since 2003 and was Parliamentarian and held several other positions for many years, providing important guidance to the Board. She had been in declining health and unable to attend meetings the last few years. SERVICE: Monday, February 12th 1:30 – 2:30 pm El Camino Memorial Cemetery 5300 Caroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121

Republican Headquarters VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Make a difference this cycle 3440 Del Lago Blvd, Suite A & B, Escondido Tuesday thru Friday - 10:00 am t0 6:00 pm JOIN OUR REPUBLICAN TEAM For more info - 760-638-1479 (Joan) www.escondidorepublicanwomen.com

Articles for the newsletter are welcome, however, published under the discretion of the Editor Mary Murphy Huber, Website Manager & Newsletter Editor [email protected]