Sunday Brunch with Special Guest Speaker Hon. Will O’Neill Chairman - Republican Party of Orange County
Log Cabin Republicans of Orange County invite you to our Sunday Brunch with Special Guest Speaker Hon. Will O’Neill Chairman - Republican Party of Orange County. "Hon. Will O’Neill was elected as Chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County in 2025. He previously served on the Newport Beach City Council from 2016-2024, having served as Mayor in 2020 and 2024" (The Republican Party of Orange County).
Join LCROC as we launch into our 39th year as chapter. Log Cabin Republicans are leaders. Membership is valuable to be engaged with national policy decisions, to be informed on issues, and to be a part of a network of allies. We welcome guests, whether with a member or as a visitor interested in discovering more about LCROC.
12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Program
12:00 P.M.:-12:15 P.M. Check-in and Seating
12:45 P.M.-1:15 P.M.: Guest Speaker Will O’Neill
Bayside Restaurant
900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA
Parking is available in the shopping center.
Attendees must RSVP prior to the event.
Dress: Business casual.
For attendees out of the area, make it a day or night. Enjoy the beach, sites, and all O.C. has to offer.
Brunch includes starter, entree, and dessert. No host bar beverages and drinks. About Bayside Restaurant: "New American cuisine comes to life in this custom-designed location overlooking the harbor in Newport Beach, California. Our chef brings culinary drama to his inventive dishes for dinner and the enormously popular Champagne Sunday Brunch...Bayside provides an elegant venue for many special occasions."
Thank you to Mike Fillman for helping to sponsor the event. The ongoing and continued support is much appreciated.
LCROC has a strong commitment to our community. The wildfires across Southern California have displaced thousands of people, burned thousands of acres, and required firemen, police, teachers, volunteers, and neighbors to work even harder, help more people, and work countless hours. We are stepping forward and have the backs of our neighbors.
“Mister Rogers famously said that his mother would tell him, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping'" (Haas, 2025). Please consider ways you will be a helper, "Many organizations say donating money and/or signing up to be a trained volunteer (for the current and future disasters) is the best way to help" (Replogle and Duran, 2025).
Charity Navigator provides a list of highly-rated organizations accepting volunteers and donations to help individuals, pets, houses of worship, and others affected by the wildfires.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Visit here to become a member of LCROC.
P.C.
Bayside
Charity Navigator
LCROC Board Retreat
From left: John M. (treasurer), Anthony J. (vice-president), Brendon M. (interim secretary), Jesse B. (president), and Andy R. (board member at-large); dinner at Reunion Kitchen + Drink, Anaheim Hills, California.
LCROC has exciting events and opportunities ahead.
The chapter board of directors maintains regular communication and board meetings throughout the year. In general, board members govern the chapter, maintain oversight, work to make decisions, represent the membership, and honor the founding purpose of LCR.
The board retreat was held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at the home of Brendon M. We appreciate Brendon opening his home for our retreat, arranging breakfast and lunch for the board. His assistance for the retreat was of big help.
Board members planned and discussed events for the year and beyond during the retreat. The meeting was a productive day of reflection, planning, and collaboration to make 2025 a terrific and strong year.
The LCROC Board thoughtfully plans into, through, and beyond events. It's teamwork that makes possible the best parties and events. Overall, happiness is the key to our success. We are here to be helpers. We are here to be leaders in our community. We are here to support the chapter.
The LCROC board of directors includes Jesse B., president, Anthony J., vice-president, John M., treasurer, Brendon M., interim-secretary, and Andy R., board member at-large.
Board of Directors Binder Cover Page
From left: John M. (treasurer), Jesse B. (president), Anthony J. (vice-president), Andy R. (board member at-large), and Brendon M. (interim secretary); Reunion Kitchen + Drink, Anaheim Hills, CA.
On behalf of the LCROC Board, we are thrilled to officially welcome Andy R. as our newest board member. We are excited about the unique perspective and expertise Andy will bring to our team, and we look forward to his work with our social media, photography, and membership.
LCROC will continue to build a stronger Republican Party. The processes of the chapter include political, social, and charitable dimensions. Members of the gay community, including youth and adults, face elevated risks of abandonment, abuse, discrimination, and substance use. LCROC will continue to provide fact-based information regarding helplines, resources, and political action. Chapter leadership will continue to provide the focus and salience on key issues and solutions for the membership. The focused attention will strengthen individual members and the chapter as a whole.
As board members and as a chapter, we have built a community with several "wells", including political, social, charitable, educational, and resources. That diversification is crucial to our ongoing success, innovation, opportunities, and collaboration. The stewardship of the board and active participation of the membership is essential to the chapter's resilience and commitment to honor the founding purpose of LCR.
In essence, board members are stewards of the "garden", nurturing desired outcomes, tending to oversight, cultivating conditions, understanding needs, encouraging talents, believing in the future, and much more. Hard work and diligence makes for a great experience and grows our social capital. That social capital, goodwill, neighborliness, and support, then grows our political capital.
Key Events: LCROC has an annual Christmas party and meeting in December. The board of directors has a yearly retreat in January to plan and work for the benefit of all members. Additionally, board members are working to organize political events, arrange community volunteer opportunities, and provide helpful resources to support the membership.
Washington’s Birthday
George Washington’s experience in the British Army during the French and Indian War (1754 to 1763) was a catalyst for his revolutionary leanings. He resented being treated as a second-class officer due to his American status, particularly regarding pay and rank discrepancies, "I would rather prefer the great toil of a daily laborer...than serve upon such ignoble terms" (Why Did George Washington Join the Revolution?). He grew increasingly angry over taxation policies and British control of the colonies and expressed the idea that armed conflict should only be the last resort. Washington believed that the deprivation of American freedom was not acceptable, stating a willingness to use "arms in defense of so valuable a blessing" (Why Did George Washington Join the Revolution?).
Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, not only due to his military experience but also for political reasons, being from outside of New England. His arrival at Boston marked the beginning of six years of war that would keep him away from his home, "On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress, responding to the growing crisis near Boston, directed that one of its own constituents – George Washington – take command of the newly designated Continental Army...there were also great political advantages in having a someone outside of New England take command of a military force that was congregated around Boston and largely made up of New Englanders" (10 Facts about Washington and the Revolutionary War).
While he began with little experience in commanding a large army, he was able to learn and adapt. His ability to maintain the Continental Army throughout the difficult war, combined with his important strategic decisions and his unwavering commitment to republican ideals ultimately proved crucial to the success of the American Revolution (1765–1783) and the founding of the United States.
Key Facts
Unanimously Elected President: February 4, 1789.
Inauguration: April 30, 1789.
Resigned: March 4, 1797.
Two Terms: Served two terms as President.
Vice President: John Adams.
Adams: Served as the second President of the United States (1797-1801).
George Washington's presidency was crucial in establishing the office's role, power, and procedures. He aimed for a balance of power, making the office effective without becoming tyrannical. He set precedents in political power, military practice, and economic policy "George Washington helped shape the office's future role and powers, as well as set both formal and informal precedents for future presidents" (First President). He oversaw crucial legislation such as the establishment of the First Bank of the United States, the Naturalization Acts, the Copyright Act, the Residence Act, the Militia Act, the Fugitive Slave Act, the Naval Act, and treaties including The Jay Treaty and Pinckney's Treaty.
Washington was a disciplined man who valued duty and self-control. He held a strong belief in the importance of character and was able to endure much criticism for his beliefs, “I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us, in our minds, wherever we go" (The Surprising George Washington).
Washington was a visionary leader and aware of the dangers of factionalism and being primarily concerned with national unity. His leadership is characterized by his ability to wait strategically, and he was willing to sacrifice short-term popularity for long-term national stability. He played the long game, "One might even say that his whole presidency can be seen as an exercise in buying time. Stay out of murderous quarrels between nations in Europe, he reasoned, and given twenty or thirty years of peaceful development, the United States would be in a position to defy any power on earth" (The Surprising George Washington).
Washington’s greatest legacy is that he redefined greatness, transitioning it from conquest and power to the concept of renouncing power for the good of the people.
After retiring, Washington wrote a letter called the “Circular to the States” on June 8, 1783 (National Archives).
“There are four things, which I humbly conceive...”
An indissoluble Union
A Sacred regard to Public Justice
A proper Peace Establishment
Friendly Disposition
George Washington's Birthday is an official federal holiday on the third Monday in February. George Washington's actual birthday is February 22nd. The holiday was initially established to celebrate his birth on this date, "In 1879, the United States made Washington's February 22nd Birthday a federal holiday" ("Presidents' Day"? The Truth Behind the Holiday).
Credits
10 Facts About Washington and the Revolutionary War. George Washington’s Mount Vernon. (n.d.-a). https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/ten-facts-about-the-revolutionary-war
Google LM
First President. George Washington’s Mount Vernon. (n.d.-a). https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president
National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). The Surprising George Washington. National Archives and Records Administration. https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1994/spring/george-washington-1.html
“Presidents’ Day”? The Truth Behind the Holiday. George Washington’s Mount Vernon. (n.d.). https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/facts/the-truth-about-presidents-day?fbclid=IwAR1ShU5t288oBRuFgQMW3AbP-AYu8eYKJEGDKdUDcebWzNI-XexP9Kkmqcc
Why did George Washington Join the Revolution?. George Washington’s Mount Vernon. (n.d.-c). https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/why-did-george-washington-join-the-revolution
Save the Date: Sunday Brunch with Special Guest Speaker
Log Cabin Republicans of Orange County invite you to our Sunday Brunch with a Special Guest Speaker.
12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M.
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Newport Beach, California
More information to come.
Join LCROC as we launch into our 39th year as chapter.
For attendees out of the area, make it a day or night. Enjoy the beach, sites, and all O.C. has to offer.
Log Cabin Republicans are leaders. Membership is valuable to be engaged with national policy decisions, to be informed on issues, and to be a part of a network of allies. We welcome guests, whether with a member or as a visitor interested in discovering more about LCROC.
LCROC has a strong commitment to our community. The wildfires across Southern California are displacing thousands of people, burning thousands of acres, and requiring firemen, police, teachers, volunteers, and neighbors to work even harder, help more people, and work countless hours. We are stepping forward and have the backs of our neighbors.
“Mister Rogers famously said that his mother would tell him, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping'" (Haas, 2025). Please consider ways you will be a helper, "Many organizations say donating money and/or signing up to be a trained volunteer (for the current and future disasters) is the best way to help" (Replogle and Duran, 2025).
Charity Navigator provides a list of highly-rated organizations accepting volunteers and donations to help individuals, pets, houses of worship, and others affected by the wildfires.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Visit here to become a member of LCROC.
P.C.
Bayside
Charity Navigator
LCROC Wine Tasting Night Featuring Liberty Cellars
Left to right: John M., treasurer, Jesse B., president, Nick G., owner of Liberty Cellars, Anthony J., vice-president, and Brendon M., interim-secretary
The LCROC Wine Tasting Night was a smashing success to kick off the new year. 2025 marks the 39th year of our chapter. The event on Saturday, January 11, 2025 included samples of wine by Liberty Cellars, a presentation and guide to wine by Nick Gardner, and heavy hors d'oeuvres, such as scratch-made pizzas, salads, bacon wrapped dates, and Brussels sprouts.
About Liberty Cellars: "Liberty is a boutique winery making small-lot wines exclusively from our estate fruit. Our 20-acre hillside vineyard is set in the oak-dotted hills of Paso Robles and was originally planted in 2000. Owner Nick Gardner's interest in wine and the central coast began over two decades ago during visits to Paso Robles for the Wildflower triathlons."
Membership in LCROC is an excellent way to meet others, participate in political activities, and join together with allies. We welcome guests, whether with a member or as a visitor interested in discovering more about LCROC. One of the greatest ways to contribute as a member is to refer friends and arrive early to greet visitors.
About Matter of Craft: "Matter of Craft is a Huntington Beach family-owned bottle shop, tap room, and scratch kitchen." We appreciate the wonderful space, impressive service, and delicious food.
Thank you to Jerry Benzl, John Brashear, Dave Largo, and Christine Maimone for helping to sponsor the event. The ongoing and continued support is much appreciated.
The LCROC membership continues to demonstrate outstanding support and participation. Each member has talents and skills that are essential to keep our organization strong and healthy. Members can be of assistance by inviting friends and allies to our events, as well as sharing our event information on social media.
Luxman N. and Jesse B.
Nick G. pouring tastes of wine for attendees
Nick G. pouring tastes of wine for attendees
Left to right: Dave L., Jesse B., John M., Jerry B., and Anthony J.
Attendees
Nick G. and Kevin K.
Left to right: Moisis D., Kevin S., David M., and JR G.
Liberty Cellars pen, tasting menu, and wine pour
Nick G. presentation of wine to attendees
Left to right: Andy D., Luxman N., and Jake O.
Attendees
Dave L. and Jesse B.
Nick G. presentation of wine to attendees
Left to right: Doyle B., Luxman N., Andy D., and Jake O.
Wine Tasting Night Featuring Liberty Cellars
Log Cabin Republicans of Orange County invite you to our Wine Tasting Night Featuring Liberty Cellars.
Saturday, January 11, 2025
7:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.
Join LCROC as we launch into our 39th year as chapter.
About: "Liberty is a boutique winery making small-lot wines exclusively from our estate fruit. Our 20-acre hillside vineyard is set in the oak-dotted hills of Paso Robles and was originally planted in 2000. Owner Nick Gardner's interest in wine and the central coast began over two decades ago during visits to Paso Robles for the Wildflower triathlons."
For attendees out of the area, make it a day or night. Enjoy the beach, sites, and all O.C. has to offer.
Membership in LCROC is an excellent way to meet others, participate in political activities, and join together with allies. We welcome guests, whether with a member or as a visitor interested in discovering more about LCROC. One of the greatest ways to contribute as a member is to refer friends and arrive early to greet visitors.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres included, such as scratch-made pizzas, salads, bacon wrapped dates, and Brussels sprouts.
No host bar for other beverages, e.g. soda, craft beer, cocktails, kombucha, hard seltzer, and cider.
Tasting Night Featuring Scratch-Made Pizzas
Log Cabin Republicans of Orange County invite you to our Tasting Night Featuring Scratch-Made Pizzas.
Join LCROC as we launch into our 39th year as chapter.
For attendees out of the area, make it a day or night. Enjoy the beach, sites, and all O.C. has to offer.
Membership in LCROC is an excellent way to meet others, participate in political activities, and join together with allies. We welcome guests, whether with a member or as a visitor interested in discovering more about LCROC. One of the greatest ways to contribute as a member is to refer friends and arrive early to greet visitors.
Heavy hors d'oeuvres included, such as scratch-made pizzas, salads, bacon wrapped dates, and Brussels sprouts.
Inauguration Day
Top left: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal, 1905
Bottom Left: Inauguration Day Photo; President Coolidge, First Lady Coolidge, and Senate Majority Leader Curtis
Bottom Right: The Reagans dancing the night away at a 1985 Inaugural Ball; Nancy Reagan and Ronald Reagan
Presidential inaugurations typically involve several key events overseen by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC):
- Procession to the Capitol: The outgoing president accompanies the president-elect to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony, symbolizing a peaceful transfer of power.
Vice President's Swearing-In Ceremony: The vice-president is sworn in, typically on the West Front of the Capitol.
President's Swearing-In Ceremony: The president takes the oath of office, marking the formal beginning of their term.
Inaugural Address: The newly sworn-in president delivers a speech outlining their vision and plans for the presidency.
Honorary Departure: The outgoing president departs the Capitol, signifying the end of their time in office.
Signing Ceremony: The new president signs their first official documents as President.
Inaugural Luncheon: A luncheon hosted by the JCCIC for the president, vice-president, and guests.
Pass in Review and Inaugural Parade: The president and vice-president review military troops and lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
The JCCIC is responsible for planning and executing the events surrounding the inauguration of the president and vice-president of the United States, including the swearing-in ceremonies, inaugural address, luncheon, and parade ("The JCCIC").
The National Archives website showcases the 20th Amendment, which shortened the time between presidential elections and inaugurations. The amendment, proposed in 1932 and ratified in 1933, moved inauguration day to January 20th, expediting the transition of power. This change addressed the previously lengthy period—from the election in November to the March 4th inauguration—which had become increasingly impractical due to improved transportation and communication ("20th Amendment: A New Inauguration Day").
Key Moments in Republican Presidential Inaugurations
Abraham Lincoln's First Inauguration (March 4, 1861): The secession of seven Southern states before Lincoln took office, created a deeply divided nation on the brink of civil war. Lincoln appealed to national unity during the inaugural parade and address. In 1861, the Capitol building was under construction and the incomplete dome symbolized the nation's fractured state. Lincoln's hope for reconciliation, expressed in his inaugural address, was tragically short-lived, as the Civil War began just a month later ("Lincoln's First Inauguration").
Inaugural Medal: President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1905 inauguration marked a shift from traditional, uninspired medals to a more modern and artistic design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens ("Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Medal, 1905").
Calvin Coolidge’s Inauguration (March 4, 1925): This inauguration marked a turning point in media coverage, with radio broadcasts reaching “over 20,000,000 people,” highlighting the increasing accessibility of political events to the general public. Coolidge's inaugural address emphasized economic recovery and prudent fiscal management, reflecting the national mood following the war and pandemic. His quote, “I favor the policy of economy, not because I wish to save money, but because I wish to save people,” epitomized his focus on the well-being of ordinary citizens ("Calvin Coolidge’s Inauguration Day & Its Fallout").
Dwight D. Eisenhower used his address on January 21, 1957 to highlight the global challenges of the Cold War era, emphasizing the threat of international communism and the need for America to play a leading role in promoting peace, justice, and economic development worldwide ("Second Inaugural Address").
If Inauguration Day falls on a Sunday, the official swearing-in ceremony is held privately on that day to comply with the law. The public celebrations and festivities, including the swearing-in ceremony for the public, are moved to Monday. This occurred in 1985 for President Reagan's second inauguration ("Inauguration Facts").
Focus Questions for Viewing Presidential Inaugurations
- What are you most anticipating as you watch the inauguration?
- How might the inauguration impact international relations?
- What are the similarities and differences between this inauguration and the previous inauguration?
- What ethical considerations are on your mind during the inauguration?
- If you were a policymaker at the inauguration, what conversation would you have with the president?
Credits
americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_950153
Google LM
inaugural.senate.gov/
loc.gov/pictures/resource/ppmsc.02898/
loc.gov/resource/ppmsc.03317/
nps.gov/articles/000/lincoln-s-first-inauguration.htm
presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/second-inaugural-address
reaganlibrary.gov/reagans/reagan-administration/inauguration-facts
visit.archives.gov/whats-on/explore-exhibits/20th-amendment-new-inauguration-day
you.stonybrook.edu/crisisandcatharsis/2024/07/29/calvin-coolidges-inauguration-day-its-fallout/
LCROC: Families of Active Military Volunteer Night
LCROC has a long tradition of volunteerism and community work. Volunteering For Families of Active Military was another opportunity for us to be community leaders and make a powerful contribution. "For Families of Active Military endeavors to offer stability, strength and support to our active military and their families on an emergency and proactive basis, whether it be physical, emotional or financial on an as needed basis."
On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, members of LCROC prepared dining tables for a Thanksgiving feast honoring troops from Fort Irwin. The Army personnel from Fort Irwin train Armored Brigade Combat Teams. This was our opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation. We set up tables and chairs, prepared tables to serve the appetizers, a buffet, draped linens, and dressed the tables with flatware, napkins, and glasses. Afterward, we went to The Blind Coyote in Yorba Linda for a bite to eat and socializing.
It's teamwork that makes possible the best events. We are here to be helpers. We are here to be leaders in our community. We are here to support the troops. We appreciate the opportunity to work with FFAM. Thank you to LCROC Vice-president Anthony J. for coordinating the event with FFAM.
The Rick and Kelly Show: A Log Cabin O.C. Christmas
Top photo: Rick Leventhal
Bottom photo (left to right): Chandler W., sponsor, John B., sponsor, Brendon M., interim-secretary, Jim B., sponsor, Marsha M., host, Rick Leventhal, keynote speaker, Anthony J., vice-president, John M., treasurer, and Jesse B., president.
The LCROC Christmas Party and Annual Meeting was a smashing success. A time of celebration and opportunity to gather as a club. A time to give thanks, recognize our shared accomplishments, report on the year, and swear in officers to the board.
The LCROC Board thoughtfully plans into, through, and beyond events. It's teamwork that makes possible the best parties and events. Overall, happiness is the key to our success. We are here to be helpers. We are here to be leaders in our community. We are here to support the chapter.
The featured keynote speaker at our Christmas Party was Newsmax host Rick Leventhal. We appreciate his dedication to journalism, international issues, and current events. Rick has witnessed first-hand the resilience of the human spirit. The events Rick covers remind us all to be helpers in our community.
Each year we donate boxes of toys to the Spark of Love campaign and emulate pure service to others. Again, this year attendees donated toys and sports equipment for the Spark of Love campaign. The Spark of Love campaign provides these items as gifts to youth in need across Southern California.
Rick Leventhal and Kelly Dodd featured our event on The Rick and Kelly Show. Visit here to watch the episode on Patreon.
This post is not sponsored and no monetary compensation was provided for posting.
Credit: The Rick and Kelly Show