Mariposa: An Evening With Ronald Reagan

By Zach Foster

Saturday, February 26, 2001 the author had the privilege of joining the Republican voters of Mariposa County, California in commemoration of the would-be one hundredth birthday of Ronald W. Reagan, army veteran, actor, former governor, and fortieth President of the United States.  The Reagan Ball, held in the banquet hall of the Mariposa County Fairgrounds, was attended by such esteemed guest as Congressman Jeff Denham (R-19), Retired Congressman George Radanovich, Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen (R-25), California Republican Party Vice Chairman Tom Del Beccaro, and many local dignitaries, including former County Supervisor Dianne Fritz, the entire Mariposa County Republican Committee, and members of other GOP county committees.

Congressman Denham made a stirring speech on the triumphs of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives, including the notable majority vote to repeal what many Republicans coined as “Obamacare.”  The Congressman also made a moving tribute to retired Congressman George Radanovich, citing his many accomplishments and his character, still lauded by current members of the House who will fondly remember working with him.  County GOP Chairman Richard Westfall was the first of several dignitaries to present certificates of appreciation and words of tribute to Congressman Radanovich.  The common message in all the speeches and tributes was “Thank you, and welcome home.”

Assemblywoman Olsen reported on the Republican accomplishments in the state legislature, most notable the fight against the raising of taxes and out of control spending of state funds.

CRP Vice Chairman Tom Del Beccaro was well received, delivering a moving message, both painful and inspiring; painful in that it highlighted the major deficiency by Republicans to reach out to the voters, especially through the media—a mistake the Democratic Party has NOT made; inspiring in the praise and accomplishments of the Republican Party in California as well as solutions to correct its deficiencies.  His main goals for California Republicans include reaching out to non-Republicans and sharing the message and platform, continuing in the fight against the raising of taxes burdening the poor and middle classes, and ending the popular concept of the GOP being the Party of ‘No’ by bringing issues caused by Democrat policies as well as faulty Democrat solutions to the attention of the public.  Tom Del Beccaro is campaigning to be Chairman of the California Republican Party and was endorsed by the Mariposa County Republican Committee.

There were two local dignitaries who presented their personal anecdotes of time spent with President Reagan.  One was Mr. Lon Richards, retired law enforcement officer of several branches, including the California State Police, and a former bodyguard of Reagan.  They were followed by an inspiring short film tribute showing some of Reagan’s greatest moments as governor and President.

Reagan image courtesy of Wikipedia. Del Beccaro image courtesy of his Facebook profile.