Every year Valley Unity Republican Women celebrate graduating senior high school scholarship award recipients. This year four scholarships were given to students who worked very hard their high school years and achieved academic and all-around personal success. During the evening, Phil Wilson, primary donor to the scholarship program; Vicki White, Scholarship Chairperson; and Fern Somoza, President of VURW presented the certificates and checks to the following students:

The Victoria Wilson Memorial Scholarship: Lia Schwartz

The Thomas Paine Merit Scholarships: Yioryia Prevas and James Bowden

The Charlie Kirk Memorial Scholarship: Bella Rocca

It was an exciting evening for all members of Valley Unity RW. We welcomed new members, new associate members, families of the recipients, and many new friends (some joining as new Republicans in California). Valley Unity Republican Women has made a real impact on Republicans throughout the San Fernando Valley. People feel welcome and comfortable at all our meetings. As stated by a scholarship recipients’ parent, “Beyond the scholarship itself, we were touched by the sense of community, encouragement, and genuine care that filled the room. It was inspiring to be surrounded by a group of women and men so committed to supporting and uplifting the next generation.” We feel very proud of the legacy members of VURW are leaving with future generations of Republicans, conservatives, and patriotic-minded individuals in the community. Extending the gift of freedom is the greatest pleasure we can share with the public we encourage and support.


“California Dreamin” GSRW Conference, May 29-31, 2026, at the Ventura Beach Marriott

VURW members attended the GSRW “California Dreamin” Conference at Ventura Beach. VURW had the largest number of members in attendance from all the groups aligned with GSRW. We attended workshops including a candidate forum featuring Gloria Romero; Bob Smith; Sam Gallucci; and Michael Koslow, technology trainings, and learning about GSRW membership benefits. The conference also offered fascinating speakers like Trace Gallagher; Roxanne Hoge; candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California, Gloria Romero; Kate Monroe; Judy Mikovitz, PhD; Kyle Mann, from the Babylon Bee; and Pastor Rob McCoy.

LA Mayor Race

Members of the Executive Board attended a Spencer Pratt meet and greet in Encino on Monday, May 18, 2026.

CAGOP Convention, April 10-12, 2026 in San Diego: by Fern Somoza, VURW President

The weekend of April 10-12 was the CAGOP Convention in San Diego. It was an exciting informative event. Republicans from all over the State of California attended as Delegates, Proxies, Associate Delegates, and guests. Candidates gathered to present their political views to a positive, hopeful crowd of supporters. Every area in the convention center bustled with excitement as candidates crisscrossed each other walking through the foyers. Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco, both candidates for CA Governor passed each other walking through the aisles greeting supporters and delegates. Many of the delegates, each supporting a different candidate, happily shared our perspectives and views. During the splashdown of Artemis II everyone was gathered either on the hotel roof, bar, lounge, or breakout rooms yelling and cheering for the space craft’s safe return to Earth. We heard the sonic boom, and some saw a flash of light in the sky, as the craft landed in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego. Everything added to the enjoyment and excitement of the convention. On Saturday night, I was thrilled to meet and speak with the dinner’s guest speaker, Senator Ted Cruz. His speech was truly fantastic, and he was personable to everyone (including me). The endorsement votes on Sunday did not go as I would have wanted, but people were very animated, even obnoxious at times. That’s typical in a Republic! Overall, the CAGOP Convention was a real experience. I hope all members can attend a convention and/or conference provided by CAGOP and Golden State Republican Women. It’s a real learning curve!

Celebrating the GSRW Biennial Convention in Buena Park September 26-28, 2025

Carl Demaio. Fern & Tony Strickland - Gretchen Cox, Steve Hilton, Fern, Janet Price - Assemblyman Demaio and Senator Strickland

A man holding a microphone in his right hand, standing in front of an American flag, wearing a black jacket with the word 'REFORM' on it.
A speaker on stage at a conference or meeting addressing an audience of mostly women seated at round tables in a well-lit conference room. There are banners and flags behind the speaker, one reading 'Golden State Republican Women,' and people are listening attentively.
Smiling woman and man taking a selfie at a crowded event with tables, chairs, and other attendees in the background.
Four people standing together, smiling, in front of a backdrop with the Golden State emblem and San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge illustration, at a formal event.

Upcoming events

  • VURW June Evening Meeting – Honoring Scholarship Winners for 2026

    Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

    Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

    Cost: $50.00

    Presentations for Victoria Wilson Memorial, Thomas Paine Merit, Charlie Kirk Memorial Scholarships