President’s Message:

On Wednesday evening, April 16, 2025, Valley Unity Republican Women held a general meeting and special fundraising event featuring guest speakers Elizabeth Barcohana, and Michael Reagan. The ballroom was filled with excitement and anticipation. Members, guests, and potential future members exceedingly enjoyed the evening’s proceedings. The Woodland Hills Country Club ballroom was decorated to perfection by the staff at the club and the VURW planning committee. The speakers were outstanding, each sharing their unique experiences which brought them to the Republican Party. Mrs. Barcohana explained her personal shift from Democrat to Republican. It was very enlightening and somewhat familiar to many in the group. Mr. Reagan shared a few antidotes involving his father, the late President Ronald Reagan; his sister Maureen; and his Academy Award winning mother Jane Wyman. VURW welcomed guests from other organizations: Corey Uhden, CAGOP Regional Development Officer; Kevin McNamee, Leader for the Children’s Education Opportunity Act; Janet Price, Golden State Republican Women President (VURW member) Lucie Volotsky, SFVRA Chair (also a VURW member) Mike Harvey, Founder of 511 Media Group; and Ed Reynolds and Bob Donovan, representing “Wings Over Wendy’s”.

During the evening’s agenda, the attendees were encouraged to peruse the items available for purchase in the Live & Silent Auctions. People enthusiastically bid on the 20 or more baskets, paintings, and accessories available for auction. All items were carefully and expertly designed and organized by the members of the VURW Board and the volunteer Planning Committee. With the excellent talents of the volunteer auctioneer, Associate member Michael Young, the “Live Auction” began with a flurry of bidding for 8 tickets to the Ronald Reagan Library, with a tour guided by Michael Reagan. “Silent Auction” items had a frenzy of bidding during a lull in the agenda and the dinner hour.

Valley Unity Republican Women’s fundraising efforts benefit our local 1st Responders, such as the area fire stations in need of facility improvements (not paid for by the County or City of L.A.) veterans’ organizations, and arranging for interesting, informative speakers for future meetings. We hope to keep Republicans and Independents informed and updated during election years and times in between. We need to have our voices heard; making political and social differences in Los Angeles and throughout the State of California are meaningful, worthwhile goals.