Speaker: Debora Allen, Local Business Leader, Contra Costa Taxpayers' Association, "Lightning Rod of the BART Board," Past BART Director

Debora Allen spent over 30 years in financial management as a CPA, Chief Financial Officer, and business owner, primarily in real estate and construction. Debora served 6 years as an appointed Trustee on the Contra Costa County employees pension board and central Contra Costa as an elected BART Board Director from 2016-2024. 

Nicknamed the “lightning rod of the BART board” by Bay Area media, Debora’s activism is in “good governance” of public agencies. For decades, Debora worked tirelessly for fiscal transparency, taxpayer accountability and cost effective improvements to the services local government should deliver with our tax dollars.

Debora is now a member of the board of the Contra Costa Taxpayers’ Association, a political and business consultant, and continues with an active role in her family business.

Check-in: 5:30pm | Dinner served: 6:35pm

Opportunity Drawing

Six bottles of wine and a $25 Piatti's gift card. Total value is approximately $200. Tickets are available at the meeting by cash or check - 5 tickets for $20 or 2 tickets for $10. There will be one winner.  

Wine Donation for Future Fundraisers

Please donate a bottle of wine for future fundraisers.  Simply bring a donated bottle of wine to the meeting and give it to the volunteer at check-in.  The wine should have a value of at least $25, and also should be newly purchased (fresh). You will be given two tickets for the Opportunity Drawing as a  thank you for your donation. Thank you for your support!

Spread the word and mark your calendars!

We are thrilled to announce that we’ve partnered with Virtue+Vice in Danville for our annual fundraising event, "Dine for a Cause." This is a wonderful chance for our club to raise funds through the amazing generosity of Virtue+Vice and the support of all attendees!

Delicious Dinner Menu - click here

Download Detailed Promotional Flyer - click here

How does it work?

The restaurant will generously donate 10% of all food and beverage sales, whether you choose to dine in or take your meal to go. Plus, 100% of the tipsfrom guests will go directly to MDRC.

To reach our fundraising goal of $2,500 for this event, we need a fantastic turnout and generous tipping. We encourage you to invite your family, friends, and anyone else who wants to enjoy a fabulous evening with us. The more participants we have, the greater our success! Treat yourself to a delicious meal without cooking while supporting a meaningly cause. Let’s make this event unforgettable!

If you cannot attend but wish to contribute, kindly click the link to make an online donation.

Online Donation Link - Click Here

Seven Volunteers Needed! 

We are seeking seven volunteers to assist as servers for the event. If you're interested in helping, please contact Catherine Logan at [email protected] for more information. If you're unable to attend but would still like to contribute, donations are welcome, with further details on reservations, ordering, and donation options available closer to the event.

Speaker: Lynne Leach - Former State Legislator (AD-15, 1996-2002), Community Leader/Activist, Small Business Owner

Lynne has been a businesswoman and involved in sales all of her adult life. In 1978, she started her own business, Applied Business Communications, Inc. The firm specialized in sales, customer service and communications training. In 2003, she launched Lynne Leach Presents… offering informative, inspirational speeches and practical, common sense programs on sales – customer service, communications and leadership to the business and political communities.

In 1996, Lynne was elected to the California State Assembly becoming the first woman ever to represent the combined Alameda/Contra Costa Counties 15th Assembly District. She was reelected in 1998 and 2000 by commanding margins and term limits in 2002.

While serving in the Assembly in Sacramento, Lynne’s top priorities were to make California more business friendly; return our schools to their premier status; address the transportation challenges of the Bay Area and provide some relief for the harried taxpayer.

Lynne made her mark as a leader in the Legislature, serving as Chair of the Assembly Republican Caucus in her first term and Vice Chair of the Assembly Education Committee in her second and third terms. Other Committee assignments were: Transportation, Insurance, Business and Professions, Jobs and Economic Development, Aging and Long Term Care, Joint Legislative Audit and the Master Plan for California Education (Kindergarten through Higher Education).

From 1988 to 1996, Lynne was actively involved in the Contra Costa County Republican Party and served as its Chairman from 1991-1995. During her tenure, she introduced the successful Bootcamp (an annual candidate training program) and the R.E.V.O.L.T. (Republicans educating voters on lower taxes) Committee.

A Chicago native and lifelong Cub fan, Lynne was raised in a blue-collar family. Her father was a sheet metal worker and union member. Her mother was a full time homemaker. She worked her way through college and in 1963 graduated from Roosevelt University (Chicago) with a degree in Psychology.

In 1964, she and her husband, Bob, moved to California. In 1967 they settled in Walnut Creek where they raised their now grown children and enjoy their granddaughters.

Community Service and Activities include: 

- Member/President: Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce

- Member/President: Walnut Creek Professional and Business Women’s Club

- Member: Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Posse

- Member: Alameda/Contra Costa Counties 100 Clubs

- Member, Executive Board, Mount Diablo Silverado Council, Boy Scouts of America, Council President 2010-2012

- Member, Walnut Creek (Host) Lions Club

- Member, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, Session Elder, 2014-2017

- Advisory Board Member, Assistance League of Diablo Valley

- Advisory Board Member, Chinese-American Political Association

- 1991-1995 Member/Chair of the Contra Costa County Republican Party

Since 1988, she has produced and hosted cable television shows: Make it Your Business, At Issue, Behind the Headlines and Focus 15.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION - In 1998 Lynne was named “National Freshman of the Year” by the National Republican Legislators Association and “First Term Legislator of the Year” by the California School Boards Association.

Honors came from: The California Chamber of Commerce (Small Business Advocate 2004), The National Tax Limitation Committee, The Association of California School Administrators, The Walnut Creek Education Foundation, Save Mount Diablo, The Association of California Water Agencies, The Contra Costa Breast Cancer Partnership, California Senior Housing Assoc., The Association of Low Wealth Schools, Contra Costa County Adult Education and ROP, California State PTA’s Honorary Service Award, The California Small Business Association and California Small Business Roundtable, The Tri-Valley Exchange Club’s Book of Golden Deeds Award, Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, Boy Scouts of America "Silver Beaver" Award (2007), California Council on Adult Education "Friend of Adult Education" Award (2009), California Women Leaders Association "Woman Achiever" Award (2009), California Republican Women's Caucus Power Award (2001), and Seneca Network "Fire in the Belly" award (1997).

Opportunity Drawing

Six bottles of wine and a $25 gift card to Piatti's Italian Restaurant in Danville gift card. Total value is approximately $200. Tickets are available at the meeting by cash or check - 5 tickets for $20 or 2 tickets for $10. There will be one winner.  

Wine Donation for Future Fundraisers

Please donate a bottle of wine for future fundraisers.  Simply bring a donated bottle of wine to the meeting and give it to the volunteer at check-in.  The wine should have a value of at least $25, and also should be newly purchased (fresh). You will be given two tickets for the Opportunity Drawing as a  thank you for your donation. Thank you for your support!

Speaker: Kristian Fors, Independent Institute - "Cracked Foundations: What’s Behind California’s Housing and Insurance Collapse"

Kristian Fors is a Research Fellow at the Independent Institute and Director of the California Golden Fleece® Awards. He is from La Cañada Flintridge, California. His research focuses on public policy and economics, with an emphasis on government waste and inefficiencies in California. He earned a BA in Economics from Utah State University, an MA in International Relations from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), and an MSc in Behavioral Science from the London School of Economics.

Free Door Prize Drawing  - Surprises!

The Mt. Diablo Republican Club has a special lineup of giveaways for everyone attending our upcoming event. Each guest will receive a ticket at check-in for a chance to take home one of the following: a bottle of wine, a selection of conservative books, or a cozy Danville-themed throw. Don’t miss out on the fun and the chance to walk away with something great!

Wine Donation for Future Fundraisers

Please donate a bottle of wine for future fundraisers.  Simply bring a donated bottle of wine to the meeting and give it to the volunteer at check-in.  The wine should have a value of at least $25, and also should be newly purchased (fresh). You will be given two tickets for the Opportunity Drawing as a  thank you for your donation. Thank you for your support!

Speaker: Addison Cowling, Leadership Institute, Partnership Advisor

Addison Cowling is the Partnership Advisor for California, Nevada, and Hawaii. He began his career in politics as an intern at Federalist Society in 2019 and has been working in the conservative movement since then.

Most of Addison’s career has been spent at Leadership Institute in several roles. He started in the Campus Leadership Program as a Regional Field Coordinator, serving the National Field Team on campuses in the Midwest and New England regions. After two years of growing and training Leadership Institute’s campus group network, Addison transitioned to a Donor Services Officer position where he learned the ins and outs of fundraising. Click Here to learn more about Addison's background.

The Leadership Institute turns conservatives into leaders – empowered to defend and advance the founding principles of our country. 

Through training and mentorship, the Leadership Institute is the first and best organization focused on creating conservative leaders who make a difference today and for years to come.

Click Here to learn more about Leadership Institute 

Silent Auction – 5 Exclusive Items!

Bid on exciting treasures including:
🎶 Ukulele Starter Kit
👜 Two Vintage Louis Vuitton Bags
🍾 Champagne & Silver Set
🍷 Wine Accessories + Food Gift Cards
Bring cash or check to place your bid—and win!

Opportunity Drawing – $200+ Value!

Enter to win 6 bottles of wine + a $25 See’s Candy gift card!
🎫 Tickets: $20 for 5 | $10 for 2
One winner will be selected.
All proceeds benefit the Golden Eagle Educational Fund and conservative higher education causes.

Wine Donations Needed

Help us prepare for future fundraisers.
Please donate a bottle of wine ($25+ value, newly purchased) at check-in.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive 2 free drawing tickets!

Petitions – Make Your Voice Heard!

Support Voter ID and the Recall of Diana Becton.
Petitions will be available in the lobby at check-in. Sign and make a difference!

Speaker: Jeff Burns, Chairman Contra Costa GOP

Jeff has served on the Contra Costa Central Committee since 2018 and previously held the roles of both First and Second Vice Chair. A native of Massachusetts, Jeff began his political journey at 14, working as a volunteer for the Joe Malone for US Senate campaign, attempting to defeat Sen. Ted Kennedy.

While in high school, Jeff co-founded the Conservative Coalition that organized trips to New Hampshire to knock on doors for then-presidential candidate Jack Kemp in 1988. Jeff currently serves on the Executive Committee of the California Republican Party and has served on the Rules and Budget Committees. He also is a current investor with the Republican Nation Committee.

Click Here to learn more about Contra Costa County GOP

Silent Auction – 5 Exclusive Items!

🍷Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

🎶 Ukulele Starter Kit
👜 Vintage Louis Vuitton purse
💎 Swarovski crystal jewelry
🍷 Wine Accessories + Food Gift Cards

Bring cash or check to place your bid—and win!

Opportunity Drawing – $200+ Value!

Enter to win 6 bottles of wine + a $25 See’s Candy gift card!
🎫 Tickets: $20 for 5 | $10 for 2
One winner will be selected.

Wine Donations Needed

Help us prepare for future fundraisers.
Please donate a bottle of wine ($25+ value, newly purchased) at check-in.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive 2 free drawing tickets!

Speaker: Kristin Wallace - Center for Bioethics and Culture

Kirstin Wallace is the newest consultant at the Center for Bioethics and Culture, serving as Development Director. She brings extensive experience in leadership and advancement, having both advised and directed educational non-profits, and now works to further the vision and mission of the CBC through development and donor engagement.

Kirstin earned her B.A. in Biology and Anthropology from Indiana University and her J.D. from John F. Kennedy School of Law in 2008. She practiced civil defense litigation for 14 years, specializing in contracts, construction, and mediation. Her lifelong interest in human dignity advocacy - sparked by her love of the sciences and recognition of the moral uniqueness of the human person - has shaped her professional and personal pursuits. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s Program in Classical Education, further deepening her commitment to teaching, formation, and the pursuit of truth.

Beyond her work at the CBC, Kirstin is a dedicated mother of two boys, whom she homeschools through the Classical Conversations program. In her role as a Director, she has taught a full range of subjects, guiding students from Kindergarten through their senior year of high school.

Click Here to learn more about Center for Bioethics & Culture

Opportunity Drawing – $200 + Value!

Enter to win 6 bottles of wine + a $25 See’s Candy gift card!
🎫 Tickets: $20 for 5 | $10 for 2
One winner will be selected.

Wine Donations Needed

Help us prepare for future fundraisers.
Please donate a bottle of wine ($25+ value, newly purchased) at check-in.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive 2 free drawing tickets!

Speaker: Colonel Christopher Starling, U.S. Marine Corps Retired

Presentation: Department of War: Readiness, Robots, & Rules of Engagement

Colonel Christopher Starling, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired) served for 26 years on active duty as an infantry officer. He completed ten overseas deployments including three combat tours. His post-retirement work has been focused on the veteran community. Currently he is the Executive Director of NPower SkillBridge where he helps launch cybersecurity careers for young men and women in the Armed Forces who are transitioning back into civilian life.

While on active duty, Chris commanded the 2d Battalion, 2d Marines based in Camp Lejeune, NC, and the 23d Marine Regiment based in San Bruno, CA. Staff assignments included instructor duty at the US Military Academy, West Point, NY; Chief of the Partnership Division at US Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany; and the senior US Military Advisor to the Emirati Presidential Guard in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Chris holds a BA from the Virginia Military Institute and a Master’s in Public Administration from the City University of New York. Additionally, he spent one year as a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University where he published his research on China’s expanding influence in Africa.

Honoring Service & Supporting Our Veterans

Join us at the Mt. Diablo Republican Club meeting on November 12, 2025, as we welcome four incredible organizations that support veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.

🇺🇸 Blue Star Mothers of America
Founded in 1942, this nonprofit unites mothers, grandmothers, and guardians of service members and veterans. They provide care and community for military families while promoting patriotism and volunteerism nationwide.
Local Chapter: CA101 Blue Star Moms – San Ramon, CA
bluestarmoms.org

💻 NPower California
NPower offers tuition-free technology training and certifications to veterans, military spouses, and underserved young adults, helping them build digital careers and diversify the tech industry.
Representative: Colonel Chris Starling
npower.org

🎓 Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation
Founded in 2003 by Mike Conklin and based in San Ramon, this nonprofit provides scholarships, mentoring, and community support for post-9/11 wounded and injured veterans as they transition to civilian life.
Representative: Mike Conklin
sentinelsoffreedom.org

🎖 VietNam Veterans of Diablo Valley (VNVDV)
A local nonprofit of Vietnam-era veterans dedicated to improving the image of those who served, supporting fellow veterans, and fostering patriotism through community service.
Representative: Bill Green
vnvdv.org

Opportunity Drawing – $200 + Value!

Enter to win 6 bottles of wine + a $25 See’s Candy gift card!
🎫 Tickets: $20 for 5 | $10 for 2
One winner will be selected.

Funds raised will be donated to local veteran organizations. Bring your cash and/or checks.

Wine Donations Needed

Help us prepare for future fundraisers.
Please donate a bottle of wine ($25+ value, newly purchased) at check-in.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive 2 free drawing tickets!

The holiday season is here, and we’d love for you to join us for our MDRC Christmas Party & Installation of 2026 Officers on Wednesday, December 10th at the Alamo Women’s Club. Festivities run from 5:15 PM to 9:00 PM, with dinner served at 6:15 PM.

Enjoy a Tri-Tip dinner (vegetarian option available), live music by Vinny Sebastiano, a cocoa bar, Karaoke, cookie decorating, Santa’s visit, reindeer games, trivia, and our always-popular Ugliest Christmas Sweater Contest!

We’ll also hold our Opportunity Drawing with three great gift baskets. All proceeds support our featured local non-profits: Birthright of Concord, Bay Area Rescue Mission, and Cancer Support Community of the Bay Area.

Meal reservation deadline: Saturday, December 6th at 3:00 PM.

Bring your friends and family and help us ring in the season with fun, great food, and community support. We hope to see you there!

Opportunity Drawing — Support Local Non-Profits

Win one of three holiday gift baskets!
All funds raised support our featured local non-profits.

🎫 Tickets: $20 for 5 | $10 for 2

Three winners will be selected!
Bring your cash and/or checks.

Supporting Local Non-Profits

This year we are honored to feature presentations from:

Birthright of Concord, Bay Area Rescue Mission, Cancer Support Community of the Bay Area

Each organization will receive: A $300 donation, One-third of the Opportunity Drawing proceeds, and Any additional personal donations guests wish to contribute.

Please consider bringing a generous check to show appreciation for their work in serving our community.