01/21/2026
The Log Cabin Republicans of Orange County had a fantastic event with OCGOP Chairman Will O'Neill on Sunday, January 11, 2026. bit.ly/49kOVlX
"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).
We appreciate his insights regarding the 2025 elections, the upcoming 2026 midterms, and we look forward to a future of more collaboration and teamwork between OC GOP and Log Cabin OC.
We were glad to host our event at Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach, California. Special thanks to the staff. The restaurant and event coordinator are continually helpful and thoughtful in preparation for the events we host at the venue.
Much appreciation to board members, Anthony J., our vice-president, Brendon M., our interim-secretary, and Andy R., board member at-large. As a board we worked together, collaborated, and coordinated to plan and prepare for this event. There are many tasks to complete for events. It takes teamwork. Planning, ordering, promoting, the financials, and so much more.
Also, in attendance was one of our earliest chapter board members, Mr. Jim Brophy, LCR CA PAC Chairman Kevin Gillhooley, LCR L.A. President Jake Iorio, LCR L.A. Treasurer Andy Dick, Aliso Viejo City Councilman Tim Zandbergen, and Huntington Beach Treasurer Jason Schmitt. The ongoing and continued support is much appreciated. Thank you for your outstanding support and dedication to our organization. It carries great significance.
As you can see from our chapter events, we are a group focused on being outstanding in many ways. We have a great chapter focused on political, social, and volunteer opportunities. We are not about being average or normal. We look for ways to be outstanding and of help in Orange County.
As an organization we are rooted in Abraham Lincoln’s principles of liberty and equality. We have earned "social capital". We have built trust, formed relationships, and increased goodwill throughout the community.
One of the key events in our history occurred in 1978, when then-former Governor Ronald Reagan took a stand against State Senator John Briggs's Proposition 6. This initiative proposed the firing of gay teachers. The Log Cabin Republicans was established in the wake of the Briggs initiative.
We honor that legacy and mourn the passing of Michael Reagan. Sadly, on January 6, 2026 the eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and Jayne Wyman passed away. We paid tribute at our brunch to him and his role as guardian of the Reagan legacy.
We also remembered the passing of Blaze Bernstein [BERN-steen]. On January 2, 2018, 19-year-old college sophomore Blaze was home visiting his parents in the City of Lake Forest. During his visit, Blaze agreed to meet up with a former high school classmate. A fateful meeting. According to District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, that former classmate had “‘graphic’ and “chilling” texts and spewed hate toward the gay community (CBS).
Last year, President Jesse B. had the honor of meeting Blaze’s mom, Jeanne Pepper, at OC Pride. Jesse and Jeanne had a meaningful conversation about Blaze’s legacy of kindness, the significance of public safety, and key legislation to track. That’s why our chapter is important. We will continue to speak up and continue to engage with leaders in the community.
As Len Olds, one of the founding fathers of Log Cabin OC, has always said, we must remain diligent. We take that to heart and we let it echo from one generation to the next. In other words, we remain hopeful and strong. As a united group, we continue to serve the community.
We look forward to the year ahead, all the opportunities before us, and the work that awaits us.
Just think of the possibilities.
1. Left to right: OCGOP Chairman Will O'Neill and LCROC President Jesse B.
2. Guest Speaker Will O'Neill, OCGOP Chairman.
3. Hon. Will O'Neill, OCGOP Chairman speaking with attendees.
4. Hon. Will O'Neill, OCGOP Chairman speaking with attendees.
5. Hon. Will O'Neill, OCGOP Chairman speaking with attendees.
6. Guest Speaker Will O'Neill, OCGOP Chairman (Video). https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gVAPJmQsl_p_xt15QLVPaNjuIU2waZdg/view?usp=drivesdk
7. Menu
8. The Rail Splitter by John Gribb gifted to Hon. Will O'Neill, OCGOP Chairman.
9. Personalized note inside The Rail Splitter by John Gribb from LCROC President Jesse B. to the Hon. Will O'Neill, OCGOP Chairman.
bit.ly/49kOVlX
