Meeting minutes for June 19, 2025

by Ruth Milne.

led by Cora Lee Schingnitz.

presented by Yuma Territorial Young Marines. 

Paul LaMar and Sheri. 

David Ibarra and Jeff Stoner, members of Yuma Elementary School Board District One; David Lara, Yuma County Recorder; and Mark Martinez, Yuma City Council.

to suspend regular meeting agenda to allow enough time for the Border Patrol’s presentation made by Aaron Salyi, seconded by Teresa Robinson, motion passed by vote.

Border Patrol Agent Matthew Wills is currently assigned to Yuma Sector’s Border Community Liaison unit. He gives presentations to area schools and community groups, informing them about the border patrol duties and the risks of getting involved in illegal and dangerous activities like drug use and smuggling. The agency has three stations in what’s called the Yuma Sector: Yuma,  Wellton, and Blythe, CA. The Yuma section covers 126 miles of border between the Yuma-Pima County line in AZ and the Imperial Sand Dunes in CA. 

Agent Wills gave a very detailed and informative talk on various vehicles they use including boats, ATV’s, helicopters,

and bicycles. They also use cameras mounted on stationary towers and mobile trucks, high-tech phones, drones, and time-lapse photography. The border agents are extremely grateful that

President Trump is back in office and the number of apprehensions has dropped dramatically since his election. Drug smuggling has always been a problem but recently Methamphetamine has overtaken fentanyl. 

Agent Wills also explained how agents are trained; they attend 6 months of intensive instruction at the U.S. Border Patrol Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. There are currently about 20,000 agents employed and they hope to certify an additional 3,000 agents by

next year.

Border Patrol Agent Reno with his K-9 support dog, Journey, also gave an insight to the Critical Response Team and how they respond to incidents. Journey gave a demonstration of his

willingness to engage with people and helped us see the importance of a comfort animal in times of stress or crisis. 

Overall, the border agents were very engaging and gave us a small look into the varied and sometimes dangerous tasks they perform every day. They had a Q & A time afterwards with the audience.

made by Don Bunker, seconded by Bob Robinson, motion passed by vote.

Ruth ended the meeting at 7:37 P.M.

Respectfully submitted by Connie Muccianti.

by Ruth Milne.

led by Cora Lee Schingnitz and Ruth Milne, respectively. 

None.

Constable Art Gradillas; David Ibarra and Jeff Stoner – members of Yuma Elementary School Board District One; Malba Alvarez, running for Clerk of the Superior Court of Yuma; and Judge Larry Kenworthy of Yuma County Superior Court Division 3.

read by Connie Muccianti. Motion to accept report made by Dr. C.

Doniparthi, seconded by Cora Lee Schingnitz, motion passed by vote.

read by Teresa Robinson. Beginning balance on 5/1/25 was

$11,094.61; expenditures $297.61; credits $445.00; leaving a closing balance on 5/31/25 of $11,242.00. Motion to accept treasurer’s report made by Cindy Wenberg, seconded by Greg Wenberg, motion passed by vote.

made by Jim Huber. SCOTUS voted unanimously 9-0 that Mexico

has no right to go after gun manufacturers for violence done by the cartels in their country. Also SCOTUS upheld (by a vote of 6-3) the ban on assault weapons in Maryland. 5th Circuit Court is looking into cases to determine if these laws are Constitutional, citing they don’t meet the definition of unusual or dangerous. 

Texas passed a bill to eliminate “Red Flag Laws” and also passed a reciprocity bill stating that hand gun licenses and permits are unconstitutional and a violation of our 2nd Amendment. 

Katie Hobbs has been busy: she vetoed a bill that would prevent China from buying land in AZ near military bases. She also vetoed a bill that would have banned health care companies from requiring their employees to be vaccinated. Another election bill she vetoed would have banned people from bringing mail-in ballots to voting locations. She also vetoed a bill that would have banned any county recorder from giving voter registration cards to people that have mailing addresses out of AZ. She vetoed a bill that would have allowed students at AZ higher education institutions to be able to sign a waiver saying they understood the risk of not being vaccinated. Another bill she vetoed would require candidates running for federal offices show proof of citizenship, and lastly, she vetoed a bill that would remove sex-related definitions of people such as trans, non-binary, and intersex people.

Ruth thanked those who helped at the Andy Biggs rally on 5/31/25 however, she stressed again that the Tea Party does not endorse any political candidate before the Primary Election and that any time Tea Party members attending rallies or helping

in any way, should not wear any Tea Party gear.

Cindy thanked Patty Potts for providing the cookies tonight.

Michele Pena, State Representative, LD23. Michele gave a very

interesting and informative overview of various bills pending before the state legislature presently. She referenced various bills pending: 

• HB2855 which defines drug cartels as terrorists groups;
• HB2055 which involves immunizations and students;
• HB2521 which protects sovereignty and local taxation;
• HB2021 which references election integrity;
• HB2439 which informs pregnant women about options other than abortion; 
• HB2484 which bans cell phones in the classroom. 

They are also reviewing the budget for 2026 (around $18 billion). Michele ended her time by taking questions from the floor.

Dr. Doniparthi reported there seems to be another push for Covid

vaccines. They are recommended for the elderly and children with medical conditions. He advises the immunizations might create more serious adverse reactions than the illness and to best protect yourself maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritious food, exercise, and avoid high risk behaviors.

Malba Alvarez, President of the Rio Colorado Republican Women group informed us of their luncheon on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 1 P.M. at the Elk’s Lodge. Also, the GOP is sponsoring a booth in San Luis on 7/4/25.

Rich Medeiros reported that SCOTUS voted 9-0 on a reverse discrimination case and also ruled on tax exempt status for religious organizations. He also explained how to save using Fry’s reward points on gift cards.

Carl Kizer reported the “machete lady”, who was slashing political signs in people’s yards with a machete, did not show up for her court case.

Prayer by Cora Lee Schingnitz. 

Motion to Adjourn made by Don Bunker, seconded by Dr. Doniparthi, motion passed by vote. 

Ruth ended the meeting at 7:16

Respectfully submitted by Connie Muccianti.

by Ruth Milne at 6:00 PM

led by Cecil Boelts and Ruth Milne, respectively. 

Chuck Sager.  Ruth read the Colorado River Tea Party Mission Statement.

Daniel Butierez, candidate for CD 7.  Mr. Butierez gave a most informative report on his campaign and obstacles he has encountered thus far.  CD 7 is a predominantly blue district but he has hopes of turning it red.  The Democrats had twice the number of petition signatures necessary but it was found many were not residents of CD 7.  Mr. Butierez has been concentrating his efforts by visiting towns in CD 7 (like Nogales and Douglas).  Many of these towns have never seen a candidate there before.  Mr. Butierez lives in CD 7 and is a small business owner (painting contractor) who hires ex-cons and jobless individuals, giving them a second chance.  He gives them a sense of pride  and purpose and provides them with the tools necessary to develop self esteem.  The only thing he requires is for them to be drug-free.  Mr. Butierez answered questions from the floor about his campaign. 

read by Connie Muccianti.   A correction was noted: Sally Kizer is the Vice-chair of the Yuma County Tea Party, not President. Motion to accept the Secretary's report made by Bob Dahl, seconded by Nikki Pollard, motion passed by vote. 

read by Teresa Robinson.  Balance as of 4/01/25 is $11,094.61; expenditures of $59.57 plus $200.00 for merchandise; deposit of $67.00; leaving an ending balance on 4/30/25 of $10,896.38.  Motion to accept Treasurer's report made by Tom Ramus, seconded by Cindy Wenberg, motion passed by vote.

Jim Huber reported an effort is being made by the NFA to take suppressors off regulation; they should not be considered a firearm.  If they are not considered a weapon, why do they need to be registered.  Many shooting ranges prefer suppressors be used. They also want to include removing short-barreled shotguns from the restriction.  

There are many state courts trying to pass legislation to undermine our 2nd amendment rights and 26 Attorneys General and AZ legislature plan to file a "friend of the court" brief urging SCOTUS to overturn a Ninth Circuit ruling.  

The ATF approves silencers on police weapons but wants to regulate citizen's use of silencers. 

Texas is working to ban "red flag laws"; 21 states have red flag laws in force at this time . 

Cindy thanked Patty Potts for providing the cookies tonight.

Old: Ruth thanked the members who showed up at the Make America First Day of Action rally to celebrate President Trump's first 100 days in office and promises made, promises kept.

New: Young Teen Republicans is sending four youths to Washington DC for camp at a cost of $8000.  Ruth proposed the Tea Party donate $500 to help with expenses.   Motion to give a $500 donation to the Young Teen Republicans organization was made by Mike Richards, seconded by Carl Kizer and motion passed by vote.

upcoming Memorial Day celebrations:

8 AM at Ocean to Ocean Bridge        

10 AM at Desert Lawn Cemetery

Malba Alvarez is running for clerk of the Superior Court so we need to sign her petition and support her.

Carl Kizer reminded us of another flag waving event on June 14th, Flag Day (and President Trump's birthday). Celebration at the corner of 4th Ave and 24th St.  Show up with your flags, signs, and patriotic pride.

Prayer by Cecil Boelts. 

Motion to Adjourn made by Dr. Doniparthi, seconded by Rich Medeiros, motion passed by vote.  

Ruth Milne ended the meeting at 6:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Connie Muccianti.

by Ruth Milne at 6:00 PM

led by Ginny Keller and Ruth Milne, respectively. 

David Lara, Yuma County Recorder and Lupita Candela, Deputy County Recorder.

None.

read by Connie Muccianti. Changes to minutes: date changed (from April 20, 2025 to April 17, 2025) and legislative report changed to read ("outlaw owning any semiautomatic rifle").  Motion to accept amended minutes made by Mike Richards, seconded by Dr. Doniparthi, motion passed by vote.

Teresa Robinson reported beginning balance on 4/1/25 of $11,040.28; expenditures $253.57; income of $302.00; for an ending balance as of 4/30/25 of $11,094.61. Motion to accept treasurers report made by Jim Huber, seconded by Cindy Wenberg, Motion passed by vote.

Jim Huber reported the ATF and DOJ recently was able to reverse Biden's unlawful "zero tolerance" policy.  Also, the DOJ is involved with the Trump administration to protect citizen's Second Amendment rights and allow individual states to follow their own laws.  

Governor Hobbs is still under investigation for fraud, bribery, conspiracy, and racketeering.  She allegedly accepted $400,000 in bribes from Sunshine Residential Homes, a state contractor, in exchange for directing millions in taxpayer dollars to the company.  

Cindy had no news to report.  Sally Kizer, President of Yuma County Tea Party, announced an upcoming event on Saturday, May 10, 2025.  Make America First Day of Action will be held at the intersection of 24th St and 4th Ave from 8 to noon.  It's a chance for all Tea Party Patriots to celebrate President Trump's first 100 days in office and to acknowledge promises made, promises kept.

Old: Ruth read a thank you note from Rose Walford, President of VFW Post 1763, for the 144 flags the Colorado Tea Party donated for veteran graves at Yuma Pioneer Cemetery.  

Also, it was noted the secretary minutes from the April 3, 2025, meeting were not voted to accept so a motion was made by Dr. Doniparthi to accept the minutes, seconded by Cora Lee Schingnitz, and motion passed by vote.

New: Ruth announced there will only be one meeting for the months of July and August. The meeting dates will be July 17 and August 21.

Nicole Baggerly, our Communication and Media officer, gave an overview of our website, newsletter, and Facebook pages. 

David Lara, an at-large representative on the Yuma Union High School District school board and newly elected Yuma County Recorder, and his Deputy County Recorder, Lupita Candela, were our guest speakers.  David presented everyone with an informative handout about recent fraudulent activity with property deeds.  Activity has been noted, primarily in the Foothills area, but every homeowner needs to be aware of the problem and know how to take evasive action.  

David also handed out maps of CD7 and CD9 boundaries to make everyone aware of their Congressional District and their representative.  Daniel Butierez is running for CD7 and needs every Republican vote in that district.  

There was a Q & A time where David and Lupita clarified any unanswered questions the Tea Party group had.

Dr. Doniparthi spoke about C-15, an essential fatty acid, which our bodies need for optimal health but we cannot produce ourselves.  A small amount of the C-15 molecules is found in dairy but that is a poor source; Omega-3 oils are the best source.  

Ruth also encouraged everyone to check the Tea Party website, newsletter, or Facebook page for information updates. 

Prayer by Ginny Keller.

Motion to Adjourn made by Dr. Doniparthi, seconded by Rich Metregris, motion carried by vote.  

Ruth ended the meeting at 7:37 PM.

Respectfully submitted by Connie Muccianti.

by Ruth Milne at 6:02 PM

led by Don and Rose Wolford, respectively. 

Constable Art Gradillas and Rose Wolford, President of VFW Post 1763.

Eric (son of Patty and brother of Cindy).  Ruth read the Tea Party Mission Statement.

read by Connie.  Motion to accept minutes made by Don, seconded by Cindy, minutes accepted.

Ruth reported we have a balance of $10,852.61 to date.  Motion to accept made by Bob, seconded by Greg, motion passed.

Jim reported Colorado is having issues with gun ownership.  A bill is pending to outlaw owning any rifle, pistol, or shotgun by August, 2026.  If a person is caught it is a Class 2 misdemeanor; if caught a second time it becomes a Class 6 felony.  They are also trying to make it illegal to manufacture an automatic weapon or a gas-powered firearm.  Also included are detachable magazines.  Jim feels these bills will be challenged because they violate the 2nd amendment.

Montana has introduced legislation to get rid of Red Flag Laws.

Glock is being sued by the state of New York.

The CDC and NIH used the millions of dollars intended for COVID relief to push for gun control instead.

Tom Horn and the ESA association are trying to regulate the amount of money parents who homeschool can spend.  As it stands now, public schools spend much more per pupil than homeschooling allows per pupil.  

Cindy thanked Connie for the treats.  They will not be at the April 26th Farmer's Market.  Cindy passed around a sign -up sheet for treats for future meetings.

Old: None.

New: Ruth reported the Executive Committee is updating the Bi-Laws and changes will be brought before the membership when the process is done.

Rose Walford, President of VFW Post 1763 and auxillary members Barbara Scofield and Blanche Bonivas accepted 144 American flags to be placed on Veteran's graves at Yuma Pioneer Cemetery for Memorial Day.  

Carl thanked Ruth and Cindy for their many hours of service manning the GOP booth at the Yuma County Fair.  He also urged everyone to support our Republican candidates in the primary election July 15 and the general election on September 23rd.

Gilbert reported on dead name disputes between parents involved in a divorce.  If a child has changed gender and one parent continues to use that child's "old name" (dead name), that parent can lose custody of the child.

Nick Kupper, our freshman House Representative for the 25th District.  Nick highlighted two bills he is presently sponsoring and hoping to get to the governor's desk.  The first prevents anyone being forced to take or be subjected to medical procedures against their will.  His second bill involves online pornography.  The bill came under scrutiny because it violated an individual's First Amendment of freedom of expression.  However, Nick wants to protect children from online porn, and is hopeful to get a majority vote for this.  

There was an open mic time and Nick answered many questions about pending legislation and gave very knowledgeable and relevant answers.  He has done his homework and is determined to serve us, his supporters, to the best of his ability.  

by Don, seconded by Cecil. Ruth adjourned at 7:15PM.

Respectfully submitted by Connie Muccianti.

by Ruth Milne at 6:00pm.

led by Malba Alvarez and Ruth, respectively.

None. 

Michele Peña, David Lara, and Malba Alvarez. 

read by Connie; motion to accept made by Rich, seconded by Cindy, motion passed.

read by Theresa; beginning balance $9,488.42; $171.14 for expenditures; $1,179 income; for a total balance as of March 31, 2025 of $11,046.28.  Motion to accept treasurer’s report made by Patty, seconded by Linda, motion passed.

Cindy thanked Nikki for the treats; we will be at the Farmer’s Market on 4/12 and 4/26. Cindy had volunteer sign-up sheets for those, as well as a sign-up sheet for treats for future Tea Party meetings.

None. 

Malba Alvarez is President of the Rio Colorado Republican Women.  Malba thanked those in the Tea Party who donated much time and effort to help get President Trump re-elected.  She shared photos and memories of the inauguration and relayed how special the event was to everyone. She also stressed that we cannot stop and relax now that President Trump is back in office.  July 15 is the special primary election day and the general election will be September 23.  Malba encouraged everyone to get involved by volunteering to work the elections as poll worker or watcher.  Malba can be reached at malba@borderfitness.com.

Darren Simmons, Yuma County Board of Supervisors, District 3.  Darren gave an informative and interesting overview of the county supervisors’ function and highlighted some of the projects they have undertaken this year.  He took questions from the floor and discussed proposed projects for the future.

led by Malba Alvarez.

made by Tom, seconded by Marlene, motion passed. Ruth adjourned at 7:20 P.M. 

Respectfully submitted by Connie Muccianti 

by Ruth Milne at 6PM

led by Wayne and Ginny, respectively.

David Shill (husband of Kathy); Ruth read the Mission Statement 

Sheriff Leon Wilmott and Jeff Stoner.  Jeff informed us of the upcoming Superintendent Finalist Forum for School District 1 on March 26 at the district office located at 460 W 6th Street.  There are 3 candidates (2 are in the district) and you may submit questions for the candidates before the meeting at 5:30; meeting begins at 6.

read by Connie.  Motion to accept made by Dr. Doniparthi; seconded by Robert; motion passed.

Ruth reported beginning balance was $9488.42.  Present balance is $10,614.28.  Motion to accept Treasurer Report made by Rick; seconded by Don; Motion passed.

Jim reported DOJ has called for a 30-day review on whether suppressors are a regulated item.  Also the ATF Transparency Act is a bill introduced to regulate transfer of a firearm if 90 days has passed and the application has not been denied.  In FL the NRA is going against AG Pam Bondi regarding purchasing firearms by persons aged 18-20.

Cindy reminded us the Farmer's Market is coming up March 22; March 26 is the trip to the capitol.  Hopefully there will be a meeting with our Representative and April Smith of AZ Free Enterprise Club will give us a tour of the capitol.  There also is a wine basket and framed ticket from President Trump's inauguration to be auctioned tonight.

None.

Jean Waterbury tended her resignation letter and it was approved by the Executive Committee on March 19.  A motion to accept Jean's resignation was made by Dr. Doniparthi; seconded by Jim and motion passed.  Theresa Robinson has been nominated to fill the position of Treasurer.  She was approved by the Executive Committee March 19.  Motion to accept Theresa's nomination made by Wayne; seconded by Don; motion passed.  So as of March 19, 2025, Jean Waterbury has resigned her position as treasurer and Theresa Robinson, as of March 19, 2025, was elected and will assume duties of Treasurer for the Colorado River Tea Party.  Nicole Baggerly was nominated to fill the position of Communication and  Media Officer.  She was approved by the Executive Committee on March 19.  Motion to accept Nicole's nomination made by Wayne; seconded by Rich; motion passed.  Robert Robinson was nominated as second sergeant at arms to assist Greg in his duties.  Robert was approved by the Executive Committee on March 19.  Motion to accept Robert as additional sergeant at arms made by Patty; seconded by Cecil; motion passed.

Sheriff Wilmott gave a very interesting and informative talk on the changes his department has experienced over the past few months since President Trump's inauguration.   All the tents along the border are gone (at a savings of 1/2 million dollars a day) and all border agents in Sector 7 are now out in the field.  As of two weeks ago, only 9 people approached the border illegally, a considerable drop from past numbers.  The wall is nearly complete in the Yuma sector with the exception of a few gates.  He reported they have seen more human trafficking than child trafficking locally.  He reported there are over 300,000 children unaccounted for and over 700,000 known criminals that were allowed entry into the USA.  Sheriff Wilmott said his men and the border patrol and ICE are all cooperating to make our border safer.  He commended the highly trained and capable staff he has; AWC has partnered with the training academy to train officers locally at a lower cost than the Tucson facility and makes it more likely they will remain in Yuma after graduation.  Regarding self-deportation, President Trump reversed the CBP app so illegals are no longer allowed entry to America.   As Sheriff Wilmott reiterated: if you are here illegally, you need to self-deport and you may be allowed to re-enter at a later date.  If you stay here illegally and are apprehended, you will never be allowed back.  There was a short question session after the sheriff’s speech.

Wine basket with bottle of fine red wine, glasses, specialty nuts, and crackers sold to Ruth Wilmott for $80.  Ticket to President Trump's inauguration in a nice plastic holder sold for $105 to Dr. Doniparthi.

Ruth reminded us that we will host the GOP booth at the Yuma County Fair April 1-6.

offered by Cecil.

made by Don.  Seconded by Wayne: motion carried.  Ruth adjourned at 7:20 PM    

by Ruth Milne at 6PM

led by Ginny and Cecil, respectively.

Gail and Emily from Oregon.  Since they were first time visitors, Ruth read the Tea Party mission statement.

None.

read by Connie.  Motion to accept made by Dr. Doniparthi; seconded by Bob and motion passed.

None.

Jim reported on several bills pending in various state legislatures.  The "right to retreat" bill in CA basically states that if someone is breaking into your house, you need to allow them rather than try to prevent them.  If that person dies as a result of your actions, you will be prosecuted for murder.  

In PA, the 3rd Circuit Court struck down restrictions on 18-20 year olds owning firearms.  

In TX, the ATF has shut down zero tolerance laws.  In the past, applications were thrown out and the licenses of dealers were confiscated.   

Regarding HR 221, sponsored by Lauren Boebert and Eric Burlison,  the 119th Congress is working to abolish the ATF.  

The 5th Circuit Court ruled that noise suppressors are not a firearm but the NFA says suppressors are a regulated item.  This means anything attached to your weapon can be confiscated. 

The "Keep America Safe Act" proposes a ban on large capacity ammunition feeding devices.  It is an effort to limit magazine capacity to 10 rounds or less.  An exception would be for law enforcement.

In TX, bill 2759 is proposed to allow non-violent offenders to get their 2nd Amendment back.

AZ Gov Katie Hobbs is under active investigation for allegations of bribery, fraud, conspiracy, and racketeering; Hobbs allegedly accepted $400,000 in bribes from Sunshine Residential Homes, a state contractor, in exchange for directing millions in taxpayer dollars to the company.

Cindy reported the Tea Party made $1300 from the BBQ & Brew event, $163 from the Lincoln Day Dinner, and $601 from the Mardi Gras event.  We will be at the Farmer's Market March 8th and March 22nd from 9-2.  Cindy passed around volunteer sheets for those events.  Also at the Tea Party's March 20th meeting there will be an auction to help fund the flags for our veterans at Pioneer Cemetery.  On March 26th, a trip is planned to the Capitol in PHX; if you are interested, talk to Ruth or Cindy.

Regarding the flags for our veterans at Pioneer Cemetery,  Ruth will invite Rose Wolford, President of VFW 1763, to come to our next meeting to receive the 144 flags.  Pioneer Cemetery is an older cemetery and so many of our veterans buried there have no family members around anymore to decorate their graves.  At this time we are $80 short from covering the cost of the flags.

Yuma County Fair will be the week of April 1-6.  We need volunteers to man a booth representing the GOP, not the Tea Party.  Our booth will be located inside this year.  There will be various candidates running for office who will also be available.

Sally reported the Yuma County Tea Party, will have a booth at the fair also (one of the first booths as you walk in).  Carl, president of the Yuma County Tea Party, reported the trolley will also be running.  

Ruth commented President Trump gave an excellent speech before the joint session of Congress on March 4th.  She also reported Gov Katie Hobbs recently signed an executive order called "Operation Desert Guardian"; it partners with local law enforcement officers to disrupt Trans-national Criminal Organizations in Yuma, Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties.  However, our local sheriff did not know anything about it.  

Dr. Doniparthi gave an interesting update about the fatty acid C-15, which is essential for optimum health but cannot be produced in our bodies.  He gave some helpful suggestions for diet and lifestyle changes to optimize health and lower inflammation in our cells.

Bob talked about New Zealand's program similar to President Trump's Gold Card proposal.  In N.Z., cards cost $1 million and after 5 years that money can be returned to the applicant if they have met the requirements for citizenship.   They also have a point system; all the Commonwealth countries use this.  It gives points for age, skill set, experience, etc and if the applicant has 21 points or more, the $1 million is waived.  President Trump's Gold Cards differ in that they cost $5 million and the money is not returned.

offered by Ginny.

Motion to adjourn made by Dr. Doniparthi; seconded by Cecil; Ruth adjourned at 7 PM.