Brothers:
We have just started on this Grand President Year 146 and I’m happy to report my travels as your Grand President has just begun. June 4, Georgetown #91 hosted the annual Black Powder Shoot that was well attended by brothers from several parlors. June 11, we had our first Board of Grand Officers meeting hosted at Napa Parlor #62, followed by a great BBQ at the Adams family compound. Thanks to George and Lisa, assisted by parlor volunteers, for a wonderful day. Sunday June 12, we were in Sonoma for our Annual Bear Flag Celebration in the Plaza overseen by Chairman Sean Padgett of Sonoma #111.
June 22, I hosted an officers meeting of Guadalupe Parlor #231 in San Francisco, then on June 25 Los Banos #206 Parlor’s dedication of Castle Air Force Museum was well attended by Native Sons, museum members, veterans and many from the Atwater community. Congratulations to Los Banos #206 for a great event.
June 29-30, several Grand Officers joined me at the Native Daughters GPAM (Grand Parlor Annual Meeting) also held at Doubletree in Rohnert Park, welcoming and congratulating new Grand President Nina Coffenberry at the start of her year. We thanked Past Grand President Susan Collins for her grand year.
Monterey County was next on the travel list, July 8-9 for Sloat Landing Reenactment hosted by Santa Lucia #97 and Monterey #75, with two dedications. The Monterey County East-West Building (in Salinas) was dedicated by Past Grand President Carey Pearce on Friday followed by Sloat Landing at the Monterey Customs House which was attended by both Native Sons and Native Daughters, the community band, dignitaries and many vacationers passing by that stopped to learn more about California History. After this we trekked to old St James Church for my dedication of what is now the Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Historical Library, then a reception at Casa Serrano. While we all miss the actual boats coming ashore this is a well-attended and well- done memorial for an important part of California’s history.
July 14, Grand Marshal Mitch Laing visited Georgetown #91 to install parlor officers, which was followed by a dinner for family in attendance at the IOOF Hall.
July 16, I traveled to a Lake County gathering with several other Grand Officers and Brothers for Konocti #159 Parlor’s annual barbecue/picnic along Clearlake, with thanks to GT Richard Cortez for traveling from Ferndale to make his Official Visit and more importantly to Tony Braito for hosting this great event. You should plan to attend next year.My personal thanks to the Franzoia Family for hosting us after the event at their vacation home.
The month ended with brothers from my Georgetown Parlor #91 as we prepared and served 1,500 meals for Jeepers Jamboree on the Rubicon Trail. It was wonderful to see so many together enjoying themselves with an event that had been curtailed due to pandemic restrictions.
As Grand President I have also attended numerous committee meetings, video go-to-meetings and parlor visits.
I am always grateful for the support of my brother Grand Officers, SDDGPs and parlor members throughout the state for your support and look forward to being #OntheCaliftrail.
Brothers, please remember that our Grand Officers, myself and the Grand Secretary are here to help your parlor move forward and flourish as we continue on this journey started 147 years ago. We are here to support and help however you need.
I would be remiss if I don’t personally thank Grand Trustee Marcia Skelton for her hard work and dedication in getting our website, NSGW.ORG back up and functioning, continuing to improve its content and usefulness on an almost daily basis.
Again, as Grand President I look forward to visiting and seeing you soon, shaking hands and rewarding you as a valuable brother of our beloved Order, the Native Sons of the Golden West.
See you soon On the California Trail.
In Friendship, Loyalty and Charity

GRAND PRESIDENT
JEFF SCHMIDT