Palin to pay Simi a visit?

Courtesy the Office of Alaska Governor HIGHER AGENDA—Sarah Palin shortly after announcing she would step down as governor of Alaska. She is to be in Simi Aug. 8. Alaska governor and former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has agreed to speak at an event next month for local Republican women.

The Republican Women Federated of Simi Valley is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Aug. 8, and Palin is slated to be a speaker.

Republican Women Federated of Simi Valley spokeswoman Pat Saraceno said Palin agreed to speak because of her "following" in California.

"We are celebrating a golden anniversary and it is the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood," Saraceno said. "Sarah Palin loves Alaska and she has roots here in Southern California.

"Palin has a huge following in California, mostly folks who pay tribute to the Reagan legacy. Most of us view Palin as a 'Reaganesque' figure. We admire her greatly," she said.

The gala is invite-only and no press will be allowed.

Tickets are $100 for members and $150 for invited nonmembers.

Saraceno called Palin "noble" and said she's an "amazing human being whose aspirations are simply to bring out the best in people."

She said both Palin and the Republican Women Federated of Simi Valley are very supportive of the troops.

Master of ceremonies for the event will be conservative radio talk-show host John Ziegler. Palin will be one of several featured guest speakers.

Saraceno said Palin isn't being paid for her appearance, but the women's group will pay for her airfare, hotel and dinner.

Palin announced earlier this month she will resign from the Alaskan governorship July 26.

—Joann Groff