Campaign Kickoff a Great Success
Robby Bancroft’s Campaign Launch is a Big Hit for Pacifica
Over 75 Community Members Join the Celebration of Bancroft’s Special Announcement
As the sun slowly stowed behind the bright blue Pacifica waves, Robby Bancroft could barely contain his unparalleled excitement as he officially announced his candidacy to represent District 2 on Pacifica’s City Council in the upcoming November election.
The energy during the campaign kickoff event at Winters Tavern in Pacifica on Sunday could have lasted all night. Over 75 members of the community including many elected officials spent the evening celebrating Bancroft’s special announcement and voicing their staunch support of his much-needed local expertise to help make lasting improvements to the coastal town they admire.
The festivities kicked off with Winters’ co-owner Corinne Robinson introducing the man of the hour. Robby emerged on the make-shift stage in the tavern’s backyard, wearing black shades, a Breakers hat, a black Pacifica, California t-shirt, tan khakis and his signature white Crocs complete with Yin and Yang graphic socks, further alluding to the creative style that city council would have to adapt to when he’s elected.
The flare and style Bancroft possesses don’t just provide creativity. It also brings fresh qualities and insight to the table, many of which Pacifica’s leadership has never seen before in their long and storied history. It’s fair to say those strengths were on a pedestal for all to see on Sunday night.
“Overall the event went great,” Bancroft said. “There’s not much more that I can think of that would have made it any better. I am grateful for my team and everyone’s support.”
Bancroft emphasized the importance of listening to the input of the community and held an interactive activity where guests had the opportunity to write down any issues they would like to see addressed in Pacifica. As they turned to discuss their reasoning with each other, the togetherness that has molded Pacifica into a tight-knit circle for so many generations was alive and well.
The notes were collected and posted on the front stage, with Bancroft reading over some of the core talking points. Affordable Housing, Rent Control, Managed Retreat, Financial Stability, Fireworks and Motorhome Parking were just a few of the key points people had the chance to hear about.
“I was so happy with the way everyone participated in each activity, especially the exercise portion of the day,” Bancroft mentioned. “Discussing these very serious issues can be daunting so it was amazing to see everyone out there having so much fun together at the same time.”
Joining him on stage was Pacifica Mayor Mary Bier, arguably one of his strongest supporters. Bier, simultaneously running a re-election campaign, continually referenced Bancroft’s ongoing love for the city, while also saying he’s been “studying” for the opportunity to further help improve Pacifica.
Bier wasn’t the only current city council member present at the event. All five current elected members will seemingly endorse Bancroft’s campaign and four of them were in attendance to show their support.
Sue Beckmeyer and Sue Vaterlaus joined Bier, along with Mayor Pro Tempore Tygarjas Bigstyck. In a clear plea to the public, Bigstyck hyped up his longtime friend and former Pacifica Resource Center colleague, citing his ability to touch the hearts of everyone he comes across.
“Of course, the low-hanging fruit when it comes to Robby Bancroft is that he is a Pacifican through and through,” Bigstyck told the crowd. “Born and raised in this community, he knows this community. He knows how to look at the diversity amongst this community, what everybody is looking for, even when we disagree, and find common ground.”
In dramatic fashion, Bancroft was surprised by Menlo Park City Councilmember Ray Mueller, a current candidate for San Mateo County Supervisor. Mueller pointed out Bancroft’s leadership abilities and praised his experience.
“What you want is someone who has the compassion, the heart and the empathy to listen to them [residents] and make a decision based on values for the community,” Mueller mentioned to Bancroft in front of the crowd. “Not worried about politics, not worried about the person who might be in front of them yelling at them in that moment, but a person who's going to sit there, listen, be empathetic and make decisions based on the values of the community. And what I've seen from you today, Robby, you have that.”
What would a Robby Bancroft campaign launch be without some fun for your body, mind and soul?
Coach Louis Armstrong from Armstrong Training ––– a friend of Bancroft’s since Outdoor Ed in 5th grade and his recent personal trainer since the beginning of the pandemic ––– led the group in stretches to get the body loose and feeling good. Dr. O, TheTeenDoc, was handed the microphone to discuss how our humanness, not our beliefs, allows us to use our words to bring out the best in ourselves and others. Even a yoga breathing exercise with fellow life-long Pacifica, Nicole Yarbrough, was included in the program featuring visualization drills that focus on a better version of Pacifica that serves us all.
Robby’s hand-selected playlist echoed throughout the event, playing tunes from Prince, Elton John, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Queen and more blasts from the past combined with some modern artists such as Outkast, Childish Gambino, John Mayer, Kelly Clarkson and Miley Cyrus. This was made possible by the musical efforts of Pacifica’s own DJ Cris and his daughter, Danica, who assisted her dad throughout the event.
“I’ve been compiling songs for a campaign playlist ever since I knew the possibility of me running for City Council could be a real thing,” Bancroft said. “I’ve kept track of a lot of the songs that have made a positive impact on me over the past few months and plan to work them all into my campaign race at some point. My mission is to spread as much peace, love and joy throughout our community as possible and music is one of my tools.”
Attendees were greeted with food, coffee and tea courtesy of Breakers Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch ––– the award-winning daytime restaurant that Robby owns with his father, Steve. In a complete coincidence later that evening, Breakers was the recipient of five “Best of Pacifica” awards including “Best Breakfast”, “Best Brunch” and “Best Waitstaff” voted for by local community members in The Pacifica Anchor Magazine’s inaugural “Best of” contest. Robby also took home the award for “Best Media Personality” and Pacificans Care, the non-profit in which Robby currently serves as a Board Member, won “Best Wine Charity Event”.
It’s no secret that Breakers and his father are a huge piece to the puzzle that makes up Robby Bancroft. Through his 20 years in the hospitality industry, he’s learned how to connect with people at an elite level, a characteristic he also credits to how his father raised him. The kickoff event concluded with a sweet moment that placed the magnitude of their relationship on display.
The father-son duo brought the crowd in on a chant that they used to do during Robby’s youth sporting events. They yelled, “GO GET ‘EM! GO! GET ’EM! GO! GET ‘EM,” as the audience followed suit. To top it off, Steve shared a tactic he used at Robby’s games to make sure his son knew he was always there for him.
It was as simple as a brief whistle. With everyone watching, Steve unleashed his biggest whistle yet to assure Robby that he was, in fact, still very much there. And this time, to support the beginning of his son’s hard-fought campaign to help elevate the quality of life for all Pacificans.
Watch Robby 2022 Campaign Kickoff Event at Winters Tavern (7/17/22) Video by Kevin Burleigh:
To learn more, get involved or make a contribution, please visit www.robbybancroft.com.
Photos by Francisco Vargas
Steven Rissotto
Robby 2022, Director of Communications
Steven is a freelance journalist in the Bay Area with experience covering sports, news and community events. He currently covers the San Francisco Giants for SF Bay Media Associates. You can follow him on Twitter @StevenRissotto
