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Theyre planning to roast Willie
Just 20 tickets remain for Oct. 23 event
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Chuck Crutchfield is throwing a zinger at retired Manteca Mayor Jack Snyder at a committee meeting Monday at Ernies Restaurant as they made plans for the upcoming roast of retiring Mayor Willie Weatherford. - photo by GLENN KAHL

Manteca Mayor Willie Weatherford is the target of an organized “roast” and retirement celebration Thursday, October 23, at 7 p.m., at the Manteca Senior Center where barbs are expected throughout the night.

Not knowing exactly what is in store for him, Weatherford asked that the tickets be kept down to $25 so that senior citizens on fixed incomes would be able to attend. The tickets are all but sold out with only about 20 still available. The mayor has also served as one of Manteca’s past police chiefs. 

A number of past police chiefs as well as Charlie Halford and the current Nick Obligacion are working on their ammunition to send the mayor and former Manteca Police Chief Weatherford out of office with scenarios — true and made up – from the past that he will long remember.

Chuck Crutchfield is organizing a power point presentation that promises to tickle the expected crowd of some 250 Mantecans including some 50 Veterans of Foreign War Post 6311 members – all of who have purchased tickets. Twenty are actively working on the dinner event.

Following the jovial roast the evening will end on a positive note with “You’ve Got a Friend and What a Wonderful Word” – a seven minute tribute to Weatherford.

A series of $500 donations from vendors are underwriting the gala including Doctors Hospital of Manteca, Raymus Homes, Casino Real Card Room, Manteca Development Co., Ernie’s Restaurant and the law offices of McFall, Burnett and Brinton. 

VFW Commander Carlon Perry said his unit is in charge of the raffle and the live auction that will be presented by Steve DeBrum. Rex Osborn is being given an open microphone that he will take throughout the audience asking for barbs from those at their seats. 

As of Monday an expected net for the night was set at more than $6,800 with $1,000 of that being donated to the JROTC. The balance will go to help furnish the new veterans hall.

The Manteca Police Explorer Unit has been selected to post the colors and lead the pledge to the flag at the beginning of the event. 

Pastor Ed Kok of the United Lutheran Church will give the invocation and the Weatherford’s grandson C.J. Tinnin will offer the closing prayer. 

Tickets are available by calling Roz Leon at 239.1572.