Hemet City councilmember Larry Smith and KNEWS/KCAA radio talk show host Elise Richmond are scheduled to speak to the San Gorgonio Pass Republican Women next week in Banning, the group announced Monday.

The event is planned at 10 a.m. Wednesday Feb. 22 at Russo's Italian Kitchen, 1335 W. Ramsey St., organizers said.

Smith "will bring his lively and knowledgeable delivery on pertinent political issues confronting Republicans at both the national and local levels," a Pass Republican Women statement said.

"He will discuss the importance that the 2012 election will have on our future, and what we can do together to make sure we get the right kind of change for our country."

Smith has lived in Hemet more than 30 years, and he has owned businesses in the area, the group said. Smith is an alumnus of UC Riverside, where he studied environmental science. He has 25 years in the construction materials business, with a primary focus on surface mining operations.

Richmond is the host of her talk show "Conservatively Speaking," which airs on KNEWS in Palm Springs and KCAA in Loma Linda.

She is a retired financial planner and former English teacher in Illinois, Pass Republican Women officials said.

"She came to California in 1978 and became active in the Republican Party, serving as president of the Palm Springs club, first vice president of the Riverside County group and helped organize the 2007 national convention held in Palm Springs," the group's statement said. "She is married to Bob Richmond, who served as Republican Chair of Riverside County."

The public is welcome to attend the Feb. 22 event which includes lunch. Cost is $15 and reservations are required. Call Pat Corrall at (951) 769-0957 for more information.

Anyone wishing to join the San Gorgonio Pass Republican Women may call Helen Enriquez at (951) 849-0671.