The Clarion
Volume 2 Number 1
March 2020
Penny: A Life Well Lived
Penny Strowger, a vibrant member of DWCCV, passed away November 2, 2019 at the age of 76. Her memory will be everlasting as DWCCV awards the Penny Strowger Memorial Scholarship.

The daughter of Stanley and Aileen Combs, Penny was born in Los Angeles, July 28 1943. Penny and her younger sister Vicki grew up in Redlands where her father was a professor at the University of Redlands. In 2018 she married her longtime best friend, Bill Solomon.

Penny traveled frequently with her parents and sister, Vicki. On one of those trips as a teenager, Penny met Eleanor Roosevelt. For several years they kept in touch and Penny visited the former First Lady at her home.

Penny attended Stanford University and graduated from UC Riverside in 1964. She enjoyed a successful career as an executive at Prudential Insurance.

As a longtime member of the Ventura County Democratic Party, she served in various capacities, including secretary, and on the Endorsement and Bylaws committees. Penny regularly attended the California Democratic Party conventions. In 2009 she was part of a large Ventura County group that attended Barack Obama's first Presidential Inauguration.

Penny was a member of the Antiques Study group at the Stagecoach Inn, and the GGs, a social organization, and AAUW - Thousand Oaks.

Penny bravely battled longtime serious illness, undergoing both a liver and kidney transplant. She championed the work of transplant organizations. Her interest in finding cures for diseases and providing access to affordable healthcare, fueled her vigorous support in the single payer movement.
To go down memory lane with Penny, click on Read More.
Congressman Ted Lieu

Rep. Ted Lieu to speak at March 21 st  Brunch Meeting
You’ve been impressed by seeing  U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu, CD33,  on TV or when you read newspapers articles or online postings. Now, you can witness Congressmember Lieu, CD33, in person when he speaks at DWCCV’s next brunch meeting on  Saturday, March 21 . Scheduled from 9 to 11 AM. The March brunch meeting will be held at  The Landing Grill & Sushi Bar,  32123 W. Lindero Canyon Road, #109, in Westlake Village.

For this special brunch meeting, admission for all attendees will be $30. Seating is limited. To assure your seat, please call (805) 388-9073 or send a message to [email protected] .

About Congressmember Lieu
Ted W. Lieu represents California’s 33rd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Ted is serving in his third term in Congress and currently sits on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He also was elected by his Democratic Colleagues to serve as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee.
‌
DWCCV’s 2020 Officers Installed
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, AD 44, conducted the installation of DWCCV’s 2020 officers during the January brunch meeting. The officers include:

President Carol “C.J.” Keavney
Since joining DWCCV in 2006, C.J. has chaired various committees and served as vice president prior to being elected president in 2016. In addition, C.J. is elected to the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee, representing District 2, and served on the California Democratic Party’s Executive Board for three years. A lifelong Democrat, C.J. has been active in the fight for civil rights and women’s equality. She’s a member of several Democratic clubs and political organizations.

Executive Vice President Laurie Alban
A DWCCV member since May 2010, Laurie served as secretary before being elected Vice President in 2017. She also is a member of the Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley. In her youth, Laurie was active in fighting against McCarthy. She also marched against the Vietnam War and demonstrated against Desert Storm. 

Administrative Vice President Sylvia Liner
Sylvia, who joined August 2017, co-chaired DWCCV’s successful fundraising events in 2018 and 2019. A passionate supporter of Democratic principles, Sylvia’s many concerns include the global warming/climate crisis, how to sustain healthy marine biology, affordable healthcare for all, women’s reproductive rights, pay equality, gun control laws and many others that ensure a healthy world for future generations.

Controller Michele Vivirito
After years of occasionally attending brunch meetings, Michele joined DWCCV in 2016. In addition to DWCCV, Michele also belongs to the Democratic Club of Camarillo, American Association of University Women and League of Women Voters.

Recording Secretary Barbara Skala
Barbara joined DWCCV in 2017. Well known for taking meticulous meeting minutes, Barbara also serves as Recording Secretary of the United Democrats for Progress of Ventura County.

Corresponding Secretary Jody Avery-Smith
One of the dozen or so who gathered in Boccaccio’s private dining room for the first meeting, Jody has been a member of DWCCV since 2004. She is a member of the United Democrats for Progress of Ventura County and a long-time member of the Democratic Club of Conejo Valley, for which she held several offices and directed the Eye on the Issues  community access television show for five years. Jody received DWCCV’s 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Ventura County Democratic Party’s Kennedy Legacy Dinner. 

Founding President Mary Kay Donahoe
It was the summer of 2004 and Mary Kay was angry about the GOP’s relentless attacks on John Kerry and the frustratingly chaotic war in Iraq that had taken the life of a dear friend’s son. But rather than just stew in her anger, Mary Kay brought together like-minded people for lunch and conversation. With a strong assist from friend and colleague, Kathy Smiley, as well as many other supportive Democrats, Mary Kay led DWCCV’s growth into a major factor in Ventura County politics. She served as DWCCV President for more than 11 years
For More Information: Call: (805) 388 9073 Email Us: [email protected]