Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

We want to recognize members, colleagues, and others who have been impacted by extreme wind conditions and drought that resulted in multiple wildfires in Ventura and LA County. Our thoughts are with you.

As always, we look forward to engaging with members on issues of interest as we move forward, including committee meetings, Lunch & Learn with the League meetings, Program Planning on February 15th, as well as other events.

Our League is currently engaged in the transition to a new membership portal adopted by the LWVUS. It applies to all local Leagues across the country. The program will be managed through ChapterSpot. You will find more information about the transition and ChapterSpot in this newsletter. It includes a change to membership categories and membership fees. LWV Membership portal invitations will be sent to members throughout the week of February 3 on a staggered basis, meaning that not all members will receive the invitation on the same day.

We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and learning more about our committees, upcoming events, in person and online social activities, and opportunities to learn and engage on issues of importance as well as meet with members throughout the year.

We hope to see you at an upcoming event! 

Warmly,

Kathy Morgan and Susan Roth

Co-Presidents LWVVC

"Women Defend Democracy” is the new programmatic focus for the League in 2025, centering people power and moving our country towards a stronger, multi-racial democracy.  

For 105 years, the League of Women Voters has worked to provide voters with election information, safeguard voter access, uphold election integrity, and defend against efforts to undermine democratic principles. Today, the organization is stronger than ever, with a growing, vibrant membership of activists tackling the challenges to our democracy in every corner of our country. As the League continues to build a membership that reflects America, we recognize the continued challenges our democracy will face.  

Be a part of the campaign by joining our mailing list!

New Membership Model is Here

League of Women Voters US is switching to ChapterSpot as our membership management system.  

Watch out for an e-mail from membership@lwv.org during the week of February 3rd. Sender’s name will be League of Women Voters.  Do not delete!  This e-mail includes an important link for you to access your account on the new system.

Through ChapterSpot, you will be able to renew your membership online and update your own information (e.g. phone, email, mailing address) as needed.

For more information about the change in the League's membership management system, check out the LWVUS FAQ page or the LWVVC website.

FROM LWVVC

You're Invited: League Program Planning 2025-2027

Dear League Members & Community Partners,

Whether you joined us last month or have been with us for decades, your voice matters! Join us for an engaging morning of connection, conversation, and community impact.

When: Saturday, February 15th, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District, 1605 Burnley Street, Rooms 1 & 2, Camarillo, CA 93010

Why You Won't Want to Miss This:

• Connect with fellow members over refreshments
• Share your vision for our community's future in small, friendly discussion groups
• Make your voice heard on the issues that matter most to you
• Help shape the League's priorities for the next two years
• Perfect opportunity for new members to get involved and for longtime members to share their wisdom

What We'll Do Together:

• Review our achievements from the 2023-2025 program
• Identify key community issues where we can make the biggest impact
• Build meaningful connections with other passionate community members

Who Should Come:

All League members are encouraged to participate and vote. Community partners are warmly welcomed to join the discussion and share their perspectives!

Complimentary refreshments will be served.

RSVP appreciated but not required. Come be part of this important conversation about our community's future!

Make your voice heard. Join us on Saturday, February 15th from 9:30 to 12:30.

The LWVUS has launched an ambitious "Moon Shot" initiative to eliminate the Electoral College. While this is a multi-year endeavor, our immediate focus is on public education about the Electoral College's challenges, beginning with our own membership.

We've made significant progress already. Our "Lunch and Learn with the League" session on September 25, 2024, introduced the topic to members (recording available here). Building on this momentum, we held our first training session on January 24, 2025, preparing members to deliver presentations to community groups. The strong turnout and enthusiasm demonstrated our members' commitment to this important initiative.

Watch for an upcoming SignUpGenius email announcing our next training session. For more information or questions, please contact Pat Butler.

Wednesday, February 5th, 5:30pm - Happy Hour at Aloha Steakhouse, 364 S. California Street, Ventura, CA 93001 - RSVP to Matty Park.  

Sunday, February 9th, 4:00 - Housing and Homelessness Committee - see below for more details.

Thursday, February 13th, 4:00 (Zoom) - LWVVC Board Meeting, contact Kathy Morgan for Zoom link.

Saturday, February 15th, 9:30 to noon - for the 2025-2027 Program Planning Meeting, Pleasant Valley Recreation, Rooms 1 & 2, 1605 E. Burnley Street, Camarillo 93010 - RSVP using this link.

Wednesday, February 19th, 5:30pm - Happy Hour on Zoom 

Thursday, February 20th, 11:00 - Learn with the League - Election Office Tour, Hall of Administration, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura - more information below - RSVP here

Thursday, February 20th, 4:00 - DEI/Race & Social Justice Committee - see below for more details.

Thursday, February 27th, 3:00 - Climate Change Committee - see below for details.

Be a Part of the Greater League

Participate in LWVUS and LWVC. Sign up for Updates and League Groups -

Open to all League Members

Join by signing in at: Join an Online Discussion Group and work with other leagues, LWV California staff and LWV US staff.

Additionally, the LWVVC has several interest committees - see details below.

Learn With the League: Elections Office Tour

Democracy in Action: Peek Behind the Curtain

Ever wondered what really happens inside the Elections Office? Your vote is the cornerstone of democracy, and now you have a rare chance to see exactly how our county ensures fair, transparent elections.

Date: Thursday, February 20th, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM

Location: Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009-1200

What to Expect:

·      Insider look at the County Elections Office

·      Opportunity to ask questions directly to election professionals

·      Understand the election process from the inside

Practical Details:

·      Comfortable attire recommended for walking through the Elections Office

·      Parking: Lots F or G (3-hour limit)

·      Enter through the Hall of Administration

·      Take elevator or stairs down to Lower Plaza

Space is limited - RSVP by February 18, 2025 using this link.

Demystify Our Electoral Process Today!

The Voter Registration Committee is taking an exciting new approach this Spring by empowering student-led civic engagement initiatives. Our planned collaborations with young leaders include developing a Ventura County student video project, organizing mock elections, and supporting student-initiated voter registration events.

To maintain our focus on student leadership, we'll conduct in-classroom presentations this Spring only by direct teacher request. Our traditional classroom presentation training will resume in August-September.

If you're passionate about mentoring student leaders and helping create meaningful civic experiences, we'd love your involvement! Email the Voter Registration Committee at this link to learn more.

Community Outreach Committee (Tabling)

The LWVVC Observer Corps observes county and city meetings of governing boards and councils. Please reach out to Carol Lindberg if you are interested in becoming a part of the Observer Corps. You can participate as your time permits and will be providing a great service to the other League members.

Future dates for County Board of Supervisors meetings include: February 11 and 25, and March 11 and 18.

Scholarship donations, of any size, are very much appreciated!! If anyone has questions for us about our meeting or would like to join us, please contact Kay Armstrong.

The Social Justice Committee is excited to announce our enhanced meeting format featuring expert speakers who will address pressing community issues. Our upcoming sessions will dive deep into critical topics affecting our community:

Join us as we explore:

• Know Your Rights: Learn essential information about your civil liberties and constitutional protections from legal experts who will provide practical guidance for everyday situations.

• Criminal Justice Reform: Representatives from the District Attorney's office will discuss their evolving approach to low-level stops and immigration-related matters, highlighting changes that impact our community.

• Public Safety and Privacy: Gain insights into the Oxnard Police Department's drone program, including its purposes, policies, and implications for community safety and civil liberties.

These interactive sessions offer unique opportunities to engage directly with key decision-makers and experts while staying informed about important developments in our community. Your voice and participation matter!

Please contact Kay with any questions or to obtain a link to a future Social Justice Committee meeting.

The Housing & Homelessness Committee invite you to join us at our meetings. We are open to ideas on how we can help in supporting housing of all types as well as prevention and services.

At our regular meeting, Benjamin Peterson, District Representative for our State Senator Monique Lemon provided us with updates on state-level initiatives and other information regarding Proposition1. Three bills, AB1893 &Builder’s Remedy, AB1413 and SB937 are bills to watch and gives a direction in which the state has interest. The LA fires also has had an impact on housing: both in terms of insurance and prompt rebuilding, impact of Coastal Commission law and the CA budget. Another issue is project Home Key funding and their guidelines. One size does not fit all as various counties have different needs and ways to address them. Dept. of Health Services is another area as homelessness is a health issue. It was stated that the best source of information on local projects and progress as well as other local issues is information from the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance. https://www.venturacoc.org/ It was an informative meeting and a good connection with the state. Benjamin Peterson is available to us for further information.

Our second meeting on 1/17/2025 was at the invitation of the LWV Santa Barbara chapter’s Housing and Homelessness Committee. The purpose was to exchange ideas and learn from one another as fellow Central Coast organizations facing similar land use, housing, and community planning issues. The main issues they presented and discussed were: the recent change in affordable housing projects from requiring 20% down to 13% ( check LWV Santa Barbara website for their excellent report on the South Coast Housing Data Project). Another issue discussed is that local leagues input is not elicited from the state league for their expertise and experience. Various leagues in the state have particular requirements. They also suggested the possibility of a Central Coast Coalition. We would still be independent chapters but able to coalesce on certain issues of mutual interest. Lots of issues for our committee and chapter to discuss.

Our Committee will be part of the 2025-2027 Program Planning meeting February 15^th. Come and share your ideas, perspectives and concerns for this issue. 

We welcome the following new member:

• Camarillo - Lynn Dines
• Oxnard - Angela Landers
• Santa Paula - Linda Banner-Bacin
• Ventura - Debbie Boucher, Susan Flam, Jennifer Hall, Julie Henszey, and Karen Mondragon 



NEW MEMBERS: Please contact any officer, board member, or committee chair to volunteer for the activities that spark your interest. You can be partnered with an experienced member if you like. We will help you learn what you need to know. And please sign up for whatever committees you would like to participate in by contacting the committee chair to be invited to meetings. Do as much or as little as you like. We look forward to your participation.

RENEWING MEMBERS: Many thanks and gratitude to our members who have renewed their membership and to those who have made an additional contribution toward the expenses of operating the LWVVC and towards the scholarship fund.

Your support is critical!

 February 19th (3^rd Wednesday) @ 5:30pm, on Zoom. Please RSVP to Kay Armstrong.

Happy hour events are not just for new members – everyone is welcome, including guests. Join us for an informal conversation about all things LWVVC. Interested in becoming more involved in our mission of "Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy"? Come, learn about what we're doing, and how you can help.

You don't have to be a League member to join us for happy hour. Come for five minutes, the whole hour or anywhere in between. We hope to see you there! You are welcome to attend either or both Happy Hours. Please register with the host in advance. If you would like to have an in-person Meet the Members in your area, please let us know. 

For all relevant news about the County of Ventura: https://www.ventura.org/  Find out how to view Board of Supervisor agendas, documents, broadcasts, and videos. Connect with County services.  

We're excited to announce that we've transitioned to a new membership management system, ChapterSpot, to make joining and renewing your membership easier than ever! 

How to Join or Renew? Visit the LWVVC website (after February 3)and select the Join/Renew link to access the membership portal.

Why Renew or Join? Your membership supports our critical work in:

1. Voter education and registration
2. Advocacy for important local and state issues
3. Promoting civic engagement in Ventura County

Questions? Contact our membership team for assistance with the new ChapterSpot system.

   Donate 

Tax deductible donations may be made to:

•      General Fund

•      Scholarship Fund

•      Ann Gist Scholarship Fund  

•      Ann Gist Voter Education Fund

 OR make your check payable to LWVVC and send it to

P.O. Box 6786, Ventura, CA 93006

If you wish to donate in remembrance of someone, please include their name and a few lines about their life. Please specify the fund you want to support.

Thank you  

Raise Awareness of the League 

Email: info@lwvVenturaCounty.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LWVVenturaCounty  

Mailing Address: LWVVC, P.O. Box 6786, Ventura, CA 93006 

Phone Number: (805) 303-1476 

  Facebook: @lwvventuraco

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lwvofventura/

The League of Women Voters of Ventura County is a 501(c)3 organization.

All contributions are tax deductible.  

The League of Women Voters, a grassroots non-partisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.