Past Meetings
General Meeting on March 1, 2018
Kimberly Rivers, Executive Director of CFROG (Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas), spoke tonight about the importance of CFROG’s work as a watchdog monitoring oil and gas projects in Ventura County (shown by the green dots on the map). A little-known fact: California is the third largest oil producing state in the U.S.
General Meeting on February 1, 2018
At this meeting we heard from two alternative medicine practitioners in Ventura County. Dr. Yong Ping Chen, AC, discussed Chinese medicine; she has a Chinese medicine and acupuncture practice in Camarillo. Then, Kristofer Young, DC, discussed functional medicine; Dr. Young is a well-known progressive activist in the County and maintains his chiropractic and massage practice in Ventura.
General Meeting on January 4, 2018
Bob Weiss spoke to the Club on behalf of the Ventura County Chapter of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. He discussed the impact of gun violence on his family when his daughter Veronika was killed in the Isla Vista shooting rampage in 2014. Janet Eckhouse, the Chapter President, also spoke to the Club.
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Installation/Holiday Luncheon on December 16, 2017
We held our annual Executive Board Installation Luncheon, which also serves as our holiday celebration. John Griffin, Chair of the Ventura County Democratic Party, installed the incoming officers ... Angus Simmons, President; Marianne Slaughter, Treasurer; Cathy Osgood, Recording Secretary; Pat Ehret, Corresponding Secretary; and Rick Gardner, Member at Large. Other incoming officers include Jessica Romero, Vice President, and Mary Lingua, Member at Large. In addition, Bernardo Perez spoke to the club about his upcoming campaign for the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, 4th District.
General Meeting on November 2, 2017
Our Parliamentarian Sharon Hillbrant ran the elections for our 2018 officers. The following people were elected: Angus Simmons, President; Jessica Romero, Vice President; Marianne Slaughter, Treasurer; Cathy Osgood, Recording Secretary; Rick Gardner and Mary Lingua, Members at Large. The Corresponding Secretary position is vacant. The incoming officers will be installed at our Installation Luncheon on December 16th.
Ray Freeman was our featured speaker. His topic was "Facts of Life for Democrats: A Crash Course on Money and Jobs."
General Meeting on October 5, 2017
We held our annual Club Pizza Party Fundraiser before the meeting. Our featured speakers included Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, City Councilmember Kevin Kildee, and Board of Equalization Candidate Scott Svorkin. In addition, we passed a resolution opposing the expansion of the Cabrillo Oil Field.
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Kevin Kildee Jacqui Irwin Scott Svorkin
General Meeting on September 7, 2017
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The topic for this meeting was Community Choice Energy. The speakers were Club President Angus Simmons (left) and Past President Rick Gardner (right). They have presented on this topic at several venues in Ventura County and before the City Council.
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General Meeting on August 3, 2017
Our featured speaker was Jim Hines, the Conservation Chair of the Sierra Club, Los Padres Chapter. He discussed the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle many of our key environmental programs. He specifically addressed the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, which the administration seeks to reduce to the "smallest area possible."
General Meeting on July 6, 2017
During this jam-packed meeting, the Club heard from Roman Pinal, Coordinator with the United Farmworkers of America, and two of his colleagues. We also met the two winners of our Club Scholarship Program. And we heard from Christine Brown on the subject of the California Values Act, SB 54; the Club voted to submit a resolution in support of SB 54 to our local representatives and to Governor Brown.
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Roman Pinal, UFW Coordinator, and his colleagues. Christine Brown, speaking on SB 54.
The scholarship winners and their families. The winners were Mia Hamernick, second from the right,
and Maria Aceves, fourth from the left.
and Maria Aceves, fourth from the left.
General Meeting on June 1, 2017
Dr. Bill Honigman, an Emergency Room Physician and Leader in Progressive Democrats of America, gave an impassioned talk in support of Senate Bill 562, The Healthy California Act.
General Meeting on May 4, 2017
Our featured speakers were law enforcement officers with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office ... Commander Cheryl Wade (left) and Deputy Laura Sedillos (right). They discussed their experiences in law enforcement from a female perspective.
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General Meeting on April 6, 2017
We had a huge turnout for our meeting Thursday night. The evening started with our annual Pizza Fundraiser for our Scholarship Program. Then Fiona Ma dropped by to talk about California and national issues. The program ended with an excellent talk on our common African ancestry by club member Chris Ehret who is a Distinguished Research Professor at UCLA.
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Fiona Ma Chris Ehret
General Meeting on March 2, 2017
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Eric Bergh, Resources Manager at Calleguas Municipal Water District, returned to provide Club members with his annual update of our water situation. He provided an informative presentation with striking graphics depicting the onslaught of rain and snow that hit our state. Perhaps the feature of his talk was the drama surrounding the near catastrophic conditions at Lake Oroville.
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General Meeting on February 2, 2017
A large crowd of 70 people heard an excellent talk entitled "Politics -- Where To" by Dr. Herbert Gooch, Political Science Professor at California Lutheran University. His bottom line: "People underestimated Trump. Nobody has the ability to contain him."
ln addition, long-time members and former Club Co-presidents Joan and Bob Rust received the Members Emeritus award.
ln addition, long-time members and former Club Co-presidents Joan and Bob Rust received the Members Emeritus award.
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General Meeting on January 5, 2017
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The Club had a large gathering due to the Trump Effect. Political consultant Patrick Donahoe spoke to Club members discussing lessons learned from the local elections. |
Installation Luncheon on December 3, 2016
The Club held its annual Installation Luncheon. The event featured the installation of the 2017 E-Board by Shawn Terris, Chair of the Ventura County Democratic Party, and remarks from our new President, Angus Simmons. Attendees also celebrated the beginning of the Holiday Season.
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General Meeting on November 3, 2016
The Democratic Club of Camarillo wound up its pre-election informational presentations with two excellent talks. Darren Kettle, Executive Director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, spoke about the importance of passing Measure AA, the transportation sales tax. Club member Thom Tibor gave us background details on the positive aspects of Proposition 64, Marijuana Legalization.
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Darren Kettle Thom Tibor
General Meeting on October 6, 2016
It was standing room only at our meeting, in large part due to our informative guest speakers: State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson and CSUCI Political Science Chair Dr. Scott Frisch.
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Candidates Luncheon and Garden Party
September 17, 2016
September 17, 2016
The Club held its Candidates Luncheon and Garden Party, a biennial affair. On hand were our favorite Democratic incumbents running for reelection as well as some newcomers. These included Congresswoman Julia Brownley, State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Supervisorial candidate Carla Castilla, and City Council candidate Jameson Lingl. Also participating was out-going Supervisor Kathy Long. Special thanks to Chris and Pat Ehret for lending us the use of their home.
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General Meeting on August 4, 2016
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A crowded room greeted Congresswoman Julia Brownley at the August meeting of the Democratic Club of Camarillo as she spoke about current political issues and engaged in Q&A. "First and foremost, [I'm] fighting for Ventura County!"
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General Meeting on July 7, 2016
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Our guest speaker was Carmen Ramirez, Mayor Pro Tem of Oxnard. She spoke passionately about keeping NRG Energy from building a fourth power plant on Mandalay State Beach. "We should all help the people of Oxnard to say 'No' (to NRG)" |
General Meeting on June 2, 2016
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Our guest speaker was Eric Bergh, the Manager of Resources for Calleguas Municipal Water District. He provided an entertaining update on the drought situation in California and Ventura County, with excellent graphics. The bottom line is that the drought continues ...
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General Meeting on May 5, 2016
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Dr. Sean Q. Kelly, Professor of Political Science at California State University Channel Islands, was our special speaker for the evening. He led the Club members in a spirited discussion of the Presidential campaign focusing on Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and of course, Donald Trump. The discussion included a review of the issues that are shaping the campaign.
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General Meeting on April 7, 2016
The Democratic Club of Camarillo was fortunate to have Dusty Russell, District Field Representative for State Senator Fran Pavley, as its featured speaker. He displayed a first-hand comprehensive knowledge of the Porter Ranch gas leak and the problems that continue to plague the residents.
General Meeting and Scholarship Pizza Fundraiser on March 3, 2016
The Democratic Club of Camarillo held our annual Scholarship Pizza Fundraiser. Afterwards we heard from Shawn Terris, the Chair of the Ventura County Democratic Party, and Patrick Donahoe, the Executive Director/Consultant for the Ventura County Democratic Party.
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Shawn Terris Patrick Donahoe
General Meeting on February 4, 2016
The Democratic Club of Camarillo hosted a lively forum with the candidates for the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, Third District.
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Carla Castilla Martin Hernandez Kevin Kildee Jesus Torres
General Meeting on January 7, 2016
The Democratic Club of Camarillo welcomed State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson at its first meeting of 2016. "I hope my [Equal Pay] bill is going to be a template for the rest of the country."
Installation Luncheon at Ottavios's on December 5, 2015
The Club held its annual Installation Luncheon and Holiday Party at Ottavio's. New club officers for 2016 were installed by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. In addition, Carol Bley and Marianne Slaughter received Emeritus Awards in recognition of their many years of sustained service to the club.
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General Meeting on November 5, 2015
Dr. Mark Lisagor was our guest speaker. He discussed his experiences leading a team of dentists in Nepal with Global Dental Relief, including the devastating earthquake that struck the region during one of his trips. He also addressed his role as a member of the Ventura County Board of Education. The Club also held elections for our 2016 officers.
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General Meeting and Pizza Party Fundraiser on October 1, 2015
The Club held its autumn Pizza Party Fundraiser with a large turnout. Following the fundraiser was our general meeting featuring an excellent talk by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (left). After the meeting Jacqui posed with our student members from the Channel Islands Democrats (right).
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General Meeting on September 3, 2015
EDUCATION FORUM
EDUCATION FORUM
Club members were treated to an informative discussion about education in Camarillo and Ventura County from three leaders in the educational community: Ken Sherwood, Vice President of Oxnard College; Bob Rust, Board Member of Pleasant Valley School District; and RaeAnne Michael, Superintendent of Pleasant Valley School District. Each person made a presentation followed by a lively interchange with club members.
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Ken Sherwood, Vice President of Oxnard College, provided insights about the community college system with a focus on Oxnard College. |
RaeAnne Michael, Superintendent of Pleasant Valley School District, discussed educational innovations in Camarillo schools. |
Bob Rust, Board Member for Pleasant Valley School District, described the current school environment in Camarillo. |
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General Meeting on August 6, 2015
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Our special speaker was Supervisor Kathy Long, Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. She provided her views on topical issues in Ventura County and California. She also added some humorous insights on the first GOP debate, which was being aired at the same time as our meeting.
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Rachel Morris, the Executive Director of VC Cool, urged our Club to endorse three environmental Senate Bills coming up for a vote in the State Assembly. Club members voted to endorse these bills, and letters to that effect were sent to Assembly members Jacqui Irwin and Das Williams.
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Camarillo Fiesta and Ventura County Fair
Club members staffed our Club booth at the Camarillo Fiesta on July 11 and 12, and the Ventura County Democratic Party booth at the Ventura County Fair on August 13. Special thanks to Jim Paulson for organizing our participation at these events. Pictured at the Camarillo Fiesta (left) are Rick Gardner and Joan Rust. Rick poses with Terry and Gail DeWolfe at the Ventura County Fair; also making guest appearances were President Obama and Hillary Clinton.
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General Meeting on July 9, 2015
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Our special speakers were Board Members of SOAR (Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources) including Supervisor Linda Parks, Richard Francis, and Merrill Berge. Shown here are Supervisor Parks, Melissa Riley and Loren Hansen of the Channel Islands Democrats, and Merrill Berge. This was Loren's last general meeting as Vice President of our club, as he moves on to graduate school at the University of Georgia.
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President Rick Gardner presents the club's annual scholarship to Hector Molina-Rivera of Camarillo High School. Hector will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the Fall, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Hector's mother and sister were present to see him receive the award.
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General Meeting on June 4, 2015
Our special speakers were Thom Tibor and Patrick Donahoe of the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee.
Thom is the Chair and Patrick is the Executive Director of the VCDCC. They discussed the recent state
convention and presented a business plan for the Ventura County Democratic Party.
Our special speakers were Thom Tibor and Patrick Donahoe of the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee.
Thom is the Chair and Patrick is the Executive Director of the VCDCC. They discussed the recent state
convention and presented a business plan for the Ventura County Democratic Party.
General Meeting on May 7, 2015
Our special speaker was Catherine Pedrosa, Outreach/Education Specialist for United Way of Ventura County.
She provided an informative discussion of the Affordable Care Act and Covered California.
Our special speaker was Catherine Pedrosa, Outreach/Education Specialist for United Way of Ventura County.
She provided an informative discussion of the Affordable Care Act and Covered California.
General Meeting on April 2, 2015
Before the meeting we held a going-away event for Steve and Carolyn Crandall. The Crandalls have been mainstays
of the Democratic Club of Camarillo for the past 11 years and served as co-Presidents for two years. They are
moving to Newport, Oregon to begin an exciting new chapter in their lives as active retirees. We will miss them.
Before the meeting we held a going-away event for Steve and Carolyn Crandall. The Crandalls have been mainstays
of the Democratic Club of Camarillo for the past 11 years and served as co-Presidents for two years. They are
moving to Newport, Oregon to begin an exciting new chapter in their lives as active retirees. We will miss them.
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Our special speaker was Gary Cushing, President and CEO of the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce.
General Meeting and Pizza Party Fundraiser on March 5, 2015
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Dr. Gayle Hutchinson was our special speaker. She is the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for California State University, Channel Islands.
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Our student members from California State University, Channel Islands, enjoying the Pizza Party Fundraiser.
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General Meeting on February 5, 2015
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Eric Bergh, our Special Speaker from the Calleguas Municipal Water District, discussed our water supply, the drought, and upcoming water projects, including the proposed delta tunnels and local desalter facilities.
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Merrill Berge and Todd Shuman warned club members about proposals for trains to carry oil through Camarillo to the Santa Maria Refinery.
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Steve Grossman, the Beer Ambassador for Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, was the Special Speaker at our General Meeting on January 8, 2015. He talked about the sustainability initiatives of the company and its expansion to the East Coast. |
Executive Board Installation Luncheon at Ottavio's - December 13, 2014
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Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long was our Special Speaker at the General Meeting on November 6, 2014.
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Professor Sean Q. Kelly of California State University, Channel Islands, was our Special Speaker at the General Meeting on October 2, 2014
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