Past Meetings

General Meeting on August 1, 2019

Our guest speaker was Colyn Messecar of UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers), Local 770. He discussed union issues including the current heated negotiations with corporate grocery store chains.

General Meeting on July 11, 2019

Our guest speakers were Ryan Valencia and John Castleberry of the Ventura County Democratic Party. They provided an analysis of local political races that will impact Camarillo and the County in 2020.

General Meeting on June 6, 2019

During this meeting we celebrated PRIDE month. Our guest speaker was Celia Daniels, a gender non-conforming activist from Ventura County. Celia spoke about understanding transgender and non-conforming ecosystems and how to be better allies to the LGBTQIA+ community.

General Meeting on May 2, 2019

Our guest speaker was Marie Lakin, the new Executive Director for CFROG (Citizens for Responsible Oil & Gas). She spoke about the oil drilling moratorium, recently approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, and provided an update on the General Plan. President Tiffany Lewis also provided an informative discussion on home and every-day products we can use to help reduce waste.

General Meeting and Scholarship Pizza Fundraiser on April 4, 2019

We held our annual Pizza Fundraiser in support of our Scholarship Program. Then, we heard an informative talk from Bernardo Perez, Trustee and former Chair of the Ventura County Community College District and former Mayor of Moorpark. Mr. Perez discussed higher education opportunities in Ventura County, focusing on our three community colleges: Moorpark, Ventura, and Oxnard.

General Meeting on March 7, 2019

In honor of Women's History Month, we had a panel of distinguished women address our club. They included from left to right: Gloria Miele, the President of the local AAUW chapter; Kim Stephenson, the Principal of Camarillo High School; and Lisa Foster, an active member of the LGBTQA+ community, Army veteran, and Transgender rights advocate and educator. We also heard from Ryan Skolnich on Medicare for All.

General Meeting on February 7, 2019

Judy Fisk Lucas of the Friends of Fieldworkers spoke to the Club. She talked about the many ways her organization is improving the lives of the families of fieldworkers in Ventura County. She asked Club members to continue their support of this worthwhile charity.

General Meeting on January 3, 2019

Tim Allison, Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Cal State Channel Islands, spoke about the changing political landscape in California and the country after the November elections. We also heard from candidates running to serve as California Democratic Party delegates at the Assembly District Election Meeting (ADEM) for District 44.

Holiday Luncheon, held on December 1, 2018

The Club held its annual Holiday Luncheon at Ottavio's Restaurant. A special meeting was held before the luncheon to elect and install officers for the 2019 Executive Board. (The elections would have normally been held in November, but that meeting was cancelled due to the Thousand Oaks shootings and the fires.) Elected officers included Tiffany Lewis, President; Adriana Huerta, Vice President; Doug McDowell, Recording Secretary; Pat Ehret, Corresponding Secretary; Marianne Slaughter, Treasurer; and Teresa Amescua-Smith and Rick Gardner, Members at Large. In addition, Member Emeritus awards were given to Chris and Pat Ehret for their many years of outstanding service to the club and to the Democratic Party in general.

Camarillo Blue Fundraiser, held on October 7, 2018

The Club held its first Camarillo Blue Fundraiser at Studio Channel Islands Art Center in Old Town Camarillo. The event was a huge success with over 100 attendees. The event was emceed by President Tiffany Lewis. Numerous candidates spoke including Julia Brownley; Jacqui Irwin; Camarillo City Council candidates Susan Santangelo, Bev Dransfeldt, Angus Simmons, and Jessica Romero; Oxnard City Council candidate Carmen Ramirez; and School Board candidates Bob Rust and Karen Sher. First Vice Chair Ryan Valencia of the Ventura County Democratic Party spoke on behalf of Congressional candidate Katie Hill and Assembly candidate Christy Smith. And a representative of Monique Limon spoke on behalf of the Assembly candidate.

General Meeting on October 4, 2018

Club President Tiffany Lewis presented a talk about climate change. She is a member of the Leadership Corps for the Climate Reality Project headed by Al Gore.

General Meeting on September 6, 2018

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin was our featured speaker. She discussed issues and state legislation of importance to Ventura County ... and updated us on her re-election campaign.

We also elected Tiffany Lewis as our new Club President.

General Meeting on August 2, 2018

At our August meeting, we heard from Tim Allison, Adjunct Professor of Political Science at Cal State Channel Islands. He provided a thorough discussion of the propositions that will appear on the November ballot. Ryan Valencia, the First Vice Chair of the Ventura County Central Committee, also spoke ... about the campaigns of Katie Hill for the CA-25 congressional seat and Christy Smith for the AD-38 assembly seat.

General Meeting on July 12, 2018

At our July meeting, we heard an interesting talk from Dr. B J Fan of CSUCI on renewable energy in China (below left). We also heard from the Democratic Moms of Camarillo including Martha Martinez-Bravo and Libby Higgins (below right).

General Meeting on June 7, 2018

Our featured speaker was Supervisor Das Williams of the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. Das was formerly in the State Assembly and represented some of the residents of Camarillo. He discussed state and local issues.

We also had a lively discussion on County plans to greatly increase oil drilling adjacent to Camarillo airport. Tomas Rebecchi and Merrill Berge of CFROG (Citizens for Responsible Oil & Gas) led the discussion with input from Club members Rick Gardner and Mike Collie.

General Meeting on May 3, 2018

Our fearless, dynamic State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson was the featured speaker following our Pizza Fundraiser in support of the Scholarship Program. Her parting advice: “Elect Democrats in 2018!”

General Meeting on April 5, 2018

Our guest speaker, Mayor Pro Tem of Oxnard Carmen Ramirez, had an important message for us to pass on to Oxnard voters: “Vote No on the Oxnard Recall on May 1st!” Legislators representing Oxnard (Monique Limon, Hannah-Beth Jackson, Jackie Irwin and Julia Brownley) oppose this expensive special election that targets the four Democrats on the Board.

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.

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.

Kevin Kildee Jacqui Irwin Scott Svorkin

General Meeting on September 7, 2017

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fiona Ma Chris Ehret

General Meeting on March 2, 2017

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.

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.

General Meeting on January 5, 2017

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.

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.

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.

Candidates Luncheon and Garden Party
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.

General Meeting on August 4, 2016

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!"

General Meeting on July 7, 2016

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

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 ...

General Meeting on May 5, 2016

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

General Meeting on September 3, 2015

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.

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.

General Meeting on August 6, 2015

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.

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.

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.

General Meeting on July 9, 2015

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Dr. Gayle Hutchinson was our special speaker. She is the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for California State University, Channel Islands.

Our student members from California State University, Channel Islands, enjoying the Pizza Party Fundraiser.

General Meeting on February 5, 2015

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.

Merrill Berge and Todd Shuman warned club members about proposals for trains to carry oil through Camarillo to the Santa Maria Refinery.

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

Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long was our Special Speaker at the General Meeting on November 6, 2014.

Professor Sean Q. Kelly of California State University, Channel Islands, was our Special Speaker at the General Meeting on October 2, 2014