URGENT! TUESDAY – 03/18/2025 – Ventura Council – Item #15 – Community Autonomy, Rights, and Equality (CARE) Policy

Arrive as close to 5:00 pm as possible. Item may be heard at ±6:00pm – Location: Ventura City Hall

The Community Autonomy, Rights, and Equality (CARE) Policy which will be heard at the Ventura City Council on Tuesday, March 18th. (Agenda) This is an important democratic-values issue, and Oxnard, Simi, TO, and Santa Barbara will all be watching to see how it plays out.

ACTION:

  • We need to make our Democrat-endorsed councilmembers aware of our expectations BEFORE THE MEETING!
    • Contact your city council member with the email in the chart below and tell them you want them to vote “YES” on Item #15. For the ones marked “D”, you can use the word “democratic values” somewhere in your message. For the others, remind them that there are vulnerable people in their district and they are responsible for representing them as well. 
    • Not sure which district you live in? Check out this map.

  • We need to make our presence KNOWN AT THE MEETING!: We will provide some signage, like shown above, or you can bring your own. Keep them letter-sized to as not block other people’s views.
  • We need to make our presence HEARD AT THE MEETING: Yeah, very few of us like to speak at public meetings. But we are at a point where we can’t leave any resistance on the table.
    • Fill out a speaker card at the front table. We are the first official action, after the Consent Calendar items (±20 minutes), and one Public Hearing item, estimated to take 20 minutes.
    • If you are not a Ventura resident, state where you are from and why you’re hoping your own city will pass a similar policy.
    • The public may speak up to 3 minutes on each agenda item. This could be cut down if there are a lot of speakers, so be prepared with a long and short version.
    • More ways to participate: (https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/27/Government)

Community Autonomy, Rights, and Equality (CARE) Policy

SUMMARY: “The City of Ventura has long prioritized the values of inclusivity, equality, and human rights. In recent years, restrictive policies at state and federal levels have threatened reproductive rights, immigrant safety, and access to gender-affirming care. These developments necessitate further action to reinforce Ventura’s commitment to diversity, safety, and equality for all residents.

Building upon previous initiatives like the Progress Initiative and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, the CARE Policy provides a clear framework to protect our most vulnerable populations and maintain Ventura as a welcoming and supportive community.

RECOMMENDATION: Adopt this policy establishing the Community Autonomy, Rights, and Equality (CARE) Policy to protect reproductive rights, immigrant residents, gender-diverse individuals and all residents of the City of Ventura from restrictive laws and external enforcement efforts.”

District 1DLiz Camposlcampos@cityofventura.ca.gov
District 2DDoug Halterdhalter@cityofventura.ca.gov
District 3DRynn Schumacherrschumacher@cityofventura.ca.gov
District 4DMayor: Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palaciospalacios@cityofventura.ca.gov
District 5–Bill McReynoldsbmcreynolds@cityofventura.ca.gov
District 6RJim Duran jim.duran@cityofventura.ca.gov
District 7DAlex Mangoneamangone@cityofventura.ca.gov

Read and sign this petition from Change.org – Make Ventura a Sanctuary City for LGBTQ+ here

Sign the petition and read more about the issue here! https://www.change.org/p/make-ventura-a-sanctuary-city-for-lgbtq

Instructions:

Dear Supporters,

This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. The Ventura CARE Policy is officially on the City Council agenda for a vote this Tuesday, March 18th—and we must turn out in force.

The Ventura County Republicans are organizing against this policy, bringing in opposition from surrounding cities. This vote is bigger than just Ventura—passing this will send a message to our neighbors that they too can fight back against federal overreach.

📢 How You Can Take Action NOW:
✅ SHOW UP TUESDAY AT 5 PM! – City Hall must be filled with supporters. Bring flags, signs, and your voice.
✅ PLAN TO SPEAK! – Each speaker will likely get 2 minutes, but if turnout is large, they may cut it to 1 minute per speaker. Be prepared to make your case concisely.
✅ EMAIL YOUR SUPPORT! – Whether you can attend or not, send an email to cityclerk@cityofventura.ca.gov to express your support for the policy. Every email counts!

📍 Ventura City Council Meeting Details:
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – Plan to stay until the policy is discussed.
📍 Location: Ventura City Hall – Get Directions
📄 Full City Council Agenda: View Here
📜 Updated Ventura CARE Policy: Read the Policy

Why This Vote Matters More Than Ever
We cannot let opposition outnumber us. The Ventura CARE Policy is a direct response to increasing federal overreach targeting transgender people, reproductive healthcare, and immigrant rights.

Our progressive movements are tied up at the federal level—but our local policies remain our strongest defense. Other cities have taken similar steps, and Ventura must be on the right side of history.

This is our chance. This is our fight. We must take a stand.

See you at City Hall Tuesday!

In solidarity,

Michelle Rosenblum

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