INDIVISIBLE VENTURA

Hi everyone! We’ve been out of day-to-day communication as we’ve been working on some huge projects:

The analysis of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 (project2025.org)
Our version of the Ventura County voter guide for the primary election!

Great video to share for Black History Month:

Link here: https://youtu.be/evi_i7R0SFQ?si=W3HYEv9ax6LLv8bq

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#label/Posted/FMfcgzGwJvqmvqlhjrBcBWQtGDsQbwpj?projector=1Actions
Join in! – We’re translating “Project 2025” – the GOP’s master plan to destroy democracy.

Project 2025 is a publicly available set of online documents from the Heritage Foundation, a hard-right think tank. It outlines the GOP plans to install a Christian Nationalist authoritarian government just as soon as the next GOP president is elected, whether it be Trump or someone else.

The GOP plans on cementing power by decimating the civil service in federal government agencies, and elevating a particular form of Christianity over civil rights. This will allow Trump or any GOP president to efficiently do the bidding of their corporate masters. This is not overwrought hyperbole. Ronald Reagan accomplished 60% of the foundation’s directives. In his first administration, Trump accomplished approximately two-thirds. Think what damage he could do if there is no one left in any civil service post to hold him back.
Voters who believe GOP fear campaigns against immigrants and transgender kids will unwittingly be voting against unions, worker rights, women, Medicare, voting rights, good health insurance, clean energy and climate change action, access to safety net programs, public schools, Head Start and more. Even though their plans are “public,” the true nature of the changes they intend to make are unknown to most people.

We need to change that fast! Find out more about Project 2025 with our TLDR link, (tinyurl.com/Project-2025-TLDR).

Link to the main landing page: https://indivisibleventura.org/2024/01/20/join-in-were-translating-project-2025-the-gops-plan-to-destroy-democracy/ This post contains our continued unveiling of this ±1000 page manifesto and a number of actions you can do right now. We’re sharing our current ones immediately below. Go as deep as you want, but SHARE the knowledge that this recipe book for fascism is ready and waiting for use in a GOP-America. (Of course, this makes our voter guide simpler. Vote BLUE from top to bottom of your ballot)

We gratefully accept help on translating the unfinished chapters!

4 actions – Tell your legislators to call out the GOP’s Project 2025 as a danger to democracy and specifically get protections from its authoritarian agenda passed! (More actions in process!)

LGBTQ Rights Action: The GOP is bullying minorities in America for political gain. Where have we seen this tactic before?
Health care Action: The GOP is lying about Medicare to enrich their corporate donors.
Immigration Rights Action: We need immigrants as much as they need us! Don’t let Republicans crash our economy!
Reproductive Rights Action: Project 2025’s goal is to ban abortion and contraceptives nationwide.

EVENTS/ACTIONS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND!

The campaign for the 3rd Supervisorial District will be the most important race on the ballot for the March primary in Ventura County, and canvassing makes the difference.

Join us as we knock doors for Kim Marra Stephenson for Supervisor in Oxnard and Santa Paula! We will canvass with bilingual literature to get the word out about our candidate, Kim, who is ready to get to work for the people of the 3rd District!

We will be launching from 422 South A St. in Oxnard on Saturday, Feb 3, and from Teague Park in Santa Paula on Feb 10.

Link: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/601356/

Link: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/598547/

Link: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/598553/

Link: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/597397/

Saturday – 02/03/2024 – OXNARD – Community Action of Ventura County – Affordable Connectivity Sign-up event (10:00 am – 2 pm) 621 Richmond Avenue, Oxnard

From Community Action of Ventura County

“Exciting News for Our Community! Join us this Saturday, Feb 3, from 10 am to 2 pm at our Oxnard Office for the Affordable Connectivity Program sign-up event! Unlock fast, reliable home internet for FREE with ACP’s $30 discount. Plus, don’t miss the chance to win a FREE laptop during the event! Let’s bridge the digital divide together. See you there!” #AffordableConnectivity #CommunityEvent #DigitalInclusion #BeCommunityAction #ACPSaturday – 02/03/2024 – ONLINE – February Meeting of Ventura Land Trust Bookclub – Black History Month Read – “Soil” by Camille T. Dungy (2 pm)

“Join us for the February meeting of the VLT Environmental Book Club on Zoom. Themes from the book “Soil” will be discussed along with a conversation about how to make natural spaces more equitable. Join a group of environmentally focused readers as we talk about the intersection of race and gardening in a seven-year journey to diversify a garden.”

Link to sign up: eventbrite.com/e/vlt-book-club-february-tickets-791396577467EVENTS/ACTIONS THIS COMING WEEK!
Tuesday – 02/06/2024 – Get ready to stand up for voter accessibility in Ventura County (11:00 am) County Government Center, 800 S. Victoria Ave, Ventura
Our awesome County Clerk-Recorder & Registrar of Voters, Michelle Ascencion, has been presenting an educational series on the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) to our Board of Supervisors. She will present Part 4 – Election Technology, Security, Fraud Prevention, and Canvass/Certification on Feb. 6th at 11:00 am (time certain). Item #43

Please sign up to speak in defense of the Voter’s Choice Act. Assume you’ll get 90 seconds. You can speak in person or over Zoom.
Email your comments to: clerkoftheboard@ventura.org. Submit your written comment by noon on the day prior to the meeting. Indicate in the Subject Line the Agenda #43. (Do not submit personal contact information that you do not want to be made public.)

What is VCA?: “Established by Senate Bill 450 (2016), the California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) modernizes elections in California by allowing counties to conduct elections under a model which provides greater flexibility and convenience for voters. This election model allows voters to choose how, when, and where to cast their ballot by:

Mailing every voter a ballot
Expanding in-person early voting
Allowing voters to cast a ballot at any vote center within their county
Providing secure ballot drop off locations throughout the county”
See here for more information: https://www.sos.ca.gov/voters-choice-act

Why do I need to be involved?: A dedicated group of foes of show up each time to plead with our supervisors to opt out of Voter’s Choice, using false claims that it encourages election fraud. (Per Heritage Foundation database there have been only 1,500 recorded instances of voter fraud in the whole country since 1982!) The GOP is targeting systems like VCA as allowing too many Democrats to vote and these are the same conservative-majority supervisors who dumped our “Ventura County Campaign Finance Reform” act, to get larger donations and less oversight. We should take nothing for granted.

These protesters want us to return to one-day, in-person voting at home address-determined polling places.They can’t take away the mail-in ballots, as Governor Newsom signed AB 37 into law making permanent the mailing of ballots to all active registered voters in the state. But they can take away the convenience of voting centers open 10 days before Election Day and convenient and secure ballot boxes available 28 days before Election Day.

TALKING POINTS

Confidence: Speakers should express high confidence in the processes, security, and results of VC elections.
The California Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) has made voting safer and more accessible for eligible voters in our county:
Increased Accessibility: The VCA has significantly increased accessibility by mailing every registered voter a ballot, allowing individuals to vote from the comfort of their homes. This move has been especially helpful for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, those with transportation challenges, and those unable to make it to previous voting locations due to work, childcare, caretaking and other responsibilities.
Flexibility in Voting: The Act offers greater flexibility by expanding in-person early voting opportunities. This flexibility is beneficial for voters who might have unpredictable work schedules or other responsibilities on Election Day, allowing them to cast their votes at their convenience. More days and times are available for community members to drop off their ballots because of the VCA.
Vote Centers’ Convenience: By permitting voters to cast their ballots at any vote center within their county, the VCA has removed the limitations associated with assigned polling places. This flexibility allows individuals to choose a location that’s most convenient for them, reducing travel barriers and long waiting times.
Enhanced Security Measures: The Act provides secure ballot drop-off locations throughout the county, ensuring that voters can safely and conveniently return their ballot without relying only on mail services. This feature bolsters the security of the voting process and instills confidence in the integrity of the election. Not to mention, Vote By Mail security is already ensured by performing signature verification on every Vote By Mail return envelope.
Language and Accessibility Support: VCA’s implementation includes provisions for multi-language ballot materials and accessibility equipment at vote centers, ensuring that voters from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities have the necessary resources to participate fully in the electoral process and protects their right to participate equally in our democracy.

Wednesday – 02/07/2024 – ONLINE – Lunch & Learn with the League – The Primary Election and the Voter’s Choice Act (12:00 noon)

Thursday – 02/08/2024 – ONLINE – Christian Nationalism and the 2024 Elections (4:00 pm PT)

“Please join us on Thursday, Feb., 8th at 7 pm EST for a free, thought-provoking and insightful one-hour webinar with Dr. Bradley Onishi – “Christian Nationalism and the 2024 Elections.”Dr. Onishi, co-host of the Straight White American Jesus podcast, and author of the acclaimed book “Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism – And What Comes Next,” brings a wealth of knowledge, subject expertise and personal experience to the discussion. Register HERE!”

Sunday – 02/11/2024 – OXNARD – Amor y Alegria Folklorica (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm) OPAC – Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard

“We are only 2 weeks and 2 days away from our upcoming FREE fundraiser, Amor y Alegria Folklorica. Bring your family and friends on February 11, 2024 from 1pm – 5 pm at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. There will be lots of vendors and community partners. To learn more, please visit our website @ https://www.unitedparents.org/amor-y-alegria-fundraising…”

SPECIAL EVENT!
Wednesday, February 14 – ONLINE – Contribute to Black History: Transcribe the correspondence of Frederick Douglass (9:00 am -12:00 PT)

“Every Valentine’s Day, we invite you to a birthday party for Frederick Douglass. Although Douglass never knew his birthdate, he chose to celebrate every year on February 14th. We celebrate this date as a moment for creating Black history together.

Douglass Day 2024 will feature the general correspondence of Frederick Douglass from the Library of Congress. We will attempt to transcribe all 8,731 pages in one day!”

How can I get involved?

Host an event with your community or organization.
Bring Douglass Day to your school.
Join us online from wherever you are.

More information here: https://douglassday.org/
Sign up to transcribe here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEvsl2qE60Uv6x0iFbOTTkyNEusC0xQMr3Ln_mr6KQAxfgXQ/viewform

OTHER EVENTS HAPPENING SOON!Tuesday – 02/13/2024 – CAMARILLO – Climate Change: It’s Here in Ventura County - Ventura County Community Foundation (11:00 am – 2:00) 4001 Mission Oaks, Camarillo

“Join us for this environmental justice event, with some new perspectives in conjunction with Ventura County Community Foundation! Event is in person at the VCCF building, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Camarillo on Tuesday, February 13th from 11am-2pm. Lunch will be provided.

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1568982197193776?ref=newsfeedWednesday – 02/14/2024 – OXNARD – Share the Love – Volunteer Date Night! (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) 4156 Southbank Rd., Oxnard

“Want to shake up your normal Valentine’s Day with your partner/significant other/friend?! Join us here at Food Share for some fun, lovin’ volunteering!

MUST BE 18+ to register. Please wear close-toed shoes and bring a jacket at this will be held inside our warehouse. Each guest must register individually.

Timeline:
6-6:15 PM: Welcome and introductions
6:15 – 7:15 PM : Volunteer activities (switch after 30 mins)
7:15 – 8 PM: Tour of Food Share warehouses w/ drinks & apps”

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/723859013053166/

Please DONATE to the cause!

We are looking for a couple of people who’d be willing to help out on our twitter team for a day or two a week. If you are interested, please reply to indivisibleventura@gmail.com with “TWITTER” in the subject line and our expert twitter wrangler will explain how it all works.

Indivisible Ventura is completely volunteer run and your donation will support the direct costs of organizing in Ventura — things like expenses for Swap Meet Justice, posters, art supplies, stamps, transportation, and more! Although we’ve defeated Trump and taken back the Senate, we have to act urgently to save our democracy and enact other desperately needed reforms. Getting it done depends on all of us. Let’s stand together, indivisible. Indivisible Ventura is one of 6,000 grassroots Indivisible groups across the country. Together, we will win. (https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ven383907253)

The usual caveats…

Keep ahead of us on our calendar scroll here: tinyurl.com/VC-calendar
If we screw up a link, our apologies. You can find the original post here: tinyurl.com/VC-calendar
We’re putting up information on local protests and actions by others we’re finding from informal sources.
These listings are not endorsements nor guarantees as to time/place/type of protest or participant safety. Events can and have already been cancelled without notice.
Check ahead for future events there as well. We often miss morning event postings.
If we screw up or miss information about an event, please send an email to indivisibleventura@gmail.com

Our mailing address is:

Indivisible Ventura

PO Box 6367

Ventura, Ca 93006

Add us to your address book