Our speaker will be animator and cartoonist Steve Greenberg.  Mr. Greenberg has contributed to the  Ventura County Star and has written and animated an environmental book entitled "Fine-Tooning the Planet" that he will have for purchase and signing.

We also welcome Bernie Rosander from Organizing for America to dialogue with us about Obama's healthcare package. 

This month we will collect canned, boxed and fresh foods for Manna, the local foodbank.

We will also discuss general club business, upcoming events and welcome new members.  Please join us.

July 8, Wednesday, 6:30 PM - Monthly General Meeting, Thousand Oaks
July 18, Saturday, 10:00 AM - Democratic Women's Council Brunch   
        Meeting With Hannah-Beth Jackson, Westlake Village
July 25, August 15 and September 19, Saturdays, 12 - 4 PM, Tabling at 
        The Oaks Mall, Thousand Oaks
September 13, Sunday, 11:30 AM - 3 PM, Garden Party, Thousand Oaks

Former 35th District Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson will speak during the Democratic Women's Council of the Conejo Valley (DWCCV) Brunch Meeting on Saturday, July 18th, 2009.  Scheduled from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, the meeting will be held at Mandevilla Restaurant,  951 S. Westlake Boulevard in Westlake Village.
 
Jackson, who served in the Assembly from 1998 to 2004 representing portions of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, is a former prosecutor and is co-founder of a non-profit organization. She was the 2008 Democratic candidate for the California State Senate.
  
Jackson will discuss hot political topics of the day during the DWCCV Brunch Meeting.  Cost for the DWCCV $20 per person.  To reserve your space or to get more information, contact Mary Kay Donahoe at 805-495-1515.  Details on DWCCV, including membership information, are available at the website, http://www.dwccv.org/.

Saturday, July 25

Saturday, August 15
Saturday, September 19

We have three scheduled dates for Saturday tabling at the Oaks Mall:  July 25, August 15 and September 19.  All dates run from 12 to 4.  Shifts generally are 12-2 and 2-4.  Tabling can be an extremely energizing and fun experience.  You can sign up by contacting Mary Freed  at 495-3887 or Debbie Birenbaum at 498-7151 or at the next meeting.

Annual Garden Party

Sunday, September 13

Please mark your calendars now for the DCCV Garden Party, which is scheduled for Sunday September 13 from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Thousand Oaks.  If you are interested in helping collect silent auction donations, creating the baskets or decorating, please contact Debbie Birenbaum or Carol Keavney at 498-7262.

Spring has been a very busy time of year for the DCCV. We participated in the Media Forum, Arbor/Earth Day, and several meetings regarding the special election. The Club ran a polling site, held a Cinco de Mayo fundraiser and hosted a daytime dems luncheon. Some of our members found time to walk for Nathan Sweet in Moorpark and to attend the Ventura County Central Committee's Spring Fling. The Media Committee filmed another Cable TV show and the Membership Committee tabled at the Oaks Mall.

So, as you can see, even though there is no big election coming and we might have a tendency to sit back and relax, there is work to be done. It really never ends. As an organization we need to have clear goals and enough energy and commitment to keep our eye on the long term. We can all assume

that that means voter registration, community outreach and candidate/issue identification. I understand that many of our members are active in several clubs and groups. That's the kind of people we are. We are activists and organizers. We are educated and ethical. I'm so glad I've been able to meet and work with you all.

Still, at lulls, when a core group is busy keeping the DCCV afloat, a thought comes to mind. What it is that makes you join the DCCV each year? What would you like the goals of this organization to be? The DCCV has by-laws that set out cursory objectives, but I'm curious about the purposes you have for ending your support to this organization. I'm curious about your degree of commitment to attaining those purposes. I'd like to hear from you. Our monthly meetings are a simple way to communicate and to participate. The executive board uses the meetings to relay important organizational and business information to the general membership. We have ongoing projects that need volunteers and contributions. We need feedback and, on some occasions, a vote. These activities can really only occur at the meetings. And meetings can only really be successful if we have significant membership attendance.

So, as the busy Spring comes to an end and lazy summer is arriving, take the time to let us get to know you. Write us about your reasons for joining us. Let us know your expectations. Come to a

meeting.

Check us out.

Debbie Birenbaum