Dear Supporters,

We have a major update in our fight to make Ventura a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ individuals and other vulnerable communities!

TOMORROW, Monday, February 10 at 3 PM, the Ventura CARE Policy will be reviewed by the Rules Committee at City Hall in downtown Ventura.

This policy is critical—it would establish protections for LGBTQ+ residents, immigrants, and reproductive rights, ensuring Ventura does not cooperate with external enforcement efforts that threaten these communities. This includes shielding residents from restrictive state and federal laws that target access to gender-affirming care, reproductive healthcare, and immigrant protections.

What’s Happening Tomorrow?
The Rules Committee will decide whether to advance this policy to the full City Council for a vote or send it back for revisions. If it moves forward, we will need all hands on deck when it comes before the full council for a final decision.

📢 How You Can Help Today:

• Attend the Meeting – Show up to demonstrate support! A strong presence helps push the policy forward.
• Prepare to Speak – Public comments are limited to 2 minutes per speaker (3 minutes if less than 10 speakers), but depending on how the discussion goes, there may be additional opportunities for input. Share why these protections matter to you and our community.
• Spread the Word – Encourage others to attend, especially those directly impacted by these issues.

📍 Meeting Details:
📅 Date: Monday, February 10, 2024
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Location: Ventura City Hall, Downtown Ventura
📄 Event Details: City Calendar Event
📑 Rules Committee Agenda (See page 3, section 5): View Agenda
📜 Ventura CARE Policy Document: Read the Policy

This policy was submitted by Councilmember Liz Campos and has been pushed forward by local advocate Amber Thompson, who I have been working closely with to advance this effort.

Why This Matters
Ventura has a chance to take a stand against harmful federal and state policies that attack bodily autonomy, LGBTQ+ rights, and immigrant communities. This policy would ensure that Ventura remains a safe, inclusive city that refuses to aid in the persecution of vulnerable residents.

We need your voice tomorrow. The more public support we show, the harder it will be to ignore us. Let’s make sure this policy moves forward to the full council and ultimately becomes law.

See you at City Hall,
Michelle Rosenblum