Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County

Protecting our Immigrant Community - How can SB County Help?
2025-02-27 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Faulkner Gallery – Santa Barbara Public Library, 1114 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
The League of Women Voters is hosting with community organizations working tirelessly on behalf of our immigrant community, Santa Barbara Immigrant Legal Defense Center and 805UndocuFund, on Thursday, February 27 at 12:00PM. The panel will be recorded if you’re not able to attend in person.
We also encourage you to watch Separated: An Un-American Tragedy, winner of this year’s Santa Barbara Film Festival’s Social Justice Award.

International Women's Day - Unite & Resist in Santa Barbara
2025-03-08 12:00 - 13:30 | De La Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara, 8 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
Protest/Rally/March/Dance
On International Women’s Day, we’re taking to the streets and we will… dance to celebrate the day! We will raise our voices to fight back against the fascist takeover and we will celebrate our power.
When we gather, we support each other and share. That’s our strength. And it’s growing.
Show up and bring others.

Social Lab: Hope, Power, Action: Rising Above the Muck to Lead
2025-03-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Biergarten in the Funk Zone at 11 Anacapa Street,
It’s been hard to try to wrap our heads around all the cruel steps that the Trump administration has taken to gut civil liberties, cut basic services that so many need and rely on, and basically destabilize and dismantle the government to turn power over to an elite few. Chaos and flooding the system is their playbook – it is meant to overwhelm. But each of us can combat the overwhelm by taking small actionable steps forward
Join us for our next Social Lab – to design your playbook – Hope, Power, Action: Rising Above the Muck to Lead with Purpose.
When: March 24th 5:30pm
Where: Biergarten 11 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
FREE – RSVP LINK
This event will inform, connect, and inspire action with powerful insights from our featured guests:

Josh Fryday CA’s Chief Service Officer (*for identification purposes only) running a national service organization larger than the Peace Corps. He serves in Gov Newsom’s cabinet and will be speaking about the power of community action. He is a candidate for CA Lt. Governor.
Myra Paige, Indivisible Santa Barbara will discuss how to reclaim Democratic pride and shift messaging to connect with working-class voters, empowering communities through effective communication strategies.
David Silva, Mayor of Buellton, will share his experience in winning a conservative area, offering actionable strategies for engaging voters and building cross-party support.

Come prepared to learn, connect, and be part of a movement to rise above the muck and lead with purpose!
First 50 Guests get Drink Tokens and Light Apps Provided!

Mass Mobilization: HANDS OFF! Rally
2025-04-05 13:00 - 15:00 | De La Guerra Plaza, Santa Barbara, 8 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
On Sat. April 5 join us to participate in a mass mobilization day to message the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
🚨 On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off! 🚨
📍 Where: De La Guerra Plaza, 8 East De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
📅 When: 1-3pm, April 5, 2025 (pre-rally sign making at noon)
Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County is an event sponsor along with Co-Sponsors:
Indivisible Santa Barbara | Women’s March Santa Barbara
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Check out handsoff2025.com for more information.

MAY DAY Rally
2025-05-01 18:30 - 19:30 | SB Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa Street
May Day Rally – Santa Barbara
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Santa Barbara Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa Street Santa Barbara
6:30pm
FREE EVENT – Just show up!
May Day 2025 we are standing united. We’re organizing for a world where every family has housing, healthcare, fair wages, union protection, and safety—regardless of race, zip code, or immigration status.
Participants will gather to:
● Celebrate community resilience and resistance.
● Inspire civic action and unity.
● Remind civil servants that their responsibility is to the people.
The event is co-hosted by Indivisible Santa Barbara and other organizations dedicated to fostering equity, justice, and civic engagement.

Women Leaders: From Pipeline to Power
2025-05-08 17:30 - 19:30 | CA
We Are Back!
The Women’s Legacy and Leadership (WLL) Collective will convene our second gathering to promote getting more women into the political pipeline at this consequential time.
This WLL event focuses on the role women commissioners and other women leaders play in that vital work.
Historically, women leaders on the County of Santa Barbara Commission for Women have been a driving force behind getting women in the political pipeline and elevating women to elective and appointed office. What we appreciate is how so many powerful women leaders in all sectors of civic and governmental offices have worked to assist women commissioners to improve the lives of women, girls, and families across our county.
Join us for a powerful conversation between Santa Barbara County women leaders, past and present, as they address the current state and future prospects of women in government and what we all can do to create change.
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025 5:30-7:30pm
(Refreshments will be served – Private residence in Hope Ranch)
REGISTER FOR LOCATION

Happy Hour - Cheers to a Fossil Free Future
2025-05-20 17:30 - 19:00 | Benchmark Eatery, 1201 State St., Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Happy Hour to celebrate a Fossil Free Future
When: Tue. May 20 5:30 pm (FREE to Attend)

Where: Benchmark Eatery 1201 State St.
Join Laura Capps, Sigrid Wright and Community Environmental Council to learn about the recent County Supervisors efforts to ban new oil projects and phase out existing oil and gas operations.

Carpinteria Town Hall with Supervisor Roy Lee
2025-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | Carpinteria Veterans Memorial Hall 941 Walnut Ave, 941 Walnut Ave, Carpinteria, CA, 93013, United States
Carpinteria Town Hall with Supervisor Roy Lee
When: Wend. May 21 5:30pm (FREE to Attend)

Where: Carpinteria Veterans Memorial Hall 941 Walnut Ave
Join to learn about updates from County Fire and Sheriff, followed by Q+A Forum
Questions? Contact daweber@countyofsb.org

Community Organizing Roundtables
2025-05-24 12:00 - 14:00 | CA
Join us for community organizing this Saturday (5/24) from 12-2pm to stand up against the immoral, illegal, and unconstitutional acts of the current regime.
To find more location details and register, go to: sbtan.org/may24

Join us for our next community organizing event on Saturday, May 24th! Last month, about 150 of us gathered at various locations to talk about what we want to see and what we can do to resist the Trump regime’s illegal, immoral, and unconstitutional actions. Now we’d like to take the next step as we work to put some of the ideas that were discussed into action.
This in-person gathering is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned activist or just trying to find ways to make a difference, everyone is welcome to come together to share ideas and plan for positive change.
We’re hosting three events in separate locations to encourage connections with our neighbors, keep group sizes small enough to have fruitful discussions, and make it easy for everyone to attend. There will be groups meeting at the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, Tuckers Grove Park in Goleta, and at Goleta Beach Park near Isla Vista.
Each group will include members of local organizations that have been supporting protests and rallies in Santa Barbara, but the event invites everyone to join in an open discussion and smaller working groups. This event is not a protest but will help our community build the connections we need to take more actions.

Santa Barbara
Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara (USSB)
1535 Santa Barbara Street
Jefferson Hall
To find Jefferson Hall, enter through the gate in the white fence on the southeast side of the USSB campus. There will be a sign for the Knox School. Entering the courtyard, Jefferson Hall is immediately on your left. There is a small sign on the building that can be seen from the sidewalk saying ‘Jefferson Hall’. We have been asked not to gather in the courtyard area due to a youth program getting out around the time our event starts, so please make your way to Jefferson Hall when you arrive.
Goleta
Tuckers Grove Park
4800 Cathedral Oaks Road
Picnic Area #7
As you enter Tuckers Grove Park turn right and look for the ‘Area 7′ sign. The spot is about 250’ from the park entrance and immediately borders the north side of the parking lot. We’ll have a few protest signs to stand out. Last time we hung them on the area sign.
Isla Vista
Goleta Beach Park
5986 Sandspit Road
We expect to be located at a picnic table near the horseshoe pits just west of the entrance. Enter the parking lot and turn right. Look for a picnic table decorated with protest signs. We cannot reserve a table here, so we may be at a different spot. If possible, we will email everyone that has RSVP’d with exact location about 30 minutes before the meeting starts. We encourage anyone attending at this spot to bring folding chairs, as picnic tables/benches are very limited.

Fundraiser to Support Josh Fryday for Lieutenant Governor
2025-05-29 17:00 - 19:00 | CA
*Please note: we are sharing this event for information purposes and this is not an endorsement
Please Join Nancy Sheldon, Laura Capps, Beryl Kreisel, and Claudette Roehrig (Host Committee in Formation)
For a Reception in Support of JOSH FRYDAY FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Thursday, May 29th – 5:00 PM Reception
Santa Barbara, CA
(Exact location provided up RSVP)
RSVP Here
Host: $5,000
Co-Host: $2,500
Champion: $1,000
Friend: $500
Guest: $250

Hike with Hart
2025-06-07 12:00 - 14:00 | CA
Assemblymember Hart will be hosting his Hike with Hart event in Goleta on June 7th from 12pm-2pm. The event will be taking place at Lake Los Carneros and will be held in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Trails Council, the City of Goleta, and Healthy People Healthy Trails. We will be meeting in front of the trailhead on North La Patera Lane.

Our 1.5-mile route will take us past Lake Los Carneros Dam, The Stow House, and provide several opportunities to stop and admire the rich biodiversity present along the trail. It would be fantastic if you or folks from your team could stop by to join us for a nature walk! If you are able to attend, please make sure to come prepared with water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection!

Please RSVP here with the form on our website or me at Gunnar.Langenhuizen@asm.ca.gov.

Inside the Freshman Fight — A Zoom Conversation with CA's New Members of Congress
2025-06-10 15:00 - 17:00 | CA
Join us for an exclusive and energizing informational Zoom conversation with three newly elected California Members of Congress who flipped Republican seats in 2024. Hear firsthand how they won tough races, what they’ve been learning in their first term, and how we can continue to support their efforts. Many of us have gotten to know them through their candidacies – donating, attending events, door knocking, making calls, and postcarding – and our efforts paid off as they all won very tight races. Thank you for whatever part you played.

This event will be moderated by Billy Ray, Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and director, and passionate activist for Democracy.

When: Tuesday, June 10th, 3:00 pm PT

Where: Zoom, please RSVP here

Who:

George Whitesides 27th District (Northern LA County, including Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita)
Before entering politics, Whitesides held prominent roles in the aerospace sector, including serving as Chief of Staff at NASA and as CEO of Virgin Galactic. He is the Vice Ranking Member on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where he contributes to shaping policies on innovation and research. Additionally, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Whitesides unseated Republican incumbent Mike Garcia, a former Navy fighter pilot, in a closely contested race that flipped the district to Democratic control.

Derek Tran 45th District (Parts of Orange and LA Counties, around Anaheim, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley)
Born in Los Angeles County in 1980, Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees who fled the Communist regime in Vietnam. He grew up in the San Gabriel Valley, working in his family’s corner market after school. Tran served in the U.S. Army and later became a consumer rights attorney. He serves as the Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee within the House Small Business Committee, influencing oversight of federal regulations and ensuring accountability in small business programs. Tran narrowly defeated
Republican incumbent Michelle Steel in one of the most competitive and expensive House races. Tran’s victory marked a significant political shift in a district with a large Asian American population, including the nation’s largest Vietnamese community.

Adam Gray 13th District (San Joaquin Valley, including Merced, Madera, and southern Modesto)
A native of Merced, Gray previously served in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2022, representing the Central Valley. His legislative focus has been on water policy, agriculture, education, and infrastructure—key issues for his district. In Congress, Gray holds a leadership role as the Whip of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of centrist Democrats advocating for fiscal responsibility and bipartisan solutions. He also serves on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees. He narrowly unseated Republican incumbent John Duarte in the 2024 election, winning by fewer than 200 votes in one of the nation’s closest and final House races to be decided.

This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into what it takes to win and to govern as the minority party in these very challenging times. Come with questions, bring a friend, and get inspired.

Event Hosts:
The PoD (a community in SB dedicated to Protecting our Democracy)
Leslie Bhutani ~ Gary Bradhering ~ Michele Cuttler ~ Ann Daniel ~ Deborah David ~ Jane Eagleton ~ Jill Finsten ~ Patricia French ~ Martha Gabbert ~ Sheraton Kalouria ~ Beryl Kreisel ~ Dorothy Largay ~ John Lewis ~ Ed McKinley ~ Claudette Roehrig ~ Susan Rose ~ Nancy Sheldon ~ Merryl Zegar

NO KINGS Santa Barbara
2025-06-14 10:30 - 12:00 | Chase Palm Park, 236 E Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, United States
In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies. We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.
On Saturday, June 14, we’re taking to the streets nationwide. We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind.
The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.
On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings. Check out nokings.org for more information.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.
Join us in Santa Barbara on June 14 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Chase Palm Park 236 E Cabrillo Blvd

Social Lab: The Weaponization of Misinformation
2025-06-23 17:30 - 19:00 | Biergarten in the Funk Zone at 11 Anacapa Street,
Social Lab: The Weaponization of Misinformation

Mon. June 23 5:30pm (FREE to Attend)
RSVP
Biergarten 11 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
In a time when facts are under attack and digital platforms are used to amplify both misinformation and hate, how do we — as truth-tellers, community leaders, and movement builders — reclaim the public square and amplify truth, accountability, and collective power? Join us for a dynamic Social Lab examining The Weaponization of misinformation — a timely and urgent conversation about how misinformation, disinformation, and deep political divides are reshaping our media landscape, and what that means for democracy, civic engagement, and community well-being.

This is not a panel — it’s a lab.
Expect small group dialogue, reflective practice, and a collaborative space to imagine how local media can lead with integrity, transparency, and care in the post-election era.
We’ll hear from some of Santa Barbara’s most influential media voices:

Starshine Roshell, award-winning journalist, journalism professor, and media literacy advocate, known for her sharp, unapologetic takes on gender, politics, and truth in the media.
Miriam Metzger, UCSB, Professor, Department of Communication, Center for Information Technology & Society. Her groundbreaking research explores how people assess the credibility of information online, making her a leading voice on the weaponization of misinformation in the digital age.
Hadeel Eljarrari, UCSB senior, contributor to Noozhawk, whose reporting on reproductive rights, local activism, and empowering future voters brings a powerful community-centered perspective.
Dr. Seth Geiger is President of SmithGeiger LLC, where he leads strategic research partnerships and innovation across media and tech. He has advised top brands including ABC, CNN, Google, DIRECTV, Microsoft, Discovery, and Visa.

What’s at stake:

The safety of public discourse
The safety and mental health of journalists and communities
The trustworthiness of information
The resilience of democracy itself
The rising threat to dissent in the United States — including community activists being imprisoned, silenced, or exiled in other countries

Together, we’ll ask:

Who decides what counts as “free speech” when it’s used to harm?
What is the responsibility of the media in an age of deep polarization?
How do we protect truth while honoring diverse voices?

55th Annual Benefit Luncheon "We The People" - Keynote Speaker: Senator Cory Booker
2025-07-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Santa Barbara Club, 1105 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
“We The People” ~ Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County’s 55th Annual Luncheon ~
Keynote Speaker Senator Cory Booker
July 20, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PDT
EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Proceeds from the event will directly fuel Democratic Women’s mission to support pro-choice candidates locally and nationally — building the momentum we need to take back the House in 2026 and safeguard our democracy.
Why flipping Congress matters:

Regaining the House majority is the only way to put a real check on Trump’s agenda and stop policies that threaten our democracy.
With a Democratic majority, we can block regressive legislation, prevent cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, and hold Trump and his enablers accountable.
A flipped Congress can slow or halt the passage of extreme bills and provide oversight on executive actions.
Only by having majority control can Democrats truly resist and reverse the MAGA Republican agenda.

Space is limited — join us in showing that We the People will not be silenced.
To achieve our mission it is imperative that every seat at our sole fundraising event is a paid seat. To ensure accessibility and recognize those who have shown exceptional commitment, we are inviting scholarship donations to underwrite a limited number of seats for individuals who could not otherwise attend but have demonstrated significant dedication and volunteerism to our organization.
Please inquire about scholarships by emailing us at https://demwomensb.com/contact-us/
Paid for by Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County || FEC ID #C00399444 / FPPC ID #743656

Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Presidential Sponsor – $10,000
Anonymous
Vice-Presidential Sponsor – $5000
Claudette and Jim Roehrig – EJ Borah – John and Gloria McManus – Kelly Bret Almeroth – John McManus
Senatorial Sponsor – $2500
Crystal and Clifford Wyatt – Lori A. Lewis and Ronald K. Perry – Merryl and Chuck Zegar – Suzanne and Michael Cohen – Dr. Teri Jory and Dr. Seth Geiger
Congressional Sponsor – $1000
Ann James – Anne Howard – Charles and Betsy Newman – Catherine Nietzel – Dr. Brian and Jett Black Maertz – Jill and Ron Dexter – Michael and JoAnne Meade Young – Kathryn LePage – Laura Capps – Lois and Bill Rosen – Maren Henle – Marsha Marcoe – Mercedes Millington – Nancy and Larry Harter – Salud Carbajal, Rep. – Sandy Schoolfield and Jon Kechejian – Lois and Bill Rosen
Defender of Democracy Sponsor – $500
Cindy Lyons – Donald DeLuccio – Assemblymember Gregg Hart – Indivisible SB – James Kyriaco – Jennifer Smith – Jenny Landers – Judi and Harry Weisbart – Laurel Rose – Lee Heller – Louise Gainey – Luz Reyes-Martín – Mary Ellen Tiffany – Meredith Murr – Michelle Madril – Senator Monique Limón – Olivia Loewy – Pat and Michael French – Peggy Polos – Roy Lee – Susan Salcido – Susan Silver – Tish Gainey – Vicki Johnson

Pacific Pride Festival
2025-08-23 11:00 - 19:00 | Chase Palm Park, 236 E Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, United States
Join us on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11 AM – 7 PM at Chase Palm Park Field in Santa Barbara for the Pacific Pride Festival!
DemWomenSB will have a booth in collaboration with Democratic Service Club and Indivisible SB – we will be helping to register voters, will have our new gear and goodies to pass out!
This FREE, all-ages celebration welcomes every generation and identity within the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. As Pacific Pride Foundation celebrates 50 years of service, we reflect on our journey—ROOTED IN PRIDE: Embracing Our Past – Empowering Our Future. We honor those who paved the way, celebrate the strength of the present, and inspire a future where all LGBTQ+ identities thrive. From our youngest voices to our most experienced advocates, we uplift the contributions of every individual.
Drag sensation Jessica Wild from RuPaul’s Drag Race returns to headline an electrifying main stage, featuring local and regional talent, live entertainment, and DJs that will make this an unforgettable event!
With over 70 vendors and community organizations, attendees can explore areas dedicated to Arts, Health, Outdoors, Spirituality, Social Justice, and more. Mini-events and activities will be happening all day, including a Pride Pet Parade, aerialist performances, games, and crafts for kids of all ages. Plus, enjoy delicious bites from local food trucks and relax in our vibrant beer garden for guests 21+.

Again this year, Pride at the Beach remains FREE and open to all, ensuring that everyone can celebrate in a welcoming, inclusive space. Safety is our top priority, with on-site security throughout the festival grounds.
As we commemorate 50 years of advocacy, inclusion, and pride, we invite you to stand with us—rooted in our history and reaching toward a limitless future. United in love, unity, and pride, we stand stronger together.
ROOTED IN PRIDE: Embracing Our Past – Empowering Our Future
For accommodations info or requests please email us at accessibility@pacificpridefoundation.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Mary Jane McCord Planned Parenthood Book Sale
2025-09-11 - 2025-09-21 | Earl Warren Exhibit Hall
The 51st Mary Jane McCord Planned Parenthood Book Sale is one of the best bets in town in prep for Holiday Shopping and rare finds!

Screening and Community Forum on Santa Barbara’s Hidden Offshore Oil Health Threat
2025-09-14 15:00 - 17:00 | The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA, Marjorie Luke Theatre 721 E. Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93103, United States
You are invited to The Cost of Silence: Community Action Forum & Special Screening – featuring the first West
Coast showing of The Cost of Silence (Sundance, Grand Jury Prize nominee) and a community forum on the urgent
threat posed by the Trump administration’s push to allow Sable Offshore to resume offshore oil operations and
drilling in the Santa Barbara Channel.

The Cost of Silence is directed by Mark Manning, a former oil field diver with 20 years of offshore experience. The
film exposes how government and industry concealed the toxic aftermath of the 2010 BP oil spill that sickened
tens of thousands, and how that cover-up has become the playbook for any future spills. Today, the film reveals
that every coastal community, including Santa Barbara, faces a largely unknown and potentially deadly threat.
Following the screening, the filmmakers will be joined by Linda Krop, Chief Counsel of the Environmental Defense
Center, and impact strategists for a community forum on the ongoing oil fight and the actions needed to prevent
new drilling. The forum will also introduce a new impact platform that helps people take action, connect with
solutions, and stay involved through updates and impact reporting.
Join us after the event for a reception with the filmmakers and local NGO leaders, featuring a Q&A with the film’s
director, the impact platform founders, and Linda Krop. A separate ticket is required for the reception and can be
added when reserving your event ticket. [More information here.]
Reserve your seat today and join us for this critical conversation about protecting our coast and communities.
In Coordination with: The Environmental Defense Center, Sierra Club, Surfrider, CLUE, GOO, League of Women
Voters, SBCAN, Santa Barbara Channel Keepers,
Social: FB @TheCostOfSilenceFilm, @LukeTheatre IG @thecostofsilencefilm, @Luke_Theatre

NO KINGS DAY (Part II)
2025-10-18 12:00 - 16:00 | Alameda Park 1400 Santa Barbara St., 1400 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, 93101, United States
NO KINGS DAY (Part II)
Sat. Oct 18, 12:00 pm
*Beginning at 12pm, but come early (11-11:30am) to join pre-rally activities)
Alameda Park 1400 Santa Barbara St., corner of Micheltorena and Santa Barbara
IndivisibleSB, Democratic Women and other organizations (in formation) will join a national day of protest against the Trump administration and its authoritarian agenda. Resistance to the MAGA takeover of our country is growing daily, and we expect NO KINGS II to be bigger and louder than the previous event in June. Our Santa Barbara event will begin at 12pm at Alameda Park and conclude with a march to De La Guerra Plaza.
– Take action: Save the date, invite a friend, make a sign and let us know you are coming by registering to attend here, which is optional but helps us estimate attendance. If you sign up you can receive pre-event communications with additional instructions and program details. You won’t want to miss this one.

Social Lab - Bridging the Generational Digital Divide for Real Impact
2025-10-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Biergarten in the Funk Zone at 11 Anacapa Street,
Bridging the Generational Digital Divide for Real Impact- How generational digital fluency can turn passive scrolling into powerful action.
There’s a growing gap between generations when it comes to using social media for (civic engagement or political power.) Join us for October’s DemWomen Social Lab as we explore how to bridge the digital divide and amplify voices across generations through smarter, more intentional digital engagement—just in time for the 2026 elections.
In partnership with Indivisible SB, Women’s Political Committee, Women’s March SB, and UCSB DEMS, this interactive session features young activists leading us through Instagram basics and strategies—turning digital frustration into meaningful influence. We’ll also explore how to better communicate with and advocate alongside younger generations.
Whether you’re social media shy or simply looking to sharpen your digital tools, come ready to learn, ask questions, and build powerful connections across generations.
RSVP

Campaign Kick Off for Laura Capps
2025-12-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Goleta Beach Area B
Join Laura Capps as she launches her campaign for re-election to the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors. She’ll be on the ballot in June 2026. Special Guess Josh Fryday. Please RSVP Thank you!

55th Annual Membership Meeting
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00 | CA
Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County’s
55th Annual Membership Meeting
December 14, 2025, 2pm – 4pm
Santa Barbara Club, 1105 Chapala Street
Honoring
Democratic Woman of the Year, Myra Paige
and
Congressional Woman of the Year, JoAnne Meade Young
Space is Limited. RSVP is Required.

In Person Registration is CLOSED at this time.
EVENT REGISTRATION WEBSITE

Please join us virtually using the Zoom Link below
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89815469559?pwd=[REDACTED]

Election Slate
**Officers that will stand for approval of installation for 2026/2027 terms
President: Claudette Roehrig**
1st Vice President: Laura Capps
2nd Vice President: Peggy Polos**
Secretary: Meredith Murr
Treasurer: Suzanne Cohen**
Community Engagement Officer: JoAnne Meade Young**
2025 ByLaws Update
Newly elected board members
Kathryn LePage
Michelle Madril
Kerry Parker
Continuing Board Members
*Existing board members that will stand for approval for board terms 2026-2028
Daniela Aguirre
EJ Borah
Laura Capps
Suzanne Cohen*
Jill Dexter*
Nicki Horne*
Vicki Johnson
Dr. Teri Jory*
Jenny Landers
Olivia Loewy
Meredith Murr
Peggy Polos*
Claudette Roehrig*
Marian Shapiro
Christy Stillwell*
JoAnne Meade Young*

Rapid Response Volunteer Training
2026-01-12 16:30 - 19:00 | CA
805UNDOCUFund is offering a Rapid Response – Volunteer Training
RSVP as soon as possible to give enough time before the training to allow for vetting to occur – Training is scheduled for Jan 12th
Join our community leaders who are defending and protecting our most vulnerable neighbors by learning how to safely and effectively be a rapid responder.

Candlelight Vigil in Solidarity with Minnesota
2026-01-26 17:30 - 18:30 | Cabrillo Blvd on either side of the dolphin statue at Stearns Wharf, 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111, United States
In Solidarity with Minnesota and alongside our partners – Indivisible Santa Barbara – we are calling for Emergency Response to Another ICE Murder in Minneapolis
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, federal agents in Minneapolis, MN, tackled, shot, and killed Alex Pretti after he attempted to help a fellow protester who had been pushed to the ground by other federal agents.
This is the third shooting of a protester in Minneapolis by federal agents and the second that has horrifically resulted in death. Since Trump regained power in January 2025, ICE agents have been involved in multiple shootings in other cities, as well as dozens of deaths in detention camps
ICE has consistently met any peaceful protest with more state-sanctioned violence. They’re meeting whistles with guns, pepper spraying parents holding cameras—and then, even when we have video evidence of their violence, they’re telling us not to believe our own eyes.
This is state terror, and we cannot be silent. Many of you came out on Saturday morning to stand in solidarity with Minnesota and our demands to GET ICE OUT FOR GOOD, and now we ask that you show up in force once again.
In response to this latest murder in Minneapolis at the hands of the federal government, Indivisible Santa Barbara is calling for:
A Candlelight Vigil
Monday, January 26, 2026
5:30pm to 6:30pm
Cabrillo Blvd on either side of the dolphin statue at Stearns Wharf
We will also take this occasion to stand with our Representative Carbajal, who has stated: “I call on the Senate to block the DHS funding package next week and my Republican colleagues to support our Articles of Impeachment against Secretary Noem. ICE’s brutality must be stopped.”
Come early if you can. We will have some electric candles available, but fully-charged phones will be useful to help us light up the night.
Join us in our anger and grief as we stand in solidarity with Minneapolis on Monday evening.

Social Lab: Fear by Design: ICE Tactics, Impact & What We Can Do About It
2026-03-02 17:30 - 18:30 | Biergarten in the Funk Zone at 11 Anacapa Street,
March 2, 2026 | 5:30–6:30 PM
Location: Biergarten 11 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hosted by: Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County
Free Event | Open to the Public

Across the United States, immigration enforcement tactics are increasingly structured around visibility and intimidation — including sudden raids, masked and heavily armed officers, limited transparency, and arrests that reverberate through entire communities.
While national coverage often centers on political debate, the lived impact is local. Families face uncertainty. Schools experience disruption. Community trust is strained. Public safety conversations become more complex.
This Social Lab is designed to bring clarity and grounded understanding to these local realities. Rather than amplifying fear, we will examine:

What specific ICE tactics look like in practice
How these tactics affect community safety and trust in Santa Barbara County
The legal rights individuals hold during enforcement encounters
How local leaders and organizations are responding
Concrete ways residents can support humane, accountable policy

Featured Speakers
Laura Capps
A countywide policy and public-safety perspective.
Primitiva Hernandez
Community support, rapid response networks, and local resources.
Immigrant Legal Defense Center
Legal insight on enforcement practices, rights, and due process.
As with all DemWomen Social Labs, this session is structured to foster connection, informed dialogue, and civic action. Participants will leave with practical language, local resource awareness, and meaningful ways to engage.
We invite you to join us for an evening of learning, solidarity, and community leadership.

Sable pipeline reopened - protest Thursday 3/19/26
2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Cabrillo Blvd on either side of the dolphin statue at Stearns Wharf, 217 Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111, United States
Protest Thursday 6:30pm at Dolphin Statue, Stearns Warf.

NO KINGS! 3
2026-03-28 | CA
Saturday March 28th
Alameda Park
11am: Meet our community partners
12:30pm: Rally and speeches
1:30pm: March to De La Guerra Plaza

Tickets Available-Annual Luncheon featuring Senator Sherrod Brown and Leigh McGowan PoliticsGirl creator
2026-06-14 12:00 - 14:00 | Santa Barbara Club, 1105 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Sunday, June 14 at 12:00 PM –General Admission tickets available now!
This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Our Power,” reflects a renewed commitment to civic engagement, community leadership, and meaningful action at every level.
We are honored to welcome keynote speaker Sherrod Brown, a nationally recognized advocate for workers, families, and the middle class. Senator Brown has built a reputation for fighting for affordable health care, fair wages, secure pensions, and strong consumer protections. His perspective and experience will offer valuable insight at a pivotal moment.
This event brings together leaders, advocates, and community members who care deeply about the future of our region and our country. Proceeds support the ongoing work of Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County in advancing civic participation and supporting candidates and causes that reflect our shared values.
