Three Reminders
In support of American democracy
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An abbreviated newsletter this week - but three timely reminders on upcoming events emblematic of our vibrant American democracy.
No Kings
Reminder #1 – The next nationwide exercise of our American rights and freedoms, scheduled for October 18.
As of today, there are 1,804 demonstrations scheduled nationwide with 204 in California. [1]
In Ventura County alone, there are four locations already (Ventura, Simi Valley, and two in Thousand Oaks – one in Westlake Village near Westlake High School and a second at the corner of Hillcrest and Lynn near the Oaks Mall) [2]
America’s true spirit - Rejecting Kings since 1776.
Please consider joining the peaceful demonstrations that are closest to you – you can find out more here.
Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR)
Reminder #2 – The thirtieth anniversary celebration of Ventura County’s SOAR initiatives. From SOAR’s website: [3]
SOAR (Save Open space and Agricultural Resources) is a series of voter initiatives that protect open space and farmland by vote of the people. The County SOAR requires a vote countywide before agricultural, rural or open space land in the unincorporated county can be rezoned for development. The eight voter-approved SOAR initiatives passed by the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Oxnard, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura require a citywide vote of approval for urban development beyond a City Urban Restriction Boundary (CURB), or, in the case of the City of Ventura, before rezoning agricultural land within the city’s sphere of influence. The Thousand Oaks SOAR initiative also protects open space and parks within the city.
I’m a proud member of the SOAR Board of Directors, and, to me, SOAR serves as a critical check and balance against abuses of local government power. Urban sprawl consumed Los Angeles and Orange Counties, and SOAR ensures that the public in Ventura County supports any proposals for converting open space or agricultural land to other uses.
In 1998, delivering “wheelbarrows full of petition papers to the Ventura County Government Center,” SOAR organizers submitted 70,000 signatures to qualify the countywide measure, well exceeding the 45,000 needed. [4]. The countywide SOAR measure, Measure B, passed with 63% of the vote. [5]
SOAR is celebrating its 30th anniversary of protecting open spaces against urban sprawl with a gala on October 5. More information can be found at SOAR’s website here. [6]
Book Launch: Local Democracy in America
Reminder #3 - The paperback version of my book Local Democracy in America is launching on Amazon on September 30! [7]
I will follow up with a special newsletter to send you the link when copies are available!...
Please help me provide donated copies to local high schools, universities, and libraries.
GIF Game
Notes and Sources
[1] “No Kings,” Mobilize.us, retrieved September 28, 2025, https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/
[2] “No Kings,” retrieved September 28, 2025, https://www.nokings.org/
[3] “SOAR: Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources,” SOAR, retrieved September 28, 2025, https://soarvc.org/
[4] Chris Chi, “SOAR Turns in 70,000 Signatures,” Los Angeles Times, June 2, 1998.
[5] Ibid.
[6] “Official Election Summary Report, November 3, 1998,” County Clerk and Recorder, County of Ventura, 5. https://recorder.countyofventura.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/1998-Nov.-Summary.pdf.
[7] Mic Farris, Local Democracy in America, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, 2025.
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