Paul's Perspective - January 2026
Fellow Kiwanians,
Happy New Year to all our dedicated Kiwanis Division 42 members! As a group of committed volunteers, we are fortunate to belong to the world’s leading service organization, united in our mission to improve the lives of children and communities—one child at a time.
During our most recent Divisional Council Meeting (DCM), we paid tribute to our dearly departed member, Debbie Heaslip. Debbie was a dedicated President, Lt. Governor and Secretary for Division 42. She is also remembered for her generosity as she prepared and served many gourmet meals for Kiwanis meetings throughout the years. Her passing brought great sadness to all who knew her. Special thanks to Marian Walluks for her heartfelt presentation in honoring Debbie. Rest in Peace, Debbie, we are grateful to you and your years of service.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you for your tireless work in your communities. Your efforts ensured that we provided children with warmth and joy, especially during the holidays. Our Signature Project was a tremendous success that allowed our nine Kiwanis Clubs to collect more than 450 items, including gently worn jackets and brand new children’s pajamas, for those in need.
The new year brings fresh opportunities to serve our communities and experience their appreciation firsthand. I look forward to visiting your clubs and welcome any invitations to support and participate in your projects, fund raisers and events during 2026.
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing representatives from Camarillo in Santa Maria. They joined a special meeting with Key Club and KIWIN’S officers, where we were honored to hear from the International Kiwanis President. It was an inspiring and memorable weekend for all attendees.
Kiwanis Region 10 Training Conference: please join our own Trustee, Katy Porter on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Mackenzie Center 3111 State Street, in beautiful Santa Barbara. Activities include; Training, Vote for next Trustee, Games and Entertainment. $20 at the door, and lunch is included. RSVP with me, please.
Our next DCM will take place on Thursday, February 12th at Moorpark Presbyterian Church, 13950 Peach Hill Road, Moorpark. It will be hosted by the Thousand Oaks Club.
On March 12, we will welcome Governor Steven Geraci and his wife, Eileen, for his official visit to our Division at the ARC of Ventura, located at 5103 Walker St. Clubs should invite the Governor to present awards such as DSA, CSA, YSA, Tablet of Honor, Dunlap, or Walter Zeller Fellowship to outstanding members. This occasion is also an excellent opportunity for the Governor to install new members and celebrate our collective achievements.
As we begin the New Year, I look forward to being of service and support to all clubs and members of our division. I'm honored to serve as your Lieutenant Governor.
Respectfully,
Paul Lopez
Paul Lopez,
Lieutenant Governor 2025 - 2026