Mayor David Tennessen will deliver Camarillo's 2026 State of the City address Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Commemorative Air Force SoCal Wing at 455 Aviation Drive.
The presentation begins at 5 p.m. and is free to attend. A networking reception starts at 4 p.m., but tickets are required for that portion. The full event runs until 7 p.m.
The city is hosting the event in partnership with the West Ventura County Business Alliance, according to a special meeting notice posted by acting city clerk Silvia Jaquez. The notice was filed under California's Brown Act, Government Code Section 54956, because a majority of Camarillo City Council members may attend. No formal council action will be taken.
Tennessen, 69, is a retired Ventura County Sheriff's deputy who holds a master's degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge, according to the Ventura County Star. In a candidate questionnaire published by the Star, he said his top priority is "protecting Camarillo's quality of life while thoughtfully planning for its future." He pointed to the Camarillo 2050 General Plan update as a roadmap for the next 25 years and said the city must stay focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, homelessness, water supplies, aging infrastructure and economic development.
The address comes 12 days before the Nov. 3 election, in which Tennessen is seeking re-election in District 1. He faces challenger Patel, 65, a pharmacy manager and longtime Camarillo resident, according to the Camarillo Acorn. The State of the City is a city-organized event, not a campaign forum.
Past addresses have covered the city budget, public safety and economic development. On Oct. 17, 2023, then-Mayor Susan Santangelo delivered the presentation to an audience of 180 at Camarillo Ranch, according to the city's website. That event was also presented in partnership with the West Ventura County Business Alliance.
A video recording of Tennessen's presentation will be posted on the city's YouTube channel after the event. Event details and registration are available at camarillosotc.com.
