How would you describe the general political/social views of people in Ventura? (San Diego: school, college)

[notafan]

This looks like an appealing city/area that I am considering as a strong relocation possibility. I lived in San Diego county briefly approx. 8 years ago, and found that the heavy military presence contributed to a slightly conservative vibe there which I didn't care for. My beliefs are neither here nor there, so I don't want to live in an area with strong political affiliations (neither too liberal/too conservative). Can anyone shed some light on the political and social views of those who live in Ventura and surrounding cities?

[casualsurfer]

Originally Posted by notafan

This looks like an appealing city/area that I am considering as a strong relocation possibility. I lived in San Diego county briefly approx. 8 years ago, and found that the heavy military presence contributed to a slightly conservative vibe there which I didn't care for. My beliefs are neither here nor there, so I don't want to live in an area with strong political affiliations (neither too liberal/too conservative). Can anyone shed some light on the political and social views of those who live in Ventura and surrounding cities?

I'm from the Westlake/TO/Agoura area, grew up there, went to school there, and went to college in that area. Ventura, like OC, has pockets of conservatism, but IMHO it's pretty open and progressive.

I lived in the the Midwest for 10 years, and I can tell you the most conservative places in Cali pales in comparison with the most liberal parts of the Midwest.

[notafan]

Thanks casualsurfer. Does anyone else have any insight on this?

[nightlysparrow]

Talking about the West County here. The City of Ventura is the County seat, all the administration buildings, the County hospital and the jail are there, lots of law firms, so there is a definite government feel. Oxnard is a mixed bag, but the heavy Hispanic presence is a factor. The military base in Port Hueneme does not convey much of a feel to things. Ojai is very progressive, New Age, really.

Formerly red, Ventura and most of the cities in the County have turned or are turning blue, per the last few elections. Regardless, most people are live-and-let live.

[the city]

I think Simi Valley and parts of Thousand Oaks have some republicans. The republicans there are mostly the christian ones. The rest is democrats or other parties.

[notafan]

Thank you to those who have replied so far. It seems few people contribute to the Ventura County forum which isn't very encouraging for someone considering a relocation to the area.

[nightlysparrow]

Originally Posted by notafan

Thank you to those who have replied so far. It seems few people contribute to the Ventura County forum which isn't very encouraging for someone considering a relocation to the area.

Few people compared to what? It seems your question was answered.

[notafan]

Compared to other city data forums. I would like to get a few more comments to get a greater sense of this since it can be objective. Your initial reply was very helpful, thank you.

[Encino.Man]

It's a moderate county. Ojai is magic crystal hippie liberal and the rest is pretty moderate. I would say it's 55/45 Democrat/GOP. There is no heavy social conservatism. The republicans in places like Thousand Oaks are country club republicans, they are concerned about Jerry Brown taking half their income not if gays can marry. I don't see how a liberal or a conservative would have an issue there tbh. I speak mostly for the Conejo Valley (Simi, TO, Westlake Village, Oakpark, Moorpark) but it's mostly just a quiet family oriented place. Don't talk politics and you won't have any issues.


Also, there is no real heavy social conservatism anywhere in the built up/urbanized parts of CA. Even "conservative" areas like Riverside County, Orange County, North San Diego would be considered center-left/moderate anywhere else in America. The only parts of CA where you will find truly conservative areas would be rural places in Kern, Tulare, Butte County. If you found the social climate of San Diego overbearingly conservative, you would be very unhappy anywhere in the United States outside of CA that isn't Manhattan, Boston, the Northside of Chicago, Seattle or Portland.

Places like OC, North County SD etc. are good examples of California conservative. Socially moderate, pro business, pro low tax, pro capitalism..generally very moderate and would be considered RINO or just a moderate Dem anywhere else in the United States.

[wac_432]

Originally Posted by notafan

Thank you to those who have replied so far. It seems few people contribute to the Ventura County forum which isn't very encouraging for someone considering a relocation to the area.

We're too busy with things that actually matter, like surfing, to post about politics. Ask about fun stuff to do, or where you should live, and you'll get more than a page of replies.

Some people marched past the farmer's market today chanting about GMO's. One dude in the march shouted "Wake up, Ventura." The general reply from people going about their business was "nah."