Hi John,

In the wake of continued state violence both across the country and in our community, the importance of socialists standing in solidarity with immigrants and organizing against ICE is more evident than ever. At this upcoming chapter meeting, we will be focusing on immigrant defense and how members can join local efforts.

We also continue to build collective power through tenant and workplace organizing. Recently, tenants in the city of Santa Barbara won a rent freeze that will go into effect on February 26th! It's important that we share this with our coworkers and neighbors to ensure landlords actually abide by this major temporary protection for tenants.

Join us for the following upcoming events!

🗓️ February Events

Tues, Feb 3 · 6:30–8:00 PM — Chapter Meeting
Quaker-Friends Society (2012 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105)
At this month's chapter meeting, we'll be giving a presentation centered on immigration. In the first section, we'll examine how the current immigration crisis is borne out of specific material conditions caused by capitalism and imperialism, and the best way for socialists to respond to it. In the subsequent section, we'll share information regarding local immigrant defense work and organizations members can join.
Fri, Feb 20 · 11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Coffee with Comrades
Java Station (4447 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93110)
Join us to talk organizing and politics over coffee—or just hang out and chat!
Tues, Feb 24 · 6:30–8:00 PM — Executive Committee Meeting
Sat, Feb 28 · 12:00 PM — DSA 101
Cambridge Drive Community Church (550 Cambridge Dr, Goleta, CA 93117)
New to DSA, or want a refresher? Come learn the basics of socialism, what our chapter is working on, and how to get involved!

🏠We won a Rent Freeze in Santa Barbara!

In a 4-3 vote at the January 13th Santa Barbara City Council Meeting, a temporary rent freeze was approved for the city of Santa Barbara starting on February 26th!

Thank you to all the members who have been showing up to City Council meetings and have been involved in campaigns that kept pressure on City Council to deliver for renters!

Please talk to your coworkers and neighbors about the rent freeze, and also that a full rent stabilization ordinance is being developed that will include protections such as a stricter limit on annual rent increases, a rental mediation board, and a rental registry.

While this is a major victory for tenants, it's important we continue to hold City Council accountable to ensure Rent Stabilization is fully implemented in the coming year, and we continue building tenant power in our community!

YDSA Winter Conference Fundraiser

The Young Democratic Socialists chapter at UCSB is planning to attend YDSA Winter Con 2026—YDSA's annual conference that enables members to connect with organizers from across the country and attend organizing trainings and political education workshops. Like our chapter, they only receive money from dues and fundraisers like this in order to make travel possible for attendees!

Their chapter is currently leading a campaign to make UCSB a Sanctuary Campus to protect undocumented and international workers on campus, and they are also engaged in efforts to unionize student workers across the UC system.

All donations to support their conference trip are much appreciated! You can donate here: https://gofund.me/211eb69d5

🚨Carpinteria Rapid Response Training

Apologies for short notice, but we wanted to advertise the Rapid Response Training being held in Carpinteria on Saturday, January 31st at 4 PM. Scan the QR code in the attached flyer for further location information.