Welcome to Cal-Nev-Ha Division 42!

Dear CNH Division 42 Kiwanians,

I trust you are doing well and looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer months. As always, it’s a pleasure to review and share our recent club activities and highlights.

Simi Valley Club’s Round Up Country Music Festival

First, congratulations to the Simi Valley Club, led by their president, Steve Trocino, and all the committee members responsible for the success of the Round Up Country Music Festival held on March 18. I had the pleasure of participating in this fantastic event alongside Cristy Warner. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely as country music bands kept everyone dancing and energized throughout the afternoon.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the CKI members from Moorpark College who volunteered and assisted us during the festival. Your help was greatly appreciated.

Thousand Oaks and Camarillo Club Events

On Saturday, April 25, three members from the Thousand Oaks club attended the Bunco Picnic Garden Party, an event sponsored by the Camarillo Kiwanis Club. It was both enjoyable and successful. The following day, Sunday, April 26, at least 28 members from the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks volunteered alongside members of the Camarillo Kiwanis Club and 15 KIWIN’S from the Camarillo area. Together, we cooked pancakes for the Aut2Run event at Cal Sate Channel Islands, which hosted over 2,000 runners. It was another outstanding event and a testament to our commitment as Kiwanians. I am proud to be part of this organization.

New Initiatives in the Thousand Oaks Club

Recently, I have been speaking with clubs in our division about the innovative efforts underway in the Thousand Oaks Club, guided by President Brian McMahon. Brian has launched an exciting program aimed at attracting new and younger members, known as the Sunrise Club. We have been meeting on the first Thursday of each month, though this schedule may change in the future—we will keep everyone updated. In just three months, these gatherings have welcomed seven new members to our club. The results have been fantastic. Thank you, Brian, for your leadership, dedication, and hard work in making this initiative a success.

Upcoming Events

I would like to remind everyone that Rodney Medina from the Oxnard Club is organizing a bus trip to a Dodger game on May 27, 2026, where the Dodgers will play the Colorado Rockies. Attendees will receive a Yoshinobu Yamamoto bobblehead doll in recognition of his MVP performance in last year’s World Series.

Special Thanks

Finally, I want to extend my deepest thanks to Ute Van Dam for leading the recent DCM for me. As I needed to attend a funeral, it was wonderful to know that I could turn to a team member for support.  Thank you, Ute—you did an excellent job.

Closing Thoughts

“Together as a team, building the Kiwanian Dream.” Thank you to so many of you that exemplify this Kiwanis organization, and as always, I welcome hearing from any of you that are willing to go the extra mile.  

Paul Lopez