Event Program
April 9th, 5:30PM - 7:30PM | Patty Boyd Concert Hall, Allan Hancock College
5:15 P.M.: Doors Open
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Event Program
Opening Remarks
Alejandra Enciso, Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees
Panelist Presentations
Introduced & Moderated by Lisa Thornhill, LWVNSBC Co Vice President
Legal & Legislative Experts
- Luis P. Sanchez, JD, LLM, The Madison-Lincoln Initiative: Navigating local vs. federal laws and the immigration court system.
- Blanca Figueroa, Community Liaison for Rep. Salud Carbajal: Paths to naturalization and upcoming 2026 federal legislation.
- Jessica Scarffe, Professor of Political Science, Allan Hancock College: The Constitution, Bill of Rights, and their application to immigration.
Economic & Community Impact
- Michael Boyer, President & CEO, Santa Maria Valley Chamber: The economic value of immigrants as business owners, labor, and taxpayers.
Lived Experiences
- Alvaro Cortez, Entrepreneur / Former Field Worker: Testimony on citizenship and naturalization. (In Spanish with subtitles).
- DACA Community Member (Anonymous Testimony): A first-hand account of life under DACA status. (Audio only).
6:20 PM: Intermission
Time for audience to submit questions for panelists.
6:35 PM - 7:00 PM: Facilitated Q&A
7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Networking & Refreshments
Networking with organizations and panelists in foyer. Light refreshments will be provided.
Voter Resources
Voter & Civic Engagement Resources
Santa Barbara County Registrar of Voters Information on voter registration drives, official polling place locations, and how to sign up to work the polls.
League of Women Voters (North Santa Barbara County) Non-partisan, factual information on ballot measures, election guides, and local voter services.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Candidate Academy Educational resources and programs for those interested in learning how to run for public office.
Brennan Center for Justice A non-partisan law and policy institute focused on democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
Government & Leadership Opportunities
Santa Barbara County Commission for Women Apply for commissioner vacancies through your County District Supervisor. Each of the five districts appoints two representatives.
Legal & Immigrant Support Services
805Undocufund Rapid response and essential resources for the undocumented community in the 805 area code.
IMPORTA (Santa Maria Office) Legal assistance, immigration referrals, and advocacy.
ILDC (Immigrant Legal Defense Center) Focused legal defense and advocacy for immigrant rights in Santa Barbara County.
CAUSE (Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy) Community organizing and social justice initiatives focused on the Santa Maria Valley.
Education & Community Welfare
Allan Hancock College Lifelong learning and community education in North County.
Aim to Dream Center (Allan Hancock College) Provides vital immigrant resource information. Contributions can be made via the Foundation link.
North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center Support services, crisis intervention, and protection resources for the local community.
Recommended Reading
A Year of Living Constitutionally by A.J. Jacobs A humorous and insightful look at the U.S. Constitution through the lens of a literal interpretation. Please support your local bookstore when ordering this title.