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Re-Elect
David Tennessen
For Camarillo
city council
District 1
About
I am a 46-year resident of Camarillo, and this community has shaped everything I value. I am married, and my daughter, her husband, and our two young grandsons and granddaughter also call Camarillo home — a constant reminder of why this city’s future matters so deeply to me.
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I currently serve as Mayor of Camarillo and as your Councilmember for District 1. Before stepping into elected office, I spent more than 32 years with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, rising to senior leadership and retiring as Chief Deputy. That career taught me that public trust is earned through accountability, hard work, and a steady commitment to the people you serve.
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I am also a proud four-year United States Marine Corps veteran. My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Ashford University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
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Beyond public service, I have given back to this community through volunteer leadership. I served on the boards of the Camarillo Family YMCA and the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club, including two years as Board Chair — a role in which I helped lead a successful capital campaign. I am a member of the Camarillo Sunrise Rotary Club and the Pleasant Valley Lions Club, and I am a former member of the Camarillo Noontime Optimist Club.
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I was recognized as Public Servant of the Year in 2004 by the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, and in 2022 I was honored by the Pleasant Valley Historical Society as a Don — a distinction that reflects a lifetime of commitment to this city.
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I believe government should be practical, transparent, and accountable to the people it serves. I am running for re-election because Camarillo faces important challenges ahead, and I am committed to bringing my experience, integrity, and track record of results to meet them.
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I look forward to earning your vote.
Accomplishments
During my time as Mayor and Councilmember, I have worked hard to deliver results for Camarillo. Here are some of the ways I have put my experience to work for our city:
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Regional Leadership
I currently serve as Chair of the Ventura County Organization of Governments (VCOG), which brings together elected representatives from the County and all ten cities to coordinate regional priorities and funding. I also serve as Vice-Chair and on the Executive Committee of the Regional Defense Partnership, advocating for the economic and security interests of our region.
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Public Safety
Drawing on more than three decades of law enforcement leadership, I have worked to maintain Camarillo’s standing as one of the safest cities in California — ensuring our police department has the resources and community partnerships it needs to keep residents safe.
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Fiscal Responsibility
I have championed responsible budgeting and long-term financial planning to ensure Camarillo lives within its means while continuing to invest in the services residents depend on.
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Nonprofit & Community Investment
As Board Chair of the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club, I led a successful capital campaign that expanded resources for our youth.
Issues
Supporting Public Safety
As a father, a grandfather, and a former law enforcement leader, I understand that safe streets are the foundation of a great community. Camarillo is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family — and I am committed to keeping it that way. I will continue to provide our public safety professionals with the resources and support they need, while strengthening the community partnerships that make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
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Addressing Homelessness
Homelessness is a daily reality that affects the quality of life for residents across our city. It is also a reflection of the need for better coordinated, long-term solutions. I will continue working to secure available funding from the County and the State to create sustainable programs that address the root causes of homelessness and provide a pathway to stability for those in need.
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A Bright Future for the Next Generation
Many of us have been fortunate to raise our families here and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. But we can see clearly that the next generation is struggling to put down roots in Camarillo. Housing costs have made it harder for young families to stay in the city they grew up in. I will work to balance state housing mandates with the need to protect Camarillo’s community character, and I will advocate for policies that make homeownership more attainable so the next generation can live, work, and raise their own families here.
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Fiscal Responsibility
Camarillo residents deserve a city government that spends their money wisely. I am committed to responsible budgeting, long-term financial planning, and keeping taxes low by maintaining fiscal discipline. Every dollar we spend should deliver real value to the people who live and work here.
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Infrastructure & Water
Our city’s infrastructure is the backbone of daily life in Camarillo. I will prioritize investment in our roads, utilities, and city facilities. Of particular importance is protecting our primary water supply through the North Pleasant Valley Desalter and addressing the necessary replacement of our 68-year-old Water Reclamation Plant — a critical project for our city’s long-term sustainability and public health.
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Community Engagement
Good government requires open communication between city leaders and the residents they serve. I will continue working to strengthen transparency, hold regular community conversations, and ensure that every neighborhood in Camarillo has a voice in decisions that affect them.