Noozhawk and CalMatters are teaming up to host a community forum aimed at helping readers better understand the upcoming June 2 primary election and the high-stakes race for governor.

The VotingMatters event, scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 11, will bring together CalMatters partnerships director Dan Hu, Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen, executive editor Giana Magnoli and members of the Noozhawk reporting team for a wide-ranging discussion on statewide and local ballot issues.

The forum will cover key topics, including where gubernatorial candidates stand on major issues, the role of lower-profile offices such as the insurance commissioner and State Board of Equalization, and a Santa Barbara City Charter amendment also on the ballot.

The event — co-sponsored by Spotlight Santa Barbara and The Montecito Village Shopping Center — is designed to foster civil, substantive dialogue and give attendees a chance to ask questions and engage directly with journalists covering the election.

Collaborating with local partners, CalMatters is holding more than two dozen of the forums around California throughout May.

In advance of the November 2024 election, Noozhawk and CalMatters partnered on a similar event in Santa Barbara to explore that year’s ballot propositions.

Monday’s forum, exclusively for Noozhawk’s Hawks Club members, will be held at the Montecito Association Community Hall, 1469 East Valley Road.

Attendance is free, but space is limited to 45 participants. Reservations are required.

Click here to join the Hawks Club and to receive an invitation to the forum. Click here for the 2026 CalMatters Voter Guide.