In a historic vote, two long-standing associations recently voted unanimously “YES” to merge together. North LA County USBC members voted on May 15, 2021 and Southern LA County USBC members voted on June 19, 2021 to both move forward as one organization starting with the 2021-22 season on August 1, 2021.
North LA County USBC (NLAC USBC) initially merged in 2006 with the following associations: Los Angeles Bowling Association (LABA) established 1935, San Fernando Women’s Bowling Association (SFVWBA) established 1955, Santa Monica Women’s Bowling Association (SMWBA) established 1947, Los Angeles Women’s Bowling Association (LAWBA; one center) established 1925, and San Fernando Valley Youth Association (SFVYBA). Ventura County Youth Bowling Association (VCYBA) joined them in 2014, followed by Antelope Valley USBC (AVUSBC; 2 centers) in 2016.
Southern LA County USBC (SLAC USBC) also initially merged in 2006 with the following associations: Southeast District Bowling Association (SEDBA) established 1935, Los Angeles Women’s Bowling Association (LAWBA) established 1925, Long Beach Bowling Association (LBBA) established 1945, Long Beach Women’s Bowling Association (LBWBA) established 1946, and Southeast District Youth Bowling Association (SEDYBA) established 1963.
This is a momentous occasion and another huge shift to help keep bowling alive and productive in SoCal. Both associations have lost centers during the past few years, which automatically created losses in membership. Those losses are what sparked the many discussions between the two organizations to consider merging. The pandemic shutdown was the ultimate deciding factor that caused both associations to recognize this change was imperative to hopefully improve the sport of bowling and its membership in the Los Angeles area.
The first meeting of the new organization is set for Sunday, July 18 at 4pm. It will be held at the new SLAC USBC office at 3673 Industry Ave., #102 in Lakewood, CA. The meeting will be held virtually – although we’ll have food in Lakewood if you wish to attend in person! Anyone interested in becoming a Director on the new Board or who would like to serve as a volunteer to help with the new organization should attend virtually or in-person. Only current 2020-21 SLAC or NLAC USBC members aged 14+ are eligible. This meeting is extremely important as we will be voting on the new name of the organization, new Officers & Directors, the structure of the Board, and many other items. Your voice is very important and your input will help greatly to shape the new association.
If you are interested in attending the meeting, please register your attendance online at slacusbc.com. The deadline to register is July 11th. Please email us at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you to everyone who attended our annual meetings and voted. Your support is greatly appreciated and it has made a difference!