Das Williams Picks Up California League Of Conservation Voters Endorsement



SANTA BARBARA, CA – A long time leader on environmental protection issues, local Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams is pleased to report today that the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District.

CLCV is the non-partisan political arm of the environmental movement in California, whose mission is to protect the environmental quality of the state by increasing public awareness of the performance on environmental measures by all elected officials, working to elect environmentally responsible candidates, and holding elected officials accountable to the environmental agenda.

“Das Williams has been a solid partner and champion for the environmental community in this state,” said David Allgood, Southern California Director of CLCV. “Our members were pleased to recognize Das’ record of working to protect the coastline and open space, restore vital wetlands, and promote local energy efficiency programs within Santa Barbara. We have no doubt that Das’ priorities, background and independent leadership will benefit this district and state should he be elected to the state assembly.”

CLCV’s announcement adds more momentum to an assembly campaign that is continuing to earn broad-based grassroots support, and further highlights Das’s experience and strong record on issues across the board.

“Environmental protection has always been at the center of what I have fought for and tried to achieve in my professional and personal life,” said Das. “I’m deeply honored to have earned the support of the environmental movement to which I have concentrated so many of my life’s efforts.”

As a Santa Barbara City Councilmember, Das Williams spearheaded a local initiative to double renewable energy use to 30% by 2011, increased energy efficiency programs, and expanded the use of alternative energy for Santa Barbara city vehicles. Das helped lead the effort to restore Arroyo Burro, one of the largest wetlands restoration projects in the county, and worked to secure over $3 million to fix sewer overflows in Santa Barbara to reduce pollution in the ocean. Das Williams has also fought to fund five major fish passage projects for endangered steelhead, and has been a consistent advocate calling for an end to offshore oil drilling. Das is an active member of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Citizen’s Planning Association.

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements

CALIFORNIA NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN BACKS DAS WILLIAMS FOR STATE ASSEMBLY

Das Williams continues to gain traction and build broad support in Assembly Campaign




SANTA BARBARA, CA– Local Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams continues to build momentum in his campaign for the 35th Assembly District and is proud to announce today that he has received the endorsement of the California National Organization for Women (NOW) PAC.

California NOW is the state’s largest women’s organization.

In announcing their formal support of Das Williams, CA NOW President Patty Bellasalma cited Das’ history of leadership on women’s issues and his lifelong commitment to campaigns and movements aimed at increasing gender equality, protecting women’s reproductive health rights, helping women in need, and providing a level playing field.

“California NOW is proud to endorse Das Williams for Assembly,” said Patty Bellasalma. “No other candidate in this race has a better, more proven record of standing up on women’s issues than Das Williams.”

Bellasalma added, “California is in trouble right now, and we need experienced, principled, results-driven leaders like Das Williams representing us in the State Legislature and getting our state back on the right path. Locally, Das’ background is impeccable. He’s delivered on women’s issues time and again, be it fighting to enact fair and balanced budgets, fair pay for women, protecting the right to choose, or expanding health care and education. Building on his unparalleled track record, Das Williams will be an extremely effective advocate for women in the 35th Assembly District and across the state for years to come.”

Das Williams has been a longtime advocate for women. He serves as one of only two male national board members of the NOW, helped start the Women's Economic Justice Conference, which is a yearly event that focuses on empowering women in low-wage jobs, and has led the development of South Oxnard’s Centro Mujer. As a City Councilmember, Das has helped lead the charge to increase Santa Barbara’s commitment to youth and children, including the provision of free child care in Downtown, Westside, and Eastside Schools in the summer, and has championed job training programs for young women. Das has also worked to elect some of Santa Barbara’s most prominent women leaders such as Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson, current and former Santa Barbara County Supervisors Doreen Farr and Gail Marshall, Santa Barbara Mayor-Elect Helene Schneider, and Goleta City Councilmember Margaret Connell.

“I am deeply honored by California NOW’s endorsement of my candidacy," said Das Williams. “Their support of my campaign is a testament to my background and longtime efforts to protect women's rights and opportunities. I look forward to continuing my work on women’s issues in the state assembly, helping them to break the glass ceiling once and for all.”

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements

UCSB CAMPUS DEMOCRATS ENDORSE DAS WILLIAMS FOR STATE ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 35



SANTA BARBARA, CA – The University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) Campus Democrats today announced their endorsement of local Santa Barbara Councilmember Das Williams in his campaign for the 35th Assembly District. The UCSB Campus Democrats voted unanimously to endorse Das Williams.

Leaders of the UCSB Campus Democrats cited Das Williams’ deep commitment to and understand of higher education issues and service to the campus community.

“After carefully considering both democratic candidates, we are pleased to endorse Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams for the 35th State Assembly District,” said Amanda Wallner, President of the UCSB Campus Democrats. "Das Williams has been a huge supporter of Campus Democrats for years. He knows students, he knows Isla Vista, and I am confident that he will continue to work for us and with us in the State Assembly. Das cares about the students and his commitment to UCSB is unwavering. The UCSB Campus Democrats are excited to have this opportunity to send a strong advocate for students to Sacramento."

The UCSB Campus Democrats have hundreds of active members and are the largest Democratic club in the 35th State Assembly District. The UCSB Campus Democrats are nationally recognized leaders in voter registration and were awarded Chapter of the Year Award in 2009 from the California College Democrats.

“I am proud to have the support of the UCSB Campus Democrats,” said Das Williams. “I look forward to continue working closely with the Campus Democrats and the UCSB campus community to make affordable, quality higher education a priority in Sacramento.”

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements, Santa Barbara, university of california

Service Employees International Union Local 620 Endorses Das Williams for State Assembly

SEIU Local 620 cites Das Williams’ long record of supporting working families in Santa Barbara County



Santa Barbara, CA – Service employees International Union Local (SEIU) Local 620 announced today their support for Das Williams for State Assembly District 35.

SEIU Local 620 is the largest, fastest growing union on the Central Coast of California, representing more than 3,700 public employees in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

SEIU 620 leaders cited Williams’ record of protecting local jobs, fighting for fair contracts for workers in the City of Santa Barbara, protecting benefits, working to pass living wage laws and support for a workers right to unionize as the basis for their endorsement.

“Right now, we need proven leaders with a record of getting results for working families. Das Williams is that kind of leader. He doesn’t just talk about protecting working families, he has done it.” said Bruce Corsaw, Interim Executive Director of SEIU Local 620. “During tough financial times, Das has been a voice of reason and fairness. Das has proven time and again, that he has the experience, record of results and values we need in Sacramento.”

During his tenure at the Santa Barbara City Council, Das Williams has been one of SEIU Local 620’s strongest allies. He has helped workers win fair wage increases as well as retirement and health benefits. In 2004, Das Williams strongly supported the successful effort by hourly employees in the City of Santa Barbara to unionize. During recent budget negotiations, Das Williams worked to ensure that city workers avoided forced layoffs.

“I am proud to have the trust and support of SEIU Local 620. I have worked hard to fight for and deliver for the hard working men and women of SEIU Local 620,” said Das Williams. “In Sacramento, I will continue to be an honest partner and champion for working families everywhere.”

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements, SEIU

Labor Leader Dolores Huerta Endorses Das Williams For Assembly


( Dolores Huerta image courtesy of Rich Pedroncelli )


SANTA BARBARA, CA – Local Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams is pleased to announce today that Dolores Huerta has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District.

Dolores Huerta is co-founder and First Vice President Emeritus of the United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO, and one our state and nation’s leading advocates for working families.

In citing the reasons for her endorsement of Das Williams’ candidacy, Huerta pointed to Das’s impressive record as a Santa Barbara City Council member and school board member at Peabody Charter, as well as his background with labor as a local community organizer. Huerta applauded Williams’ experience fighting for living wage laws and health care benefits for employees, helping workers to organize and collectively bargain, protecting vital programs and services during city budget shortfalls, and creating good paying, family-supporting jobs through his local energy efficiency projects.

"Das Williams has been a longtime champion for labor, Latino families, and women," said Huerta. “His ability to get things done is exactly what we need in Sacramento.”

Dolores Huerta’s endorsement comes soon after Das Williams’ first debate with Susan Jordan and on the heels of his recent announcement of having raised over $300,000 as of the December 31, 2009 campaign reporting deadline.

“It is a great honor to have earned the support of Dolores Huerta,” said Williams. “Her life’s work and leadership have influenced my path and priorities in so many ways, and I look forward to standing side-by-side with Dolores as this district’s next Assemblymember.”

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, Dolores-Huerta, endorsements

Following His Debate with Susan Jordan, Das Williams Announces New Support From Oxnard Leaders


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SANTA BARBARA, CA – On the heels of his first debate with Susan Jordan, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams announced today that a number of Oxnard leaders have endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District:

• Dr. Manny Lopez, Former Oxnard Mayor
• Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo, California Congress of Seniors*
• Andres Herrera, Oxnard Mayor Pro Tem
• Ana Del Rio-Barba, Oxnard School District Board Member
• Jess Herrera, Oxnard Labor Commissioner
• Jess Ramirez, Oxnard Harbor District Board President
• Saul Medina, Oxnard Planning Commission

*Title for identification purposes only

In announcing their support of his campaign, Oxnard leaders cited Das’ impeccable record on local issues and his invaluable experience in balancing budgets and fighting for education, health care, public safety and the environment. Leaders also lauded Das Williams’ background as a local community organizer for CAUSE and his efforts to enact living wage laws for workers in the region.

Oxnard leaders have now joined a growing contingent of local supporters who back Councilmember Das Williams' candidacy for the 35th State Assembly district. Their endorsements further highlight the strong grassroots network united behind Das Williams' campaign and underscore the significant advantage in human resourses Das will have in conveying his progressive message to district households in the primary and general elections.

“I am so honored to have earned the support of such outstanding local leaders," said Das Williams. “I’ve always believed in and fought hard to advance the social and political causes the people in this district care about, and I am humbled by the recognition I have received throughout this campaign.”

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements, Oxnard

Ventura City Councilman Carl Morehouse Endorses Das Williams for Assembly


( Carl Morehouse image courtesy of vchome.org )


SANTA BARBARA, CA – Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams reports today that Ventura City Councilmember Carl Morehouse has endorsed his campaign for 35th Assembly District in 2010.

"Ventura needs an Assemblymember who understands local government concerns and local issues,” said Ventura City Councilmember Carl Morehouse. “I have known Das for some time and know that he knows what it’s like to be a local elected official from serving on the Santa Barbara City Council.”

Morehouse added that “Das is energetic and passionate about the issues he pursues. As a result of my endorsement I will be holding him accountable to maintain strong working relationships with all of the cities in this district and being responsive to our concerns. With that commitment, I am proud to support Das Williams for the State Assembly and am confident he will be an outstanding champion for Ventura in Sacramento."

Other Ventura leaders endorsing Das Williams’ candidacy include: Ventura County Supervisor Steve Bennett, former Ventura County Supervisor Susan Lacey, Ventura City Councilmember Brian Brennan, Ventura County School Board Member M.L. Peterson, Ventura Community College District Trustee Arturo Hernandez, Ventura Community College District Trustee Stephen Blum, Vice President of the Ventura Unified School District Debbie Golden, Ventura Unified School District Trustee Barbara J. Fitzgerald, Ventura Planning Commissioner Dan Long, and Richard Francis of Save Open-Space and Agricultural Resources (SOAR).

“Councilmember Morehouse has been a community leader in Ventura for years and I am honored by his support of my campaign,” said Das Williams. “Carl shares my principles and passion for promoting sustainable development, smart growth and land use policies, affordable housing, transparency in government, and fair and balanced budgets.”

“Californians are continuing to suffer from Sacramento’s bad decisions and I look forward to joining the State Assembly and continuing my work with Carl and other Ventura County leaders to advocate for what’s right for this district and state,” added Williams.

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements, Ventura

Das Williams Picks Up California Asian Peace Officers’ Endorsement



SANTA BARBARA, CA – Das Williams is proud to report today that the California Asian Peace Officers (CAPO) PAC has formally endorsed his campaign for 35th Assembly District in 2010. CAPO is the only statewide political action organization representing California’s API peace officers and safety personnel.

“After looking closely at all the candidates in the race for AD 35, CAPO overwhelmingly chose to support and put their resources behind Das Williams,” said Captain Trang To, President of CAPO. “Das has amassed a solid record on public safety issues during his tenure on the Santa Barbara City Council, and has shown an uncanny ability to bring leaders together from all sectors in effort to enact fair and responsible city budgets that have protected jobs and pensions, and maintained critical local law enforcement programs and services.”

Captain To further added that “Das Williams also understands the importance of diversity within the ranks and leadership of public safety, and is the type of policymaker that will bring new and fresh ideas to tackle this issue, as well as others, in Sacramento. He’s exactly what our state legislature needs right now.”

CAPO joins the Santa Barbara Police Officer’s Association in backing Das Williams’ campaign for Assembly.

“I’ve always fought hard to give peace officers, firefighters, and others who risk their lives for our communities, the resources they need to carry out their jobs effectively and return home safely at the end of each day,” said Das Williams. “I’ve helped negotiate fair contracts and pensions between the city and local law enforcement, worked to maintain Santa Barbara’s sworn peace officer level at 140 in the face of a budget deficit, expand neighborhood bike patrol programs, and strengthen after school programs for at risk youth.”

“I am truly honored to have earned the endorsement of CAPO, and will continue to advocate in the Assembly for the issues that matter most to California’s public safety community,” added Williams.

Das Williams is running to succeed fellow Democrat and termed-out Assemblyman Pedro Nava.

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Das Williams grew up on the Central Coast and is a product of local public schools. In 2003, Das Williams became the youngest person ever to be elected to the Santa Barbara City Council, and was re-elected in 2007. Das has worked as a teacher, a policy aide for former Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson, and a community organizer working to stop the development of a Wal-Mart in Ventura and enact local living wage laws in Santa Barbara and Ventura. Das serves on the Peabody Charter School Board and is a national board member of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Das received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and holds a graduate degree in Environmental Science & Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements

Leader of California Seniors Group Endorses Das Williams for Assembly


SANTA BARBARA, CA - Assembly Candidate Das Williams is proud to report today that Henry “Hank” Lacayo, State President of the Congress of California Seniors, has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District.

“For several years, I have closely observed Das Williams provide outstanding services for those most in need, senior citizens and their families,” said Lacayo. “Das is approachable, cares, is well informed and will be a great addition to the California State Assembly.”

Hank Lacayo represents almost 700,000 seniors in his capacity as president of the Congress of California Seniors. He is also Chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee for the California Commission on Aging, advisor to the National Association for the Hispanic Elderly, and coordinator for the Southern California UAW Retiree Council. Lacayo helped found the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, as well as the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute. Lacayo is a veteran of the United States Air Force and lifetime member of the American Legion.

“I am so honored to have the support of a leader and advocate the caliber of Hank Lacayo,” said Das Williams. “Hank has been at the forefront of so many critical local, state and national movements, and I am eager to continue to work with him as a member of our State Legislature.”

Das Williams, a current member of the Santa Barbara City Council, is running to succeed fellow Democrat and termed-out Assemblymember Pedro Nava in 2010.

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements, Susan Jordan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2009

Contact: Chris Patterson, JPM&M,Inc.
916-835-3643


Das Williams for Assembly Picks Up Major Labor Endorsements


SANTA BARBARA, CA – Assembly candidate Das Williams reports today that his campaign for the 35th Assembly District has picked up key state and local labor endorsements:

• Laborers International Union of North America – California State Council
• Laborers International Union of North America, Local 220
• Laborers International Union of North America, Local 585

Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 220 and 585 together represent over 2,200 workers in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo Counties. LIUNA State Council represents over 60,0000 workers statewide.

In their endorsements, LIUNA leaders pointed to Das Williams’ long record of creating local jobs, fighting for health care, fair wages, safe working conditions and success in creating affordable middle-income housing in Santa Barbara. They also highlighted his leadership in creating “green jobs” through his work funding energy efficiency projec ts and investing in renewable technologies.

“After taking a close look at the candidates in this race, it was easy to see that Das Williams has the vision and courage to take this District where it needs to go in the years to come,” said David Valenzula, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA Local 585. “Das brings real experience and a tested record of getting results on issues across the board – from education to health care, from jobs to the environment, from public safety to the economy.”

Manuel Monsibais, Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA Local 220 added, “Our members support Das Williams because he is by far the most well rounded and principled candidate in this race. We have seen what he’s done on the Santa Barbara City Council and know he’s got what it takes to help get our state back on track. We are behind Das 100 percent.”

LIUNA State Council, Local 220 and Local 585 now join a growing contingent of labor organizations to have thrown their weight behind Das Williams for Assembly:

• The Santa Barbara Police Officer's Association
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 952
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 413
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 186
• International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
• Ironworkers Local 433
• International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 46
• Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 484
• Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 273
• Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters
• UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 114
• University Professional and Technical Employees- Communications Workers of America, Local 9119-4 (UPTE-CWA 9119-4)

“I have always stood on the side of our working men and woman,” said Das Williams. “Even before my tenure as a City Councilman, I worked as community organizer to enact local living wage laws in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.”

“I am so proud to have earned the laborers’ trust and support. I have spent my entire personal and political life fighting for the policies and principals we both share,” added Williams. “I look forward to continuing that fight in Sacramento.”

Das Williams is running to succeed fellow Democrat and termed-out Assemblymember Pedro Nava in 2010.

####

Das Williams grew up on the Central Coast and is a product of local public schools. In 2003, Das Williams became the youngest person ever to be elected to the Santa Barbara City Council, and was re-elected in 2007. Das has worked as a teacher, a policy aide for former Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson, and a community organizer working to stop the development of a Wal-Mart in Ventura and enact local living wage laws in Santa Barbara and Ventura. Das serves on the Peabody Charter School Board and is a national board member of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Das received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and holds a graduate degree in Environmental Science & Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, endorsements, labor-endorsements

Das Williams most important endorsement? You!

Get out and show your support!

Labels: endorsements

Local and Statewide Education Leaders Support Das Williams for State Assembly District 35


SANTA BARBARA, CA– Local Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams... announced [last week] that his campaign for the 35th Assembly District has received the endorsements of a number of key local and statewide leaders in education:

• State Senator Gloria Romero, Chair, Senate Education Committee
• Mary Louise Peterson, Ventura County School Board
• Leon “Lee” Elder, Former Ventura County School Board Superintendent
• Arturo Hernandez, Ventura Community College District Trustee
• Stephen Blum, Ventura Community College District Trustee
• Debbie Golden, Ventura Unified School District, VP
• Barbara J. Fitzgerald, Ventura Unified School District Trustee
• Ed Heron, Santa Barbara School Board Member
• Robert Noel, Santa Barbara School Board Member
• Annette Cordero, Santa Barbara School Board Member
• Tony Winterbauer, Hope Elementary School District President
• Scott Orlosky, Hope Elementary School District Clerk
• Leslie Deardorff, Carpinteria School Board Member
• Beverly Grant, Carpinteria School Board Member
• Alex Pulido, Ph.D., Carpinteria School Board Member
• Ana Del Rio Barba, Oxnard School District Board Member
• Tim Blaylock, Oxnard High School District Trustee
• Dr. Dean Nevins, Goleta Union School Board President
• Susan Epstein, Goleta Union School Board Member
• Bill Gadsby, Goleta Union School Board Member
  

(Titles for identification purposes only)

Education leaders, in citing their reasons for supporting Das’ campaign for the assembly, pointed to his record as a local school board member, Santa Barbara City Councilmember and teacher in working to provide and increase access to a high quality education for all children. As a local school board member, Das Williams helped craft a solution to a recent budget shortfall that avoided teacher layoffs and kept class sizes small. As a City Councilmember, Das has been at the forefront of efforts to expand after school programs and create more educational opportunities for youth.

“Our schools are facing enormous challenges,” said Debbie Golden, Vice President of the Ventura Unified School District. “It is more important than ever, to elect experienced leaders like Das, who have dealt first-hand with the challenges facing our schools and have a deep understanding of education issues. Das is an innovative, proven and principled leader who is committed to making our state’s education system the best in the nation and will not comprise our children’s education. I am confident that Das will be an effective and unwavering advocate for our schools, teachers, parents and children in Sacramento.”

Das Williams has made education a top priority in his campaign for the State Assembly. The early endorsements he has received from the educational community underscore his record of accomplishment and experience on educational issues as well as his strong support from teachers, parents and education experts.

“I am honored to have the support of local and statewide education leaders,” said Das Williams. “Education is the great equalizer and the foundation of our state. It is the key to a strong economy, the path to a good job and the key to strong and vibrant communities. In the Assembly I will continue to work with teachers, parents and administrators towards making a world class education accessible and affordable for every child in our state.”

Labels: 35th-Assembly-District, california-assembly, education, endorsements