DAS WILLIAMS - Democrat for State Assembly

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Students March for Higher Education

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:17:00 +0000

Students Manifest Dissent During Rally
By Ali Limonadi, and Natalia Cohen and Erika Martin, Daily Nexus, Friday, March 5, 2010

Hundreds of local protesters marched through campus, Isla Vista and downtown Santa Barbara yesterday, joining thousands of Californians in a statewide “day of action” supporting public higher education.

Shouting “You say cutback, we say fight back!”, over 250 UCSB students, faculty and staff gathered in the Arbor from 12 to 2 p.m. to rally against the current state of public education. Protesters then marched across campus and into I.V. before biking or bussing to Santa Barbara to continue rallying on State Street.

UCSB

Many ralliers cited UC leadership as a main reason for the University’s woes.

“That clown, the UC president, is aloof to what is happening in his universities,” a UCSB graduate student who identified himself as Youseff called out in the Arbor.

Professor of Asian American Studies Diane Fujino said that with the UC Board of Regents’ approval of a 32 percent fee increase in November, many students are no longer able to afford the price of a UC education.

“We need to stand up for education as a human right,” Fujino said. “As a right that all people have access to a quality education that allows them to think, learn critical thinking, the skills to be creative and imaginative and to be socially responsible and civically engaged.”

Megan White, a second-year feminist studies major, denounced Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the state legislature for spending more on state prisons than on education.

“We demand that California educate its leaders of the future rather than incarcerate them,” White said.

After the speeches ended, protesters moved the rally out of the Arbor into I.V. before heading downtown. Some demonstrators, however, remained on campus and entered classes in progress in Campbell, Buchanan and North Halls.

Sarah Payne, a third-year psychology and comparative literature double major, said protesters stormed through her class in North Hall after the rally ended.

“About 15 minutes before class got out, we could hear them outside saying ‘hey hey, ho ho, budget cuts have got to go,’” Payne said. “Then a couple of them came into the entrance and they were asking us to walk out with them, and some guy was like ‘Fuck the system, fuck the budget cuts. ‘”

According to Vice Chancellor for Students Affairs Michael Young, protesters overstepped their bounds by disrupting those who did not wish to participate.

“Petitioning [people like] the chancellor or me is appropriate, but the way this rally was conducted disrupted at least two classrooms,” Young said. “That is simply out of bounds.”

However, Danielle Stevens, a first-year philosophy major, said the disruptions were minor and a part of the protesters’ overarching objective.

“Our goal is to let the legislators and state know we’re not fucking around,” Stevens said.

On the whole, UCSB police Sgt. Matt Bowman said the day’s events were peaceful.

“As far as I know, no police action was necessary [at UCSB],” Bowman said. “I’m very pleased that the local community was respectful as opposed to those at [University of California] Santa Cruz and Davis, for example.”

Statewide Protests

UC Santa Cruz saw one of the most active events, with numerous protesters seen carrying clubs and knives. An individual smashing a car windshield with a metal pipe was also reported. Protesters formed human barricades at the campus’ entrances, prompting the university to tell employees not to come to work for safety concerns.

In Berkeley, over 1,500 protesters marched on Oakland City Hall and the nearby UC Office of the President headquarters following a rally at Cal.

At Davis, close to 100 protesters who had collected at the 980-880 freeway interchange were detained and transported away by bus after breaking off highway crash barriers and attempting to force police officers away.

At the height of protests at UCLA, an estimated 500 ralliers gathered in Bruin Plaza chanting slogans. In later hours, police guarded the chancellor’s office in case of a possible takeover by activists.

Santa Barbara

SBTA member Layne Wheeler said the event was an opportunity to be heard by legislators.

“Today is a show of solidarity and a show of force,” Wheeler said. “Politicians are hearing the message that these cuts are hurting students.”

Hannah-Beth Jackson, a former California State Assembly member, said she hoped that the event would lead to important legislative changes in the economic priorities of the state.

“It’s a great lesson in learning that you have to speak up for yourself, especially when big corporate interests are taking over,” Jackson said. “The solution is to make sure that the corporations start paying their fair share of taxes so [students] get their fair chance [to have an education].”

On the Courthouse steps, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams, currently a candidate for the 35th District State Assembly seat, advocated for equal access to education.

“Our educational system has not only created unparalleled equality and opportunity but also economic prosperity and jobs,” Williams said. “If we fail to invest in public education, we are endangering not only that equality but also the economic future of our state.”

Photo courtesy of Ian Blue

Campaign Review

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 03:48:00 +0000

As usual, it was a busy week. I'm putting as much time into the campaign as I can, given my other committments I am fortunate to execute. Did I ever tell you I love being a public servant?! -- Das

Use the handy Facebook embed, below, to review the progress of the campaign:

Das Williams on Facebook

PXP / Tranquillon Ridge Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:35:00 +0000

Abe Powell (President, Get Oil Out!) and Steve Dunn (President, Citizens Planning Association of Santa Barbara County) have written plainly about how environmental leaders came to agreement with Plains Exploration and Production (PXP) over the Tranquillon Ridge plan.

To read the full article, please go to: "PXP and EDC: A Grand Plan"

EDC, GOO! and CPA are working to bring this plan back before the California State Lands Commission and, if it is approved there, the California Coastal Commission. We have addressed concerns raised by the SLC a year ago and will soon be signing and releasing a new agreement with PXP, reflecting those changes, which are as follows:

1) This agreement will be made public.

2) The State of California will be made a third party beneficiary, allowing the Attorney General to enforce the terms of the agreement.

3) PXP has not only agreed to cease production, but to also surrender its federal leases in accordance with the end dates.

4) The Trust for Public Land has provided written confirmation that there are no title or physical condition issues that would interfere with conveyance of the lands for permanent public use and conservation.

5) Since the execution of the original agreement, the State of California has developed protocols for dealing with GHG emission reporting and offsets, which will be incorporated into the project.

Weekend Review of The Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:21:00 +0000

Great Volunteer Walking in Ventura and Goleta!

Das Williams on Facebook

California League of Conservation Voters Endorse Das

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:24:00 +0000

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.

California N.O.W. Endorses Das Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:21:00 +0000

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.”

UCSB Dems Endorse Das Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:02:00 +0000

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.”

Clean Campaign Pledge

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:16:00 +0000

Seven days ago, I signed a Clean Campaign Pledge because I believe residents in Santa Barbara and Ventura deserve to have a dialogue about the real issues. I am concerned about the negative tone and believe we should rise to the challenges of cleaning up our state, not contributing to the mess by throwing mud.

California faces serious challenges and we need new leadership to bring about positive change. Politicians are spending too much time bickering with each other, pointing fingers and posting personal attacks on Facebook, when they should be helping our schools, creating new jobs, expanding health care and strengthening environmental protections.

We need to change the broken politics in Sacramento that has produced record budget deficits, historic educational cuts and that has eviscerated services for seniors and people with disabilities. I'm running for the Assembly to turn our state around and be a part of the change.

That is why I pledged to run a clean campaign and asked my opponent to join me in doing the same. Tonight, I also signed the Santa Barbara Democratic Party's Fair Campaign Pledge.

I ask you to join my new Facebook Group "Keep it Clean in AD35," and show your support for a new kind of politics, a new kind of leadership focused on getting results.

Please click HERE to join "Keep it Clean in AD35" and ask your friends to join too.

Together we can bring about the positive change that our state so desperately needs.

Thank You,

Das Williams

(Click to view Das's signed pledge in PDF format)

SEIU Local 620 Endorses Das Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

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.”

Volunteers Win Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:35:00 +0000

Dear Friend,

Everyday our grassroots campaign is growing and building momentum. The hard work and dedication of so many of you has helped build a winning campaign that will bring new energy, proven leadership and a focus on getting results for our community in Sacramento.

This campaign is being built from the bottom up. Conversations in living rooms, kitchen tables and door steps are the only way we can win and bring a renewed focus on our Democratic values in Sacramento.

I would like to share with you the many opportunities available to get involved, learn more about our campaign and help grow our grassroots network of supporters and volunteers.

There are events taking place all around the district this month. Please take a moment and find out how you can get involved.

Thank you,

Das Williams

Help Build Our Grassroots Network - Host a House Meeting

This is your campaign. Glossy mailers and televison commercials don't win campaigns - people do. House meetings are the way to get your friends, family and neighbors active in the campaign and help strengthen our campaign to bring new energy, innovative leadership and a focus on getting results to Sacramento.

Nothing is more powerful than neighbors talking to neighbors. Volunteer today to host a house meeting and help build our growing network of supporters and volunteers.

Email us at das.williams2010@gmail.com and a campaign organizer will contact you to help you organize a house meeting and share Das' message with your friends, family and neighbors.

Meet Das - Attend a Meet and Greet in Your Neighborhood

Come meet Das Williams and learn more about his record and ideas for improving public education, access to healthcare, creating jobs, balancing the state budget and protecting the environment at one of our upcoming Meet & Greets:

February 12, 2010 | 5:30 - 7:00pm, Santa Barbara
February 17, 2010 | 5:30 - 7:00pm, Carpinteria
February 21, 2010 | 2:00 - 3:30pm, Ventura
February 22, 2010 | 6:30 - 8:30pm, Ventura

Call 805-708-5499 or email das.williams2010@gmail.com for more information.

Also, feel free to contact us if you're interested in hosting a Meet & Greet at das.williams2010@gmail.com.

Walk Your Neighborhood for Das

We've already begun walking neighborhoods and talking to voters. Join our team on one of our upcoming neighborhood walks to share Das' story and campaign message with the community.

In Goleta & Santa Barbara:

Saturday, February 13, 2010 @ 9:00am
Sunday, February 14, 2010 @ 9:00am

In Santa Barbara, Ventura & Oxnard:

Saturday, February 20, 2010 @ 9:00am
Sunday, February 21, 2010 @ 9:00am
Saturday, February 27, 2010 @9:00am
Sunday, February 28, 2010 @ 9:00am

Call 805-708-5499 or email us at das.williams2010@gmail.com for more information.

My Key Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:35:00 +0000

Containing the damage to our public education and public health systems done by recent state budget cuts is at the top of my priorities. To move our state forward, we need leaders who will hold the line on basic progressive values of fairness and opportunity, and who will fight to ensure that our people have access to the best education and health care, a strong environment, and an intact public safety system.

Recognizing that our children are our future, I’ll make sure our children have all the resources and skills they need to compete for and win jobs in the global economy, and I will support efforts to reform our state’s longtime broken health care system.

I’ll also seek to rebuild our middle class by creating new jobs and pushing our state to invest in new technologies and industries. I’ll expand alternative energy and sustainable, clean ways of living and doing business, and will unite our state’s environmental and labor constituencies behind a pro-jobs agenda to ensure that California is not left behind.

As your representative in the Assembly, I’ll work for lasting change and success by looking beyond the short-term gimmicks and political expedience of cuts-only state budgets, and will push the state to find new revenue streams, such as increased tobacco taxes, oil severance, and single-use bags, as ways through our current fiscal crisis.

Das Williams Leads All Democratic State Assembly Candidates in Fundraising

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:37:00 +0000

Das Williams Leads All Democratic State Assembly Candidates in Fundraising

Williams out-raises his opponent by more than $100,000 in race for the 35th Assembly District

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Highlighting the immense outpouring of local support united behind his candidacy, Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams today announced that his campaign for State Assembly officially raised over $330,000 as of the December 31st reporting deadline, and has $288,000 of cash-on-hand four months out from the June Primary. Williams’ official campaign report showed that 75 percent of his contributors came from within Assembly District 35 and that close to half of his contributors were grassroots donors who gave $100 or less.

According to recent campaign reports filed with the state, Das Williams raised more than any other Democratic assembly candidate in California.

“My campaign is all about building a grassroots movement united in the goal of changing the direction California is headed,” said Das Williams. “I’ve got a proven track record as a community organizer and as a City Councilmember, and have delivered on many, many issues up and down the district helping to create good, family supporting jobs, new environmental protections, and more educational opportunities for kids.”

“It’s truly unfortunate that as California’s budget deficit has continued to mount, Sacramento politicians have remained focused on bickering and finger-pointing, and have time and again failed to come together to solve our state’s problems,” added Williams. “People are struggling and frustrated right now, and they want results — not rhetoric.”

Since announcing his intention to run, Das Williams has been endorsed by hundreds of individuals and organizations in labor, public safety, women's movements, health care, the environment, local small businesses, and other key constituencies that make up our diverse state.

Dolores Huerta Endorses Das Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:42:00 +0000

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.”

Santa Ynez Reception

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:34:00 +0000

Please Join Our Hosts...

Supervisor Doreen Farr
Former Supervisor Gail Marshall
Joyce Howerton
Alice Gillaroo and Susan Jorgensen

At an evening reception in support of Das Williams for Assembly 2010

At the beautiful home of Alice Gillaroo and Susan Jorgensen

(Santa Ynez image courtesy of About Geology)

Join us at a wonderful sunset reception overlooking the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy local wine and hors' doevours with friends and supporters of Das Williams for Assembly 2010

Friday, January 29th, 2010 - 5:00PM to 8:00PM
(VIP Reception at 4:00PM)

Suggested Contribution Levels:

Chair - $2,500
Co-Chair - $1,000
Sponsor - $500
Co-Sponsor - $250
Guest - $50

Please RSVP to Pat Dennis at 805-708-5499 or das.williams2010@gmail.com

Address will be provided upon RSVP

Strong Grassroots Support Over $300,000

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:58:00 +0000

Das Williams’ Assembly Campaign Sprints into the New Year with Momentum, Strong Grassroots Support, and Over $300,000 in Campaign Contributions

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Local Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams continues to build momentum in his bid for State Assembly announcing today that his campaign has raised over $300,000 as of the reporting period that ended December 31, 2009.

The vast majority of Das Williams’ contributors came from within the district.

"I'm humbled by the outpouring of local support," said Das Williams. "Residents and activists are investing in this campaign not only with their checkbooks, but also with their time, their energy, and their hearts. I'm incredibly honored to have earned the support of so many grassroots activists, community leaders, and Democratic constituency groups, all of which are united in their desire to bring change and new ideas to the State Capitol."

Since announcing his intention to run for the Assembly in April 2009, Das Williams has been endorsed by hundreds of individuals and organizations representing labor, public safety, women's issues, seniors, health care, the environment and local businesses. In Santa Barbara, Das Williams has won two city-wide elections and currently serves on the City Council representing about a quarter of AD 35. In addition, he has won dozens of local races as a community organizer in both Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Das Williams added, "During this campaign I've seen the frustration and disillusionment on the faces of so many voters in all corners of the district. They're clearly sick and tired of the political bickering, grandstanding, and bad decisions that have paralyzed our state. Voters want results -- not rhetoric."

“Das Williams is one of the hardest working and most committed public servants I've ever seen,” said campaign consultant Josh Pulliam. “Running on a solid record from his tenure on the Santa Barbara City Council and as a community organizer before that, Das is assembling the resources and the local grassroots support to win in June, and, more importantly, to effect positive change in the Legislature."

Das Williams is campaigning to succeed fellow Democrat and termed-out Assemblymember Pedro Nava.

Oxnard Leaders Endorse Das

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:16:00 +0000

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

View Larger Map

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.”

Carl Morehouse Endorses Das Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:21:00 +0000

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.

Comments on the Governor's Budget Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:19:00 +0000

(Image courtesy of Reuters)

Assembly Candidate Das Williams Comments on Governor’s Budget Proposal

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Assembly District 35 Candidate Das Williams today released the following statement regarding Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal to balance the state’s budget:

“Californians have been suffering from two years of nonstop budget cuts and one-sided sacrifices. And what does Governor Schwarzenegger propose today as a solution? More pain for children, seniors, the disabled, and our low-income citizens. Today’s proposal does nothing but devastate an already crumbling state safety net, and pose further harm to the critical public programs and services that our vulnerable populations rely upon. The Governor’s budget fails yet again to produce the real and sustained revenue generation our state so desperately needs, and instead focuses on even deeper cuts to Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services, and on so-called cost containment strategies that jeopardize programs like Healthy Families. The Governor said this year was all about priorities and it’s painfully clear once again that our state’s needy are not among his. I urge the Governor to consider the notion that a higher tobacco tax or a dime-a-drink increase will hurt our collective humanity far less than his proposed budget cuts.”

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.

California Asian Police Officers Endorse Das

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:11:00 +0000

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.

####

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.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Das co-hosted "The Nick and Paul Show" AM 1490, Progressive Talk, on New Year's Day. Subjects he talked with Paul Berenson about include:

Easy Public Policy Wins that could be achieved on the State level
Public Education
Water
Taxes
The Assembly Race
Mitigating the Negative Effects of the Economic Downturn

The show is archived and can be listened to by clicking:

http://www.nickandpaulshow.com/show/01-01-10.mp3

Happy New Year!

Please Donate by 12/31

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:16:00 +0000

Dear Friend,

As we count down the final days of the year and look back at 2009, I am truly proud of everything our campaign for the state assembly has accomplished this year.

Since announcing my candidacy for the 35th Assembly District in April, we have passed many milestones and enjoyed great success.

We have built a strong and diverse coalition of supporters - from local elected officials and educators to prominent environmentalists and labor unions. I have spent my days traveling the district to speak with voters about their priorities and share my plans to bring new energy, innovative leadership and a renewed commitment to getting results in Sacramento.

Together we have laid the foundation for a winning campaign. Yet, our campaign has only just begun.

The final fundraising deadline of 2009 is in just three days. It is critical that we finish 2009 with strong fundraising totals and display the power, size, and commitment of our campaign's network of supporters.

That is why I have set a goal of raising $20,000 more before the year-end deadline.

Click here to make a contribution online and help the campaign start 2010 with the resources and momentum we need to win.

People from across the state are closely watching this race. Our year-end fundraising total will be used as a measure of our chances for winning in 2010. This past June, we surprised many - we not only reported a stronger than expected fundraising total but displayed the strength of our local grassroots support - over 80% of our contributors were local supporters.

Sacramento is in crisis and we can no longer follow the same path. We need to put California back on track. We need new leadership, new energy and a renewed focus on getting results. That means putting our local priorities first, reinvesting in our schools, protecting our environment, creating good paying jobs right here at home and ensuring the burden of our economic recovery is not shouldered on our most vulnerable citizens.

It is going to take the commitment and support of everyone possible to make real change in Sacramento. That is why I need your help today. Please Click the icon below to Donate Online:

Thank you and I wish you and your family the best in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Das

Hank Lacayo Endorses Das

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:08:00 +0000

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.

Student Fee Increases Hurt Our Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Das Williams) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:40:00 +0000

Recently, Das had a Letter to the Editor printed in the Santa Barbara Independent about the negative effects of student fee increases:

We Need More College Grads, Not Fewer
Student Fee Increases Will Hurt Our Economy

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

by DAS WILLIAMS

We are all painfully aware that times are tough and that difficult decisions must be made about the funding of various public programs and services. But I ask, are California’s colleges and universities really the smartest place to look for savings and cost cutting? Aren’t our students—the future leaders of America—the key to our long-term prosperity and our path out of this fiscal crisis? Apparently not, at least if one looks at the recent actions of our state’s policymakers.

The University of California Board of Regents’ recent decision to raise student fees by 32% comes on the heels of what has been our governor’s and legislature’s complete failure to protect or prioritize higher education, or, for that matter, education at any level. Now, after almost a decade of fee increases (300% to be exact) and cutbacks, California students are seeing some of the biggest hurdles to college admission and graduation they have ever faced: higher tuition, less aid, fewer grants, and more years to graduate.

Our state’s production, job market, and overall fiscal outlook are certain to suffer. Our higher education system is California’s economic engine. And California’s role as a global economic leader has always been due to its world-class education system and its investments in high quality, accessible academic institutions that encourage innovation, stimulate job growth, and create new industries.

In order to make an economic recovery and continue to compete in the global economy of the 21st Century, it’s clear that California is going to need more college graduates, not fewer. Now is not the time for actions that put the dream of a college education out of reach for thousands and make it harder for current students to stay in and graduate. Now is the time to embrace education and embolden the students in our colleges and universities.

The UC Regents have argued that they had no other options but to raise student fees.Yet students and workers have come forward with a variety of viable alternatives to student fee hikes, program cuts and staff furloughs. Some options included cutting the $350 million in bonuses to executives; applying salary reductions to the top 2% of earners—saving over $220 million; utilizing a portion of the millions in profits from medical centers; and using the $7.2 billion Short Term Investment Pool.

As a Santa Barbara Councilmember and local school board member, I have grappled with budget deficits and helped balance the city’s books. I know what it’s like to have to make choices in the face of minimal resources and maximum obligations. As a teacher and UC graduate, I also understand the negative effects that fee increases, program cuts and staff furloughs will have on our higher education system as a whole. But in the midst of challenging economic times, decision makers need to share in the sacrifice while prioritizing the protection of a high quality and affordable education system.

Maintaining access to this system for all Californians is one of the most important responsibilities of our state government. We must work towards more equitable and innovative solutions that protect students and workers, while also ensuring our higher education system remains the envy of the world.

Das Williams is a member of the Santa Barbara City Council and a candidate in the Democratic primary race for the California State Assembly, 35th District.

John Perez, Speaker of The Assembly

legendarysurfer@gmail.com (Malcolm) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:29:00 +0000

Media Statement
December 10, 2009

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

Assembly Candidate Das Williams Applauds Democrats’ Choice of John Perez as Speaker

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Local Santa Barbara City Councilmember and candidate for the 35th Assembly District, Das Williams, today released the following statement regarding the Assembly Democrats’ decision to elect Assemblyman John Perez as their new Speaker:

“I applaud the Assembly Democrats’ decision today to make Assemblyman John Perez the next Speaker of the State Assembly. I know Assemblyman Perez has a long record of standing up for the core democratic principles of fairness and opportunity, and that he is well suited to help lead our State Assembly through turbulent times and past difficult decisions. His mix of experience and youth will be important for a state in the midst of a disaster, and which needs new and fresh ideas implemented by real-world experience. I congratulate Speaker-Elect Perez on his new position.”

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

( John Perez image courtesy of democrats.assembly.ca.gov )

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.