Come to the local campaign kick-off for the California Fair Elections Act! Join Assemblymembers Pedro Nava and Julia Brownley, Ventura County Supervisors Steve Bennett, Kathy Long, Linda Parks, & John Zaragoza, campaign chair Trent Lange, and others so you can help pass Fair Elections that money can’t buy!

WHEN: Sunday, March 14 from 2pm-4pm
WHERE: Camarillo Library. 4101 Las Posas Road., Camarillo
RSVP: www.yesfairelections.org or 818-889-1039

The California Fair Elections Act (CFEA) represents fundamental election reform that will allow candidates and elected officials to get out of the money game and get back to solving California’s problems by creating a pilot project for a voluntary Fair Elections public financing system of campaigns similar to those in seven other states.

Assemblymembers Pedro Nava and Julia Brownley and Ventura County Supervisors Steve Bennett, Kathy Long, Linda Parks, and John Zaragoza — all endorsers of the California Fair Elections Act — will talk about why they support it and why all Californians should!

Trent Lange, Chair of Californians for Fair Elections, will talk about how the system works and the statewide campaign to pass the proposition.

We will end with a brainstorming and organizing session for the new local grassroots coalition to support the campaign by building support locally.

Please invite anyone you know who is sick of the outrageous amount of money in politics and might be interested in helping bring about Fair Elections.  Imagine what California could be if our elected officials could focus on governing instead of fundraising!

SPONSORS: California Clean Money Campaign, California Common Cause, California Nurses Association, League of Women Voters of California, SOAR, Rainbow Alliance, Midtown Ventura Community Council, Democratic Clubs of Conejo, Ojai, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi, Santa Clara Valley, Conejo Womens Council, Ventura County National Women’s Political Caucus, PDA of VC, Social Action Committee Ventura Unitarian Church, DFA of VC, Arts 4 Action, VC Young Dems, VCCool, Stonewall Dems, Los Padres Sierra Club plus additional groups joining every day.  To find out about adding your organization to the list, contact ventura-info@caclean.org

The Ventura County Democratic Central Committee passed the following Resolution last night by unanimous vote. Members of the Committee feel strongly that in light of the recent activist Supreme Court rulings breaking the long-standing, anti-corporate personhood interpretation of the United States Constitution that the only way to have fair elections is to have publicly-financed ones.

A good example of the problem is the over $7 million dollars raised on the Tony Strickland (R), Hannah-Beth Jackson (D) race for the California 19th State Senate District race which made it the most expensive legislative campaign in California history. Strickland raised $4.3 million to win the seat, and Jackson raised $2.7 million and lost. Over 60% of Tony Strickland’s contributions came from corporations, business leaders and individuals outside of the 19th State Senate District. When one sees numbers like this, one must ask who the elected really represents.

The average politician spends 4 hours per day fund raising to get elected to office.

The full text of the Resolution passed is:

Endorsement of California Fair Elections Act campaign activities in Ventura County
Author: Jay Kapitz
Sponsor: Sandra Kinsler

WHEREAS, The California Fair Elections Act on the June 2010 ballot creates a voluntary system for candidates for Secretary of State to qualify for a public campaign grant if they agree to strict spending limits and take no private contributions.

WHEREAS, Candidates under the California Fair Elections Act would have to qualify before receiving the grant, would have to demonstrate sufficient public support would receive the same amount and would be prohibited from raising or spending money beyond the grant.

WHEREAS, The Ventura County Fair Elections campaign is organizing events including but not limited to awareness meetings, tabling, phone banking, and canvassing in Ventura County,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee shall support these activities.

as reported in the Ventura County Star 1-27-10

The first voter-registration report of this election year shows Democrats have widened their lead over Republicans among Ventura County voters. The report submitted to the secretary of state reflects registrations as of Jan. 5. It shows there are now 13,444 more registered Democrats than registered Republicans in the county, up from a difference of 11,829 a year ago.

As a percentage of the total, Democrats now make up 40.1 percent of the county electorate, compared to 36.9 percent for Republicans. Nonpartisan, or “decline-to-state,” voters make up 18.3 percent, with the remainder registered as members of the American Independent, Libertarian, Green or Peace and Freedom parties.

The new report reflects a continuation of a trend that saw Democrats surpass Republicans on the county voter rolls in 2008, reversing more than 20 years of GOP dominance in the county. At the same point two years ago — 154 days before the California primary — Republicans in the county were still clinging to a 2,200-vote advantage. Since then, Democrats have registered steady increases in all areas of the county, closing the gap in Republican strongholds in the east county and widening their leads in Democratic areas of the west county. Over the two years, Democrats have increased their percentage of registered voters by 1.3 percent in Simi Valley, 1.4 percent in Thousand Oaks, 2.4 percent in Ventura and 2.5 percent in Oxnard.

The Ventura County Democratic Central Committee passed the following Resolution last night by unanimous vote. The Committee is made up of a wide demographic including women, men, gay, straight, Hispanic, African American, Caucasian, all economic levels, young, and older members from every corner of Ventura County. This demonstrates the vast support for the preservation of environmental resources among Democrats throughout the county.

The full text of the Resolution passed is:

Resolution to Preserve, Protect and Restore the Ormond Beach Wetlands of Oxnard California
Author: Carmen Ramirez
Sponsor: Communications Committee
Date: 1/26/2010 revised

Whereas within the boundaries of the City of Oxnard lies a critical, unique and precious natural resource, the Ormond Beach Wetlands, a major stopover for migrating birds on the Pacific flyway and an irreplaceable habitat for other endangered species on a coastline that has been neglected, abused and subjected to toxic industrial pollution, yet remains a priceless cultural, aesthetic and natural heritage for all Californians, including future generations;

And whereas over 91% of California’s historic wetlands have been lost forever, while the Ormond Beach wetlands –  despite its proximity to the Halaco metal recycling plant, now an EPA Superfund site – still has a real chance to be fully restored and to thrive,

And whereas neither the City of Oxnard’s 2030 General Plan nor the Ormond Beach Specific Plan provides full protection to the surrounding land that’s necessary to buffer and protect the wetlands, in the likely event of sea level rise caused by climate change;

And whereas neither the City of Oxnard’s 2030 General Plan nor the Ormond Beach Specific Plan promotes the optimal and superior economic possibilities of new green jobs, eco-tourism, scientific study and education which could and should be promoted at Ormond Beach;

Be it therefore resolved that the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee officially supports the “resource protection” designation of all land in the Ormond Beach area of the 2030 General Plan land use map as the appropriate and “best practice” designation in order to protect and buffer coastal and wetland habitat and to promote Ormond Beach as an area for tourism, scientific study and education.

Be it further resolved that the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee officially supports the “resource protection” designation of all land covered by the Halaco slag heap property adjacent to Ormond Beach on the 2030 General Plan land use map, and supports and encourages the elected officials of the City of Oxnard to vote to change the designation of the Halaco smelter property to “resource protection” as well, instead of “industrial,” in order to effect the most protective clean-up of the location and ensure future land uses consistent with wetland and coastal habitat.

Be it further resolved that the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee supports the acquisition and restoration of the maximum wetland area and asks that the City of Oxnard’s 2030 General Plan and Ormond Beach Specific Plan facilitate the California State Coastal Conservancy’s preferred plan to acquire, permanently protect, and restore the maximum acreage of the Ormond Beach wetlands (Alternative 2U in the Conservancy’s October 2009 Feasibility Study).

as reported by Timm Herdt, Ventura County Star, 1/19/10

The chairman of the Ventura County Central Committee on Tuesday all but acknowledged that the county GOP was behind a politically charged telephone survey conducted earlier this month that questioned Thousand Oaks voters about a potential challenge of incumbent Supervisor Linda Parks by termed-out Assemblywoman Audra Strickland.

The survey, known in political circles as a “push poll,” included an array of highly negative assertions about Parks’ performance, including such allegations as she “cut food services for poor senior citizens” and “fought for $100,000 to fund more humane ways to kill ground squirrels.”

Asked Tuesday whether the county GOP was behind the survey, Chairman Mike Osborn responded: “Maybe.” He acknowledged, however, that he had seen the results, which survey firms typically disclose only to their clients.

Does that mean the county party paid for the survey? “I don’t think anybody’s paid for it, yet,” Osborn responded.

The party is not required to publicly report political expenditures made between Jan. 1 and March 17 until March 22.

Parks, a Republican, said she is concerned the county party would be involved in an attack on one of its own.

“It’s really disappointing that they would go after a moderate Republican,” she said. “There’s been a push by the right-wing element to go after moderates.”

She said she is further disappointed the party would inject partisan politics into a nonpartisan campaign for supervisor. “I don’t want to see the Board of Supervisors locked up in the same gridlock we have in the state Legislature,” she said. “I really disdain the thought of having partisan politics on the Board of Supervisors.”

The GOP Central Committee is dominated by close allies of Strickland and her husband, Sen. Tony Strickland. They include Osborn and his wife, Mary; Tony Strickland’s mother, Toni; Chris Valenzano, a former staff member for Tony Strickland, and his wife, Deyla; and Darin Henry, whose campaign mailing firm received more than $1.5 million in combined business in 2008 from the Stricklands.

Parks will be seeking re-election to her third term this year. The election will take place June 8; if no candidate receives a majority in that balloting, a runoff would be conducted in November.

Osborn said he was “pretty pleased with the results” of the survey and hopes that Strickland will decide to challenge Parks. “If it were me, I’d be chomping at the bit,” he said.

Parks angered many Republicans in 2008, when she endorsed Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson over Tony Strickland in their high-profile campaign for state Senate. Parks, known for her advocacy for open space and land conservation, said she based her endorsement on what she considered to be Jackson’s superior environmental positions.

Audra Strickland said last week she has not decided on her future political plans but is keeping open a variety of options. Strickland lives in Moorpark, and would have to move to Parks’ District 2 to run for the supervisorial seat. The district includes the Conejo Valley, the Santa Rosa Valley and parts of the Oxnard plain.

Strickland announced in November that she intended to run for treasurer-tax collector, but those plans were dashed after the Board of Supervisors voted to adopt in Ventura County an optional state law that allows counties to impose professional and educational criteria for the job. Strickland apparently does not meet the standards.

She said last week, however, that she has not completely abandoned the idea of running for treasurer-tax collector. Sources have told The Star that she has sought a legal opinion as to whether her service as an assemblywoman on the state’s Little Hoover Commission would meet the legal criteria. Strickland would not confirm or deny whether she has sought such an opinion.

Strickland must make a decision about her political future by March 15, the deadline for candidates to file in order to appear on the June ballot.

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.

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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2010, 1-3 PM:  Tim Allison For Congress House Party  

Tim Allison, candidate for the 24th Congressional District, would like to meet you and discuss his vision and plans for the district.

Tim hopes to unseat Elton Gallegly in this year’s election. The 24th Congressional District has improved from 12% to just a 6% deficit for Democrats.  Encouragingly, Obama won the district by 3%.  Tim is a great candidate with an excellent chance of winning.  Campaign website: www.timallison.com.
 
Tim, a political strategist, has directed five out of five winning campaigns in Southern California.  He also directed a very successful Obama campaign in Santa Barbara County. 

The event is sponsored by the Tim Allison for Congress campaign and graciously hosted by the Navarro family.  

The Navarro Home
2112 Montgomery Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360  

Register online:  

https://events.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e2oha1al911b52d0

 
Or contact Linda Gassaway: 805-794-2356
lgassawaycd24@gmail.com 

The DFA Campaign Academy mission is to focus, network, and train grassroots activists in the skills and strategies to take back our country, manage successful campaigns or run for office themselves.

Our Campaign Academy weekends are 16 hours of interactive workshops that bring hundreds of local activists, campaign staff and candidates together for 2 days of intensive campaign training. Experienced campaign professionals lead sessions in voter contact, fundraising, communications, on-line organizing and much more to empower progressive activists with the skills to win in November and beyond. Attendees also meet with dozens of local progressive candidates and learn about exciting job and volunteer opportunities in their area. And of course, everyone receives their own copy of DFA’s 180-page Campaign Training Manual.

Year after year, the DFA Campaign Academy is building a grassroots infrastructure of skilled progressive activists in all 50 states.

Event Date: Feb 20, 2010
Event Time: 9:00 AM PST (12:00 PM EST)
Venue Name: University of California Santa Barbara
Address: Gervetz Hall
City: Santa Barbara
State: CA
Zip Code: 93106
Website: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/33795-dfa-campaign-training-in-santa-barbara
Hosted by: DFA Campaign Academy Alumni, DFA Campaign Academy Alumni

Agenda:

Ten reasons to attend the DFA Campaign Academy training in Santa Barbara on February 20-21.

1. Learn how to plan and run a winning grassroots campaign
2. Meet and hear from local progressive candidates
3. Learn from trainers with decades of experience
4. Mingle with other local progressive activists at social events
5. Get a copy of our 180 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual
6. Set goals and make plans to pass progressive legislation
7. Re-connect with old friends from the campaign
8. Help elect progressive candidates in 2010
9. Learn to organize your neighborhood or precinct
10. Look for a new job or volunteer opportunity

Click here to see what you will learn at a DFA campaign training.

Invite your friends on Facebook!

All we ask is a small contribution of $60 to DFA to help us cover our costs. Don’t worry if you can’t afford it, you can always find someone to sponsor you through our training scholarship fund and we offer reduced tuition rates to those in need.

Space is limited so reserve your seat today!

For more info on our trainers, curriculum, and history visit our training homepage at: www.democracyforamerica.com/training.

If you have questions you can email us at training(at)democracyforamerica.com or call our DFA Training hotline at: 802-651-3200 x191.

Click here if you have already registered and would like to pay your tuition fee.

Can’t make it to the training that weekend but still want to help? You can contribute to a scholarship fund for this training and help send a local organizer in your place.

Click here sponsor another attendee!

Inspired by the “Camp Obama” trainings that powered neighbor-to-neighbor organizing across America in 2008, Camp Courage is an intensive two-day training designed to teach the principles and skills of community organizing to activists working to restore marriage equality to California.

Drawing on techniques honed for decades by progressive social movements, Camp Courage teaches empowerment, team building, leadership development, and grassroots organizing skills. Camp Courage is designed primarily for new activists or those who have never engaged with the broader community about marriage equality as well as veteran LGBT activists and allies.

Camp Courage trainings have already been held in Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, D.C., San Diego and East LA. All seven events have received phenomenal reviews from participants, with evaluations averaging 9.06 (on a scale of 1 to 10).

To see highlights of the East Los Angeles training, watch the YouTube at http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/CampCentralCoast.

Camp Courage Central Coast will be an opportunity for activists and organizers to come together, recommit our energies and our talents to the marriage equality movement, and show the nation that we will not rest until all Californians are treated with the equality they deserve.

WHAT: Camp Courage, for marriage equality activists and organizers
WHERE: Santa Barbara (location provided once registration is confirmed)
WHEN: January 30-31, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
SIGN UP: http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/CampCentralCoast

Camp Courage will cover basic community and political organizing skills, including:

* Finding your voice by telling your “story of self”
* Leadership development
* Principles of successful organizing
* Developing collaboration and building effective teams
* Techniques of voter persuasion
* Organizing a phonebank
* Canvassing
* Tabling
* Throwing house parties
* Online organizing

In addition to providing these essential tools Camp Courage provides a unique opportunity for community members to meet like-minded individuals.

A background in community organizing or an organizational affiliation is not a requirement to attend Camp Courage. The only requirements are energy, commitment, and a desire to broaden your leadership abilities.

Camp Courage is organized by our faculty Torie Osborn, Mike Bonin, and Lisa Powell. Osborn is a senior advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and the United Way, and former executive director of the Liberty Hill Foundation and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. Bonin is a former regional field organizer for Obama for America, a veteran campaign staffer, and a community activist. Powell is an attorney, longtime trainer, community leader, and co-founder of United Lesbians of African Heritage.

Several amazing organizations will be represented at Camp Courage Central Coast, supporting the event or sending staff to participate or present, including CAUSE, COLOR Ventura, Equal Roots, FUND for Santa Barbara, Marriage Equality USA Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo Chapters, McCune Foundation, Pacific Pride Foundation, San Luis Obispo Equality Team, Santa Barbara City College Queer & Ally Club, Stonewall Democrats of Ventura County, Strategic Alliance for Marriage Equality, UCSB Campus Democrats, UCSB Associated Students Queer Commission, UCSB Resource Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, and the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance.

Our Central Coast training is one of many planned in 2010. If you are interested in our future trainings, please email CampCourage@couragecampaign.org.

If you have any questions, please email: CampCourage@CourageCampaign.org