State of the Union – Click here to watch full Enhanced Version (about 1 hour)

President Obama outlined a series of ideas to build an economy that works for everyone, one that will bring about a new era of American manufacturing, and promote homegrown and alternative energy sources.  Taken together, those ideas represent a blueprint for the future.

For decades, economic security for the middle class has been unraveling. Jobs that were once the source of stable livelihoods were shipped overseas. Those at the very top watched their incomes skyrocket, while the majority of Americans were stuck with stagnant salaries and rising costs. And all of this was happening before the worst economic crisis in generations.

What’s it going to take to address this crisis?  We need to promote new skills and better education so that all Americans are prepared to compete in a global economy. That’s why, tonight, the President said every state should require all students to stay in high school until they earn a diploma or turn 18. That’s why the President called for a new partnership between community colleges and businesses to help train and place 2 million skilled workers.

We need to put a new emphasis on American manufacturing. That means refocusing our corporate tax structure to reward businesses who work to keep jobs in the United States, and end tax incentives for corporations that outsource. That means getting tough on trade enforcement and rebuilding American infrastructure.

We need to promote homegrown, American energy. That’s why President Obama supports finding ways to develop the extensive natural gas reserves we have in the United States, and is calling for new ways to create clean energy jobs.

And above all, we have to restore a basic sense of fairness to our economic system. We need to revamp our tax system — ending subsidies for millionaires and billionaires and protecting working families from a tax hike. We need to give every responsible homeowner the opportunity to refinance their mortgage at the current historically low interest rates. We need to make sure that Wall Street plays by the same rules as the rest of us.

Today, the economy is growing again. Over the past 22 months, businesses have created 3.2 million jobs. But it’s going to take more to keep moving forward, and that’s the goal of President Obama’s blueprint.

Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin and the presidents of both the Oxnard and Ventura school boards have thrown their support behind Susan Jordan’s 35th District Assembly run.

Ventura Unified School District Board of Trustees President Mary Haffner and Oxnard School District Board of Trustees President Denis O’Leary join a growing group of local education leaders and others who are passionate about public education and are looking for someone who can best represent the interests of the students and teaching professionals in the state.

“I am supporting Susan because she will be a tireless advocate for our children and our students from preschool to graduate school,” said Eastin. “Too many candidates are fainthearted and weak in the knees. Susan will not be confused or deluded into going along to get along if the price is compromising education. Let us elect someone with a brass backbone. Let us elect Susan Jordan.”

“Susan Jordan courageously fights for what she believes in — starting with quality public education. The children of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties — and throughout California — will be served well when Susan is elected to the State Assembly,” said Ventura Board President Haffner.

“Susan Jordan is an advocate for the people — not a typical politician. She does her homework and makes decisions because they are the right thing to do, not to please the special interests,” Haffner added.

“Susan Jordan has been a strong advocate of a better education for our children and adults. I appreciate Susan’s work to improve our educational system and her knowledgeable advice,” said Oxnard Board President Denis O’Leary.

And Nancy Harter, former president of the Santa Barbara School Board had this to say, “In a time of dwindling resources for our K-12 students, nothing is more important than having legislators who understand the difficulties our schools face and can work to come up with the innovative solutions these challenging times demand. Susan is a listener and a problem solver and stands up for what is right. She has my support.”

As the parent of a college student, Jordan also understands the issues facing our higher education institutions. “At a time when more people than ever need re-training efforts to compete, class sections are being closed and popular programs have long waitlists. There is no greater investment in our future than higher education,” Jordan said.

She also has the support of Ventura County Community College District Trustees Cheryl Heitmann, Stephen Blum and Larry O. Miller.

“We need someone in Sacramento with Susan Jordan’s principled strength and determination to fight for our students. As a parent of a college student, she knows the great promise this generation holds. Cutting back on support to our students is like cutting off our future. Susan knows this and I support her,” Heitmann said.

In addition, Jordan has secured the endorsements of Arthur Joe Lopèz, Trustee, Oxnard School District; Dick Jaquez, Trustee, Oxnard Union High School District; Laura Malakoff, Former President, Santa Barbara School Board; and Marie Lakin, co-chair of Save Our Schools, and immediate past co-president of the Ventura Education Partnership.

Susan Jordan is an award-winning environmental leader, businesswoman, health advocate, mother and former chair of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission.

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Santa Barbara Councilman Das Williams is proud to report today that Alexandra (Alex) Gallardo-Rooker, Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party, has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District.

“Nobody has been a bigger champion for the Santa Barbara and Ventura regions than Das Williams,” said Alex Gallardo-Rooker. “Of all the candidates in this race, Das is the one with a proven track record of advancing the core democratic principles of fairness, opportunity, and smart and responsible investments in the people. Das Williams has been a protector of the coast, a leader in creating new local jobs, and a staunch advocate for education and other critical public programs and services. As a leader in the California Democratic Party, I know that Das has the background, values, experience, and leadership to serve his district well come 2010.”

Alex Gallardo-Rooker is one of California’s top ranking democratic officials. As the Legislative Advocate for the California Communications Worker of America (CWA), Alex is also one of the state’s foremost labor leaders. She now joins the growing list of state leaders, organizations, and community advocates in support of Das Williams for Assembly.

“Alex Gallardo-Rooker has a long history of fighting for democratic causes that are at the very center of my campaign for state assembly,” said Das Williams. “I am grateful and deeply honored to have her support in this race.”

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

The October 1st meeting of the Democratic Club of Camarillo will feature Mr. Stan Mantooth, Ventura County Supt. of Schools.  Mr. Mantooth will speak about current issues in education in Ventura County. Stan Mantooth was appointed Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, effective September 1, 2008.  Mr. Mantooth has over 34 years of practical, educational, and management experience in K-12 school districts, including 12 years as Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services with the Ventura County Office of Education.  The meeting will also include special guest, Area 3 School Board Trustee, Mark Lisagor.

Socializing will begin at 6:15 p.m. The club meets in the Orchid Building, 816 Camarillo Springs Road, which is located at the Camarillo Springs Exit from the South 101. The meeting is free and open to the public.  Call 805/469-3749 for additional information.

The time to act is now!
Green Jobs and the Green Economy Action Summit – CA Central Coast

Please join us for the region’s first Green Jobs and the Green Economy Action Summit on Wednesday, June 17 from 7:30 am – 12:00 pm at Oxnard College. This half-day action summit will focus on four critical facets of our emerging regional green economy:
Workforce development for quality green jobs
Green business opportunities
Sustaining the environment and communities
Public and private funding in the green economy

The summit keynote speaker will be Tim Rainey, the Executive Director of the Workforce and Economic Development Program of the CA Labor Federation, co-founder of the CA EDGE Campaign and member of the California Apollo Alliance Steering Committee.

Participants will be able to attend two of the four workshops, which will include:
Green Jobs are Pathways out of Poverty
Growing Profitable Green Businesses
Sustaining the Environment & Communities
Green Investments

The Summit will conclude with a wrap-up session facilitated by Dr. Bill Cordeiro, Director of the Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics at Cal State University at Channel Islands.

Participate in the Green Jobs and the Green Economy Action Summit. Log on to coastalalliance.com for the action summit overview, agenda and to register on-line by June 15. The registration fee is $20.00 to attend. Participation is limited to 200 people.

On the day of the Green Jobs and the Green Economy Action Summit, please check-in at the lobby of the Oxnard College Gymnasium located at 4000 S. Rose Avenue in Oxnard. Log on for directions and campus map. Free parking is available in Lots H and G (off Rose Ave).

For more information on the Green Jobs and the Green Economy Action Summit please contact at maricela@coastalalliance.com, or at (805) 658-0810 ext. 203.

The Summit is being co-convened by a broad base of stakeholders in the emerging local green economy including cities, labor, business, public agencies and community based organizations, including:
Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE)
City of Oxnard
City of Ventura
Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County
Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics, California State University at Channel Islands
Oxnard College Offices of Economic Development and Innovation and Career and Technical Education
Service Employees International Union Local 721
Tri-Counties Building and Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO
Tri-Counties Central Labor Council
Ventura County Civic Alliance
Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County

Please also mark your calendar for this important upcoming event.

September 18, Friday – CAUSE 3rd Annual Community Building Luncheon. Keynote speaker, Maria Echaveste, former White House Chief of Staff for President Clinton, and Senior Fellow of the Center for American Progress. The luncheon will take place at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Oxnard. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for networking with the luncheon program beginning promptly at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. There is no charge for this event. However this is a fundraiser, and therefore we will be providing all our guests an opportunity to make a donation to support CAUSE’s important social justice work. For more information contact Eduardo Castro at (805) 658-0810 ext. 200, or eduardo@coastalalliance.com.

For more information on CAUSE campaigns, community events and actions, visit our website at www.coastalalliance.com

Help sustain CAUSE’s social change work! Donate today!

by Carmen Ramirez

On March 11, we will hear about the consequences for education in the current California budget.

Glenston Thompson, the Chief Business Official for the Oxnard School District will discuss the impact that the budget will have on 15,400 students, their families and the teachers and staff of the district. Dr. Renny Christopher, Associate Vice President for Faculty Affairs, at Cal State University Channel Islands will discuss the challenges to higher education in California and specifically to our local university.

“Our public schools play a fundamental role in the community. The responsibility to properly educate our children and prepare them for the future has never been more daunting. …The fact that California spends $1,900 less per pupil than the national average is shameful. When comparing California to the other 49 states in our great nation, California ranks 47th out of 50 based on per pupil spending. That’s a ranking where being number 50 is the worst. Could it be that we will rank 50th out of 50 in 2009-2010 school year? Hard to believe when our state is in and of itself the 8th largest economy in the world. With the release of Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget for 2009-2010, we could end up spending our already limited and strained resources begging for funds for our 15,400 students. Why? “We have 15,400 reasons to demand their rightful priority in the infrastructure of our state” from Oxnard Interim Superintendent, Janis Duran.

From California State University Chancellor Charles B. Reed: “ [T]he California State University will face an increasingly challenging fiscal situation over the next 17 months and beyond as a result of the budget package passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger… The budget reduces state general fund support to the CSU for the current fiscal year, 2008-09, by $97.6 million, and calls for an additional $66.3 million cut for 2009-10. Overall, the reduction places CSU $283 million below its operational needs, or approximately 10 percent. Also, the 2009-10 budget includes an additional $50 million cut to the CSU, depending on the size and scope of the federal stimulus package. This will impact our ability to maintain quality and services for our 450,000 current students, and we have already been forced to reduce incoming student enrollment levels for this fall.”

Come and learn about our situation and what we can do about it.

cross posted from Making Waves Blog, Ventura County Star, March 2, 2009

WHAT’S THE BEST REASON to not cut our state education funding? In the future we’ll need sharp minds to get us out of these budget messes.

I’ve been hunkered down for the past few days looking over documents and trying to make some sense of the budget package the governor just signed and how it will affect the bottom line of our schools. It’s a precarious hodgepodge of $8.4 billion in cuts offset by reforms and accounting tricks. And all of this hinges on a package of ballot measures up in May, some designed to reshuffle prior ballot measures.

This labyrinthine budget reduces Prop. 98 guaranteed school funding from now through 2010 and then adds in another ballot measure to help to help restore the lost funds in 2011. Yet another tinkers with Prop. 98 formulas because the state now needs to borrow from future lottery earnings that would’ve gone to our schools.

Several of the seven ballot measures coming up on May 19 are so complicated that one could safely predict most voters probably won’t do anything but vote no in protest, if they bother to cast a ballot at all.

AND THERE’S MORE: Categorical funding for many important programs is being slashed 20 percent between now and 2010. Included in this are programs for gifted students, college preparation, middle and high school counseling, deferred maintenance, technology, English language acquisition, summer school, ROP programs, and, of course, arts and music. In return, school districts are being given the “flexibility” to move these pots of funding around, but it’s sort of like figuring out which child doesn’t get dinner that night.

Upcoming federal money, which would help reduce state taxes, would have no effect on K-12 classroom funding this budget year, according to the California Department of Education. In the longer term, “these resources will have a minimal impact on reducing the size and magnitude of the state reductions in education funding,” according to the California Association of School Business Officials.

AS YOU CAN SURMISE, budgeting for the next school year is like playing pin the tail on the weasel. It’s a moving target which the dedicated folks who can actually figure this stuff out HAVE to wrestle with because the deadline for letting teachers know whether or not they will have jobs next year is March 13. Yet, they won’t have any answers until June. Maybe.

Here in Ventura, school officials are looking at a mighty big gap. “… It will not look like business as usual here,” said Superintendent Trudy Arriaga. “We should not be celebrating a state budget that is cutting $10 million out of a little budget like the Ventura Unified School District has.

“We should be outraged.”

Most people just pay attention to all this by how it affects them personally. If you have a child in the public schools in California, expect bigger class sizes, no new textbooks, fewer supplies and technology, less remedial help, reduced maintenance and less emphasis on programs such as arts, music and physical education. Some familiar faces in teaching, staff and administration will be gone.

“About the only thing schools won’t have less of is testing,” said Ventura Unified Educators Association President Steve Blum. “The more-and-more testing crowd made sure state testing will be untouched.

“All this together is not good. This generation’s shortsighted approach to preparing the next generation for the future is sad.”

The Conejo Teachers’ Union, Conejo PTA Council and the Ventura County Democratic Party will protest massive cuts to education funding this Thursday. Please show up with signs AND forward this message to anyone who does not want the Republicans to cut the education budget.

When: Thursday, February 5, 2009, 4:00 PM
Where: Senator Tony Strickland’s Office
Address: 223 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Directions from North: 101 (south), Moorpark Road exit, Thousand Oaks Blvd (right)
Directions from South: 101 (north), to Hampshire Road exit, Hampshire Road (right),Thousand Oaks Blvd. (left)

PARK ON THE STREET. DO NOT PARK IN THE LOT.

Join the parents, teachers, administrators and friends of public education in calling for California State Senator Tony Strickland to pass a budget. Senator Tony Strickland’s negligence and desire to push a political agenda threatens our children’s future!

Spread the word. Please try to get at least 10 people from each school in Ventura County. It is important that you bring your children. Kids count! We cannot stand silently by and let our Senator, Governor and Legislators think the proposed cuts are okay with us!

Suggested Sign Quotations:
Invest in the future of our children and California!
Honk if you love educated people!
Name-of-your-School Teacher Against Education Cuts
Student Against Education Cuts
Tony Strickland Wants To Cut Education
Why Does Strickland Hate Kids And Teachers?
Children In California Count!
Tony Strickland Wants Public Schools To Fail
Strickland Gets an F!

The Conejo Teachers’ Union, Conejo PTA Council and the Ventura County Democratic Party will protest massive cuts to education funding this Thursday. Please show up with signs AND forward this message to anyone who does not want the Republicans to cut the education budget.

When: Thursday, February 5, 2009, 4:00 PM
Where: Senator Tony Strickland’s Office
Address: 223 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Directions from North: 101 (south), Moorpark Road exit, Thousand Oaks Blvd (right)
Directions from South: 101 (north), to Hampshire Road exit, Hampshire Road (right),Thousand Oaks Blvd. (left)

PARK ON THE STREET. DO NOT PARK IN THE LOT.

Join the parents, teachers, administrators and friends of public education in calling for California State Senator Tony Strickland to pass a budget. Senator Tony Strickland’s negligence and desire to push a political agenda threatens our children’s future!

Spread the word. Please try to get at least 10 people from each school in Ventura County. It is important that you bring your children. Kids count! We cannot stand silently by and let our Senator, Governor and Legislators think the proposed cuts are okay with us!

Suggested Sign Quotations:
Invest in the future of our children and California!
Honk if you love educated people!
Name-of-your-School Teacher Against Education Cuts
Student Against Education Cuts
Tony Strickland Wants To Cut Education
Why Does Strickland Hate Kids And Teachers?
Children In California Count!
Tony Strickland Wants Public Schools To Fail
Strickland Gets an F!

Our new State Senator Tony Strickland stood in lockstep along his extremist Republican friends and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association this week in announcing they were suing to stop a California state budget plan by the Democrats. Perhaps coincidentally, he is positioned at the “far right” of the photo above.

The plan, passed by both houses, was a move by the majority Democrats to get something through the pipeline quickly before the state runs out of money. The lack of an approved revised budget costs taxpayers $40 million every day and the state has already announced that it will shut down offices the first and third Fridays of every month and has canceled $3.8 billion for 2,000 public infrastructure projects.

The budget was immediately challenged by Republicans. They viewed it as unconstitutional because of its reliance on fees which don’t require a two-thirds approval by the legislature. But the state’s 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento quickly ruled Wednesday it could not intervene because Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had not signed the bill into law. Strickland and friends vowed to continue the fight anyway.

The minority Republicans have proposed an alternative budget with a devastating $10.6 billion cut to K-12 schools and community colleges, more than double that called for in the Democrats’ plan. Eighty percent of respondents to a recent Field Poll conducted in the state opposed cuts to education.

What happened to the campaign promises of the state senator who just barely beat his Democratic opponent? Strickland billed himself as “independent” and someone who would “reach across party lines to get the job done.”

Looks like the only reach he’s made is in floating bogus campaign promises.