VENTURA, CA — Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams is proud to announce that he has picked up key support from the grassroots of the California Democratic Party (CDP), winning this morning’s Region 10 Pre-Endorsement Conference by a vote of 66-12.

Having received 82 percent of the vote from Democratic Party Delegates within Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, Das Williams well-surpassed the 70 percent needed to earn the formal endorsement of the State Democratic Party at the April Convention.

“Das Williams has dedicated his life to serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties,” said E.J. Borah, local longtime Democratic activist. “He grew up here and knows our community. No other candidate in this race has a better understanding of we what need in Sacramento.”

“For too long, California has been held captive to the politics of Sacramento,” said Amanda Wallner, President of U.C. Santa Barbara Campus Democrats, who have also endorsed Das Williams. “To create true and lasting change, the citizens of our great state must take action. Today the local activists of the Democratic Party voted to endorse Das Williams for State Assembly because he has the most impressive record of grassroots organizing and is demonstrating his campaign’s commitment to the power of the people.”

Carol Lindberg of the Ventura Democratic Club added, “Das Williams is a coalition builder and has a proven record of getting things done. We need his leadership in Sacramento and I am proud to have given him my vote for the endorsement of the California Democratic Party.”

Garnering the formal support of Santa Barbara and Ventura County Democratic Party activists, as well as numerous other leaders and organizations representing labor and other key grassroots constituencies, Das Williams’ field campaign is likely to be unbeatable leading up to the June 8th primary.

“I am so honored by the overwhelming support my Assembly campaign received at today’s Pre-Endorsement Caucus,” said Das Williams. “I have always taken great pride in the work I have done to advance the core Democratic principles of fairness, opportunity, and investment, and today’s delegate vote represents a humbling recognition of my record.”

“Earning the California Democratic Party’s early formal endorsement would be a highlight of my career. I am so thankful for the confidence and support showed to me today by our Region 10 delegates,” ended Williams.

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

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.”

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

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.

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

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Santa Barbara City Councilmembers Das Williams and Helene Schneider today called on the City Council to oppose new Federal offshore oil drilling. Williams and Schneider requested that the city council vote in favor of sending a letter to the Minerals Management Service opposing any new Federal oil leases off the coast of Santa Barbara. The Minerals Management Service, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is currently preparing a proposed oil and gas leasing program that includes potential new oil leases in the Santa Barbara and Ventura Area. The City Council voted in favor of sending the letter by a 5 to 1 vote.

“Allowing new Federal oil leases off our coast would be disastrous to our efforts to end oil drilling,” stated Councilmember Das Williams. “This plan would have negative impacts on our local economy, put our environment at risk and open the door to additional new oil facilities both on and off shore. We need to be focused on stopping oil development and reducing consumption, while investing in green technologies like alternative fuels and solar power.”

The Santa Barbara City Council has a long history of opposing oil drilling. The City’s General Plan states that the City should “continue efforts to prohibit new oil exploration, drilling and production in the channel and to cause the termination of existing leases and the removal of platform structures.”

“We are constantly facing new environmental challenges. It is important that the City of Santa Barbara oppose any new Federal oil drilling lease and that we use any means possible to bring a definitive end to all new and existing oil drilling,” said Santa Barbara Councilmember Das Williams. My goal is simple, to put an end to oil development and protect our coast from new projects that bring new drilling to our coast.”

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Santa Barbara City Councilmembers Das Williams and Helene Schneider today called on the City Council to oppose new Federal offshore oil drilling. Williams and Schneider requested that the city council vote in favor of sending a letter to the Minerals Management Service opposing any new Federal oil leases off the coast of Santa Barbara. The Minerals Management Service, a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is currently preparing a proposed oil and gas leasing program that includes potential new oil leases in the Santa Barbara and Ventura Area. The City Council voted in favor of sending the letter by a 5 to 1 vote.

“Allowing new Federal oil leases off our coast would be disastrous to our efforts to end oil drilling,” stated Councilmember Das Williams. “This plan would have negative impacts on our local economy, put our environment at risk and open the door to additional new oil facilities both on and off shore. We need to be focused on stopping oil development and reducing consumption, while investing in green technologies like alternative fuels and solar power.”

The Santa Barbara City Council has a long history of opposing oil drilling. The City’s General Plan states that the City should “continue efforts to prohibit new oil exploration, drilling and production in the channel and to cause the termination of existing leases and the removal of platform structures.”

“We are constantly facing new environmental challenges. It is important that the City of Santa Barbara oppose any new Federal oil drilling lease and that we use any means possible to bring a definitive end to all new and existing oil drilling,” said Santa Barbara Councilmember Das Williams. My goal is simple, to put an end to oil development and protect our coast from new projects that bring new drilling to our coast.”

News from Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Democrats have been working on their own County Platform for some months now. It’s a new and exciting way of bringing the activist community together to focus on a shared vision for the county – not re-inventing the state Political Platform but narrowing the focus to Santa Barbara County politics.

It’s an exercise that all County Central Committees should note and adopt as part of their own program as it has proved to be challenging and thought-provoking as well as bringing in new ideas and fresh enthusiasm, building interest in the local Party and reinforcing the Democratic mission.

Santa Barbara Democrats are meeting this Sunday to work on a final version which will be presented to their Central Committee for approval in July. Copies will be made available for Ventura and San Luis Obispo to consider, and hopefully to benefit from, as they go ahead with plans of their own.

The Roosevelt-Hamer Dinner originally set for May 9th has been rescheduled. Postponed because of the Jesusita fire, it will now be held on June 27th 2009 at the Santa Barbara Women’s Club (Rockwood) at 670 Mission Canyon. Reservations for the original event will be honored but guests are urged to re-confirm at sbdems@gmail.com or leave a message at 805-965-8030.

Santa Barbara Democrats helped to host a presentation on the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) on May 26th. The Employee Free Choice Act, supported by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, would enable working people to bargain for better benefits, wages and working conditions by restoring workers’ freedom to choose for themselves whether to join a union. Speakers at the Santa Barbara Forum included two of the journalists who were dismissed by the Santa Barbara News Press for trying to form a union, and they made a powerful case for the need for this legislation to pass. Forums supporting EFCA give Central Committees an opportunity to get this issue into public awareness. Let’s hope for more local action putting pressure on the last stand-out Senators, which include our own Senator Dianne Feinstein!

Dear Region 10 Delegates and Central Committee members;

Today, June 8th, the California Primary is exactly one year away. This is surely the time to concentrate on setting up Candidates Committees, Voter Registration Task Forces and Field Operations so that everything is in place and leadership designated to take advantage of the trainings on offer. I have been putting together an inventory of training materials, so please contact me for specific manuals and materials.

Foremost is the great weekend ahead for San Luis Obispo County with the Progressive Caucus meeting on Saturday June 27th and the long-awaited CDC Leadership training for Sunday June 28th.

Also, not to be missed are the two Region 10 meetings on June 13th and 14th when you have an opportunity to introduce Resolutions in time for consideration by the E-Board meeting in Burlingame on July 17th and 18th. (I apologise for the short notice – I was trying to schedule a meeting in Santa Maria, but it was not to be.)

I continue to enjoy meeting with other clubs and attending events – most recently, the Santa Maria club meeting and the 41st AD meeting as well as Central Committee meetings and the very successful Ventura County Spring Fling, with speeches from Attorney General candidates Pedro Nava, Ted Lieu and Alberto Torrico as well as Congresswoman Lois Capps, State Senator Fran Pavley and former Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson. And a very special visit Sunday was to the Atascadero Democrats’ event in a winery in perfect weather in glorious countryside. Well worth the long drive!

Sincerely,
Sue Broidy
Director, Region 10

California Democratic Council and the San Luis Obispo County Democratic Party
Democratic Leadership Training – June 28

When: Sunday, June 28, 2009, 8:00am-7:00pm
Where: Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave., Grover Beach, CA
93433
Cost: Free (Lunch and refreshments will be provided.)

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Sponsors: Be a true leader and help us continue this training – sponsor this event!! Go to http://www.cdc-ca.org/Training/
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This intense training consists of a variety of workshops for club/party leaders and political activists who want to advance their leadership roles in the Democratic Party or are just getting started!

The California Democratic Party Structure
If you want to get involved with the party and rise through the ranks, you
need to know the structure and the roles of the various arms of the party.
Learn about the state officers, committees, caucus’, clubs, county DCCs,
regions, etc., as well as how the State DCC is pulled together.

How to Run a Meeting: Robert’s Rules of Order
Whether you are a club president, member, activist or a candidate, you
should know the basics of parliamentary procedures. Most organizations,
profit and non-profit, political or non-political, abide by these rules
whether it’s a local club, state party, or a city council meeting.

Club Finances: How to Stay Out of Jail
Learn the does & don’ts of political finances. Club leaders, treasurers,
members, candidates should all have a fundamental idea of political
finances. Hands-on explanation of filling out reports included.

Fundraising Fundamentals and Guidelines
“Money is the milk of Politics”, right? If that’s the case then our clubs
need a lot of milk! What are the donation limits? Who do I contact? Why do
people donate? And many other questions answered.

Fundraising Ideas & Projects
This follow-up workshop will provide you with ideas and projects for raising
money!

Increasing and Keeping Your Membership
Now that you have your club or organization put together, how to go about
finding members & volunteers, and more importantly, how do you motivate and
hang on to them?

Recruiting Candidates for Local Office
Democrats need to field candidates that will be representative of Democratic
values for all elected offices. This training session is geared towards
helping Democrats recruit the future leaders for all levels of elected
office.

Technology and Clubs
Learn about the many free technology tools such as websites, faxing, online
applications, etc., that can be used by your club/organization. Additional
topics: social networking, email etiquette, listserves, voter files.

The Progressive Challenge
Learn about the top issues facing Democrats. Whether you are an activist or
candidate, you need to be aware of what progressives expect of you and what
we expect of our candidates. Talking points and concise messaging.

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Sponsorships available for $50!
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NOTE: Please DO NOT RSVP unless you can stay the entire day!
Our speakers have committed their time for this workshop and travel from
around the state.

We know this is a long day of intense training, but to ensure future
training, we would like you to respect our speaker’s time investment! Thank
you.

Seating is limited, all attendees must register by June 25, 2009.

Register here: http://www.cdc-ca.org/Training/

Again, please RSVP to ensure that we have adequate food and materials.