Title: Join us for a conversation with Susan Jordan, Candidate for the 35th Assembly District
Location: Stoneworks Studio & Gallery 300 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura
Link out: Click here
Description: Come meet this dynamic, common-sense candidate. Susan will share her thoughts about the economy, the environment, health care and education, and of course, befitting the setting — the arts.

Enjoy wine, dessert, a toasty fire & great sculpture.

Start Time: 7 p.m.
Date: April 9, 2010
End Time: 9 p.m.

RSVP to jordan4assembly@gmail.com

Susan Jordan

Leaving no doubt of Susan Jordan’s impeccable environmental credentials, the Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club put its faith in Jordan’s leadership abilities and has endorsed her Assembly candidacy. The Sierra Club joins the California League of Conservation Voters, as well as some of the most well-known environmental leaders in the state in backing Jordan.

“Susan Jordan is a highly accomplished environmental leader who as Executive Director of the California Coastal Protection Network (CCPN) and co-founder of the group Vote the Coast, has played a central role in many major environmental victories. She has worked closely with the Sierra Club on many issues, and in the Assembly Susan would use her extensive experience working issues at the legislative level to further her environmental goals,” said David Gold, Los Padres Sierra Club Political Co-Chair.

Paul Mason, Former Deputy Director, Sierra Club California, also had no reservations in his praise. “I don’t know anyone with more integrity than Susan Jordan. Susan is exactly the combination of smarts, real-world experience, and values that we need, and embodies the best case in a citizen-legislator.”

“When elected, Susan Jordan will bring to Sacramento a proven record of having confronted, worked on, organized around and won victories involving some of the most important environmental challenges facing California,” said Mark Massara, Former Director of the Sierra Club Coastal Program.

“Susan has worked to protect our coast from dangerous gas terminals, offshore oil derricks, destructive development and fought to protect precious natural resources for our families and future generations,” Massara added. “No other Assembly candidate, from Santa Barbara or anywhere in California, brings a level of experience and environmental accomplishments close to Jordan’s. With unprecedented environmental challenges looming ahead, from sea rise to extreme climate change, we can depend on Jordan to get it right and get the job done.”

Jordan, a candidate for the 35th Assembly District in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, has won many awards for her environmental work.

“The Sierra Club’s leadership on environmental issues is unsurpassed,” Jordan, a first-time candidate, said. “Having the respect and backing of my peers in the environmental community is important to me. We’ve worked together on some of the toughest grassroots environmental battles in the state.”

Jordan has also been endorsed by Terry Tamminen, Former Secretary of California EPA; Winston Hickox, Former Secretary of California EPA; Luke Breit, Former California Democratic Party Environmental Caucus Chair; Debra Broner, California Democratic Party Environmental Caucus Treasurer; Mary D. Nichols, Chair, California Air Resources Board; Mark Gold, Heal the Bay; Steve Blank, Chair, Audubon California; Joel Reynolds, Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council; Tom Ford, Santa Monica Baykeeper; Dan Silver, Executive Director, Endangered Habitats League; Laura Davick, Founder, Crystal Cove Alliance; Rory Cox, Pacific Environment; and Jack Eidt, Director, Wild Heritage Planners.

To learn more about Susan, visit her website at www.jordan4assembly.com

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.

Watch the debate hosted by the Democratic Club of Ventura on February 25, 2010 and filmed by CAPS TV of Ventura. The debate is about an hour and packed with interesting and important information.

2010 AD35 Jordan vrs. Williams Debate

Assembly leader Karen Bass has given her full support to Susan Jordan’s Assembly District 35

“Susan Jordan is the type of Democrat we need in the Assembly,” Bass said. “She has proven that she sticks to her principles and Democratic values — and she wins the tough battles against the special interests and Governor Schwarzenegger. Susan Jordan is a champion for our public schools, our coastline and health care for all.”

Speaker Bass is the first African-American woman to lead a house of a state legislature and the first Democratic woman to lead the Assembly. Currently only 20 of 80 seats in the Assembly are held by women and five are termed out.

“Speaker Bass has been a champion for the most vulnerable in our society,” Jordan said. “She has been a leader in making sure those without a voice are heard. She has also worked very hard to retain and create new jobs in our state and make sure educational opportunities are available for all.”

“Bass is also not afraid to stand up to our Governor when she feels he is not working in the best interest of the people,” Jordan added. “Her leadership and courage is an inspiration to me and her endorsement is a great honor.”

Jordan said she is also impressed with Bass’ 47th Assembly District People’s Council, a group made up of representatives from the education, environment, small business and health communities. “This kind of constituent outreach is exactly what I will do within my district when elected.”

Susan Jordan is an award-winning environmental leader, businesswoman, health advocate and mother with 15 years of experience working to protect California’s coastline as an economic, environmental and recreational resource. As chair of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission, she was known for her balanced and analytical approach. As an environmental leader statewide, she has taken on large-scale projects which have broad public policy implications, and won.

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.

Susan Jordan is running for the office Pedro Nava will vacate in 2010 and launched her campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 35th Assembly District a year ago. Jordan is director of the nonprofit environmental advocacy group, the California Coastal Protection Network, and was formerly associated with the organization Vote the Coast. She has been active in environmental issues for years, and was a leading opponent of the BHP Billiton LNG proposal off the Ventura County coast.
After earning her Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Susan worked as a community health educator as the Director of Community Relations for the Women’s Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She served as the Chair of the Barrier Methods Committee and spearheaded a seven-year campaign to gain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a barrier method of birth control still in use today. Susan’s interest and commitment to public policy analysis and reform grew during the 14 years she spent as Senior Partner in the research arm of a large national strategic business development and consulting firm. She left her business career to devote herself to environmental protection issues and served as Chair and Member of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission from 2002-2005. She is an award-winning environmental leader, business woman and health advocate with 15 years of experience working to protect California’s coastline as an economic, environmental and recreational resource. Susan brings a lifetime of experience meeting payroll, managing a business, and raising a child  (she is the wife of Assemblyman Pedro Nava ) while dedicating her life to the betterment of her community.

Das Williams has served 4 years as legislative aide, 5 years teaching, 6 years on the Santa Barbara City Council, and working in over 26 elections for progressive candidates and causes. He grew up locally, attended local schools in Ventura and Santa Barbara and attended Santa Barbara City College before transferring to U.C. Berkeley, where he earned his degree in Political Science. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science & Management from UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Environmental Science, with a focus in water pollution, planning processes, and land-use law.
In addition to his service on the Santa Barbara City Council, Das has been active as a community organizer for CAUSE, a Ventura based non-profit, presently heading the group’s efforts to stop a proposed Wal-Mart development in Ventura. Currently he teaches at Antioch University in Santa Barbara, serves as a Trustee of Peabody Charter School and on the national board of the National Organization for Women (NOW).
On the Santa Barbara City Council, he spearheaded the successful effort to pass some of the toughest energy efficiency standards in the state that require that 30% of Santa Barbara’s energy comes from renewable sources by 2011. He has been a leader in the effort to stop off-shore oil drilling, protecting the coast and local water supplies by working to restore local creeks and wetlands, and fighting to preserve open space. He led the push to expand the city’s public transit system – reducing traffic and pollution. While the state’s school system has come under increasing stress, Das helped craft a plan to avoid layoffs at local schools and expand critical after-school programs. Recently, he helped balance the city budget without cutting vital city services.

Debate moderator:   Edward Castillo

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.

Lilly Ledbetter, the national heroine who was the inspiration for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, has endorsed Susan Jordan in her bid for the California 35th Assembly District seat.

The Fair Pay Act was the first piece of legislation President Barack Obama signed. Ledbetter, who spoke at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, fought for 11 years to better the lives of women everywhere through an amendment of the Civil Rights Act.

Ledbetter joins a growing list of women’s groups and electeds supporting Jordan. Former State Senator Sheila Kuehl and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, who have both endorsed Jordan, will headline a fundraiser for the candidate on November 14 at the Santa Barbara home of Betty Stephens, a long-time national Democratic activist.

For information on the fundraiser, also hosted by Pierce & Keely Brosnan, Julia Louis-Dreyfus & Brad Hall
, Dan Emmett
, Judith Hopkinson, Lillian Lovelace
, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Sara Miller McCune, and Susan Rose & Allan Ghitterman go here.

Other prominent women who have served in office and have endorsed Jordan include Assemblymembers Anna Caballero, Mary Hayashi, Bonnie Lowenthal, Fiona Ma, and Mary Salas; California Inspector General Laura Chick; Santa Barbara Supervisor Janet Wolf; Former Santa Barbara Supervisor Susan Rose; Former Santa Barbara Mayors Sheila Lodge and Harriet Miller; Oxnard City Councilmember Dr. Irene Pinkard; Ventura County Community College District Trustee Cheryl Heitmann; and Former Oxnard Mayor Jane Tolmach. The National Women’s Political Caucus and the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee have also endorsed.

Susan Jordan, a Santa Barbara resident, is an award-winning environmental leader, businesswoman, health advocate and mother with 35 years of real-life experience meeting a payroll, managing a business, and raising a child while dedicating her career to the betterment of her community.

For more information, email jordan4assembly@gmail.com.