DAS WILLIAMS gets perfect score from California Seniors

First term Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) received a perfect score from the California Congress of Seniors on their annual legislative report card. 

Each year the state’s leading senior citizens group analyzes and reports the voting records of California Legislators on bills affecting the lives of millions of senior citizens throughout California.

“Great leaders like Hubert Humphrey have said that the moral test of government is how it treats the aged and children. For us to be a just society we must respect and support seniors,” Assemblymember Das Williams said.

The report card is aimed to help seniors understand how their elected officials have responded to the issues facing our families and communities. The CCS works with others in the senior network to analyze bills, write letters of support or opposition and more to advocate on the behalf of California’s seniors. The report card is an analysis of lawmakers votes on several key bills identified as important for seniors.

 “Das Williams typifies the kind of legislator we as seniors should look to as an example of a lawmaker that genuinely has the interests of the seniors in California in mind,” said Hank Lacayo, State President of California Congress of Seniors.

“It was Das’ first shot at a report card and he got an A-plus from us. That is a very good beginning for a real friend of the seniors in California.”

To view the entire 2011 Legislative Report Card for the California Congress of Seniors, visit www.seniors.org

(http://www.seniors.org/godocuserfiles/2413.29837_R2_Report.pdf) 

Website for Assemblymember Das Williams: http://assembly.ca.gov/Williams

Das Williams is electrifying! And so is his new car....

a new Chevy Volt!

There was no rumble of a gas-guzzling engine when Santa Barbara's Das Williams cruised silently out of Graham Chevrolet yesterday behind the wheel of a shiny new Volt.

The Volt gets 93 miles to the gallon when in electric mode, and 37 when using only gasoline. It can run purely on electricity for 25 to 50 miles depending on traffic.

It is one of about a dozen electric vehicles expected to be on the market by 2012. As gas prices rise, eclectic vehicles are also on the upswing. The Volt costs about $40,000.

Williams is the first local elected official to drive an electric vehicle, and members of the press where invited to snap photos of the politician smiling coolly behind his fresh, environmentally friendly ride.

But despite the attention, Williams said the event went beyond mere publicity stunt.

“It’s just an opportunity to highlight and encourage alternative technologies,” Williams said. “I don’t have any illusions that me buying it will save the world any more than anybody else buying it.” - The Daily Sound

Das Williams says "Save McGrath State Beach!"

Friends near and far, help us keep our State Beach open!!
Go to the following link and vote....often. http://m.livepositively.com/park_details.jsp?parkId=140

 

McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. A nature trail leads to the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. Two miles of beach provide surfing and fishing opportunities, however, swimmers are urged to use caution because of strong currents and riptides. The park offers campsites by the beach. - California State Parks

Das Williams hosts The Green Jobs Summit in Ventura

Assemblymember Das Williams is partnering with the Ventura College Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Program to host an event that will focus on the education, innovation and legislation needed to support future green job growth.

The Green Jobs Summit will feature educators, green industry leaders and government officials. Learn about the vital links between the need for a robust education system, legislation and the emergence of new technologies.

“The sustainability of our environment and economic recovery are undeniably intertwined,” said Williams, who chairs the Select Committee on Regional Strategies for the Green Economy. “Making sure we have a skilled and educated workforce to support the demand and innovation of green job growth is essential to building a conscious and sustainable economy for future generations as we reduce our reliance on oil and coal.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with Assemblymember Williams’ office to help share very valuable information about sustainability and energy efficiency and to learn from others in the community to further promote this cause,” said Javier Saucedo, Manager of the Green Center, and arm of Community Action of Ventura County.

The Green Jobs Summit will be held on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Ventura College Cafeteria.

Join Das Williams at a Green Jobs Summit

Please join Assemblymember Das Williams and the Ventura College Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Program for a GREEN JOBS SUMMIT. This event will feature educators, Innovators and Government officials. Learn about the vital links between a robust education system, legislation and the emergence of new technologies.

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13TH
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

VENTURA COLLEGE
4667 TELEGRAPH ROAD • VENTURA
INSIDE THE CAFETERIA
(PARK IN THE WEST LOT, NEAR THE CAMPUS GYM)

RSVP - here.

Happy 37th Birthday, Das Williams!

Das at the Farmer's Market discussing, a photo by santa barbarian on Flickr.

Here's hoping people send you $37 (or more!) to help fund your campaign for re-election and also hoping they attend your "birthday on the boat" celebration!

Save the Date - Das is turning 37

Join Das on an evening cruise of the Santa Barbara Harbor in celebration of his 37th birthday

Saturday, July 9th 2011, 4PM to 6PM, aboard the Condor Express

Sponsorship Levels:

$3,900 Admiral - $2,500 Captain - $1,000 First Mate - $500 Mate - $250 Sailor - $75 Passenger

RSVP by June 29th to das.williams2012@gmail.com or (805) 616-2594

Das Williams has some good advice

Das Williams - Assemblyman and foodie

Das Williams - Assemblyman and foodie, a photo by santa barbarian on Flickr.

Das recently visited the Santa Barbara Farmers' Market to listen to constituents...and talk food!

Das Williams...taking it to the streets

You're invited to Sidewalk Office Hours with Assemblymember Das Williams

Feel free to drop by. Bring your questions, ideas and solutions regarding state legislative issues that affect our communities.

Santa Barbara Downtown Farmer's Market
Saturday, May 28, 2011 - 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(Corner of Santa Barbara and Cota Streets)

Das visits Santa Ynez Valley Union High School

and gets a special tour of their AG program.

The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School FFA chapter received a special hour-long visit April 8 from Assemblyman Das Williams, D-Santa Barbara, who got an overview of the agricultural program and a tour of the school’s welding shop, horticulture garden, green house and livestock area.

Williams was greeted at the school’s flagpole by two ranking members in full-dress uniforms, the chapter’s President Emily Shimamura and Secretary Kylin Costa, who guided him to a classroom where he played student, while vice president Katie Enticknap, Costa and group historian Maryury Diaz showed a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the agricultural department program.

Click for slideshow

Chartered in 1932, the local FAA (Future Farmers of America) focuses on cultivating an interest in agriculture; above all, the aim is to create leaders, whether they end up in agriculture or ag-related fields, such as landscaping, the floral industry and veterinary medicine. This year, about 200 students are participating in the program, which is run through the school’s agriculture department under the tutelage of agriculture teacher, Kathy Bibby.

The visit came about a month after Shimimura attended the Sacramento Leadership Experience conference, where she met with Williams to discuss the school’s program and he promised to come see it first-hand.


....Enticknap, who hopes to attend the conference in Sacramento next year, said she was heartened to see an assembly person take a strong interest in the local agricultural program. “I think it’s really great that he’s coming to our school and looking at agriculture’s perspective on things,” she said, “because agriculturalists are the ones who are feeding the world and giving clothing, and people aren’t recognizing that.” - Santa Ynez Valley Journal

Das Williams Introduces Bill To Protect Local School District Funding

Assemblymember Das Williams recently introduced a piece of district-specific legislation that would allow Santa Barbara schools to continue receiving voter-approved parcel revenues once a move to unify the elementary and secondary school districts is complete.

Assembly Bill 504 would also allow voters to approve the renewal of such revenue extensions upon unification.

“This bill would allow Santa Barbara School Districts to keep current revenues if they unify in an effort to increase funding. That means that the district would receive $6 million more per year, which will prevent cuts that would hurt our kids,” Williams said.

“AB 504 would extend a revenue source for the SBSD that would otherwise have to continue to make cuts. This piece of legislation preserves the will of voters, who supported the school districts with more than 70 percent approval in 2008.”

Over the last 3 years, the Santa Barbara School Districts have made more than $20 million in budget cuts and are faced with making more cuts this fiscal year. They are already moving forward with a plan to unify their Elementary and Secondary school districts based on a study that shows the unification will generate approximately $6 million annual additional revenue, according to school district officials.

Without clarifying legislation, the unification could result in the nullification of their two parcel tax measures, which are used to support programs like music, art, math and technology.

To avoid the potential loss of that revenue stream for the school district, Assembly Bill 504 would authorize the new unified school district to continue to collect the voter approved parcel taxes once their former districts are merged out of existence

“This legislation is imperative for the future success of our schools in Santa Barbara,” said Dr. Brian Sarvis, Superintendent of Santa Barbara School Districts.

Das Williams appointed to the state Coastal Conservancy Board

Speaker of the Assembly John A Perez recently appointed Assemblymember Das Williams to the California Coastal Conservancy Board.

Mr. Williams will occupy one of six, non-voting seats held by statewide lawmakers; 3 from each the Assembly and the Senate. The appointed members provide legislative oversight to the Coastal Conservancy Board.

"The ocean has been a sacred space for me since childhood and throughout my time of public service I have fought to protect our coast, which serves as equalizer in our local society," Williams said. "The coastline that the affluent of our communities enjoy is the same that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status should have the opportunity to enjoy."

"I'm honored that Speaker Perez recognizes my previous commitment to coastal issues and I see this appointment as an opportunity to continue that work."

The California Coastal Conservancy was established in 1976, and uses entrepreneurial techniques to purchase, protect, restore and enhance coastal resources and to provide access to the shore. The Conservancy is governed by a 7-member board of directors appointed by the Governor and State Legislature. - From Das' Assembly website

Congratulations, Das and Jonnie!

Jonnie and I are pleased to announce that over the weekend we had an elopement ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The ceremony was an intimate exchange of vows and the receipt of blessings from our grandparents. It was exceptionally important for us to have a small ceremony in order to spend quality time with our grandparents, parents, step-parents and siblings who were in attendance, some of who are in poor health.

We had originally set a wedding date in October, but found out too realistically, that planning a wedding during this stage of the legislative year would be far too stressful.

The time for celebration will come. We are planning a traditional Navajo sunrise ceremony and wedding celebration in the future, and we are extremely excited to invite you.

Thank you all for your warm wishes and congratulations, and especially your consideration of our non-traditional plans. Your continued love, support and guidance is especially important to us as we begin this next chapter of life together.

(Ahe'hee)

Many blessings, and love, in spirit

Das and Jonnie