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 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

It's Sea Otter Awareness Week

And we "otter" save them.

....Current Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams said it best… “I say we should embrace the economic and environmental opportunities presented by the otter’s return. They will eat a lot of urchins, and that will impact that fishery, but urchins have decimated kelp forests and the otter’s return may increase the size of kelp forests which also increase the number of other fish species that people once fished in decent numbers. The economic benefit of otters on a town like Monterrey is also very significant financially. Besides, their impact to the urchin fishery may not be devastating in the near term because it is largely males heading south during the female’s season to raise pups, an adaptation to prevent the males competing with the pups for food, so it is for now seasonal trips into our waters.” - Santa Barbara View

Das knows the dangers of drilling

When it comes to oil drilling - Das' goal and record on this issue are clear - bring an end to oil drilling as soon as possible. As a legislative aid for Hannah-Beth Jackson, Das helped write the legislation that put an end to the practice of transporting oil from offshore rigs via oil tanker, hence, reducing the chance of an oil spill. Das also helped craft a resolution calling on the federal government to terminate all offshore oil drilling leases. On the City Council, Das has been vocal in his opposition to all oil drilling including the Paredon project.

The Louisiana disaster is a stark reminder of why we need to end drilling now. The proposal by the EDC would end drilling on 4 platforms in 14 years. Without that proposal, drilling will continue indefinitely and we will live with the threat of a disaster like the one in Louisiana for years to come.