WASHINGTON – Rep. Lois Capps (D-Santa Barbara) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s address to Congress and outline of the American Jobs Act. “Tonight, President Obama laid out several straightforward, bipartisan proposals to create jobs and…
Category: Politics
LULAC’s first fall meeting set for Sept. 10 in Ventura
The League of United Latin American Citizens will hold its first fall meeting of LULAC District 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Clinicas del Camino Real, 200 So. Wells Road, No. 200, Ventura. Contact Jorge Napoles,…
Capps, others introduce legislation to ensure jobs are a priority
Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, joined Rep. John Larson and 57 of her colleagues in introducing legislation on Sept. 6 to ensure that job creation and economic growth are given the same focus and priority in Congress as reducing the…
Das Williams bill to increase public safety clears senate floor
A bill authored by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that provides policy guidelines regarding background screening requirements for Emergency Medical Responders, passed the Senate floor on Sept. 6, according to a media release. Assembly Bill 1245 simply states that if…
Bilingual report: Three bills awaiting governor’s signature
Three pieces of legislation being carried by first-term State Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) are currently awaiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s signature after successfully navigating the legislative process in both the Assembly and Senate. the office of Assemblymember Das Williams…
Bilingual report: Local officials rally to support effort to save McGrath State Beach
Leaders urge families to help prevent closure of McGrath State Park by Voting online for a chance to win $100,000 in National America is Your Park contest Assemblymember Das Williams (D- Santa Barbara) was joined by Senator Fran Pavley (D- Santa…
Williams, Zaragoza seeking public support to keep McGrath State Beach open
Votes can help park win $100,000 for renovations Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) and Ventura County Fifth District Supervisor John Zaragoza are asking 805 residents to vote for McGrath State Beach, which currently ranks 6th in the “America…
Tour de Dreams comes to CSU Channel Islands on Aug. 19
Dreamers without borders will host the Tour de Dreams with a potluck BBQ, discussion, live DJ and Dance at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at CSU Channel Islands at the Student Union Treehouse Courtyard. The Tour de Dreams will be…
Latino Links: Political trends
Rick Perry may have a challenge convincing Latinos to support him after the Texas governor announced on Aug. 13 that he was entering the race for the 2012 Republican nomination. Writer Yolanda Gonzalez Gomez reports in the Huffington Post that…
Commentary: The debt ceiling debate: Was it lunacy?
By Boyd Lemon / Guest contributor Polls show that the vast majority of Americans were appalled this week at the debate over the debt ceiling that seemed to take the country to the edge of economic catastrophe. Did this debacle…
LULAC charges mismanagement of Oxnard gang suppression grants
The League of United Latin American Citizens is calling on the city of Oxnard to halt the practice of hiring former Oxnard Police Department Officials as “gang suppression” consultants and hire an external auditor to examine “perceived conflicts of interest,”…
Oxnard City Council to consider Spanish-language broadcast at July 12 meeting
The Oxnard City Council will consider a policy to broadcast meetings of the city council with interpretation into Spanish during its next meeting at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 12 at the council chambers, 305 W. Third St., Oxnard. “LULAC believes…
Das Williams holding ‘State Budget Town Hall Meeting’ on July 8
Assemblymember Das Williams is presenting a State Budget Town Hall Meeting from 4 to to 6 p.m. Friday, July 8 at Oxnard High School, 3400 W. Gonzalez Road, in the Performing Arts Center. Click here for reservations and additional information.
Das Williams states case for approved state budget
While not liking the recently-approved California state budget because of its deep levels of cuts, Assemblymember Das Williams said it is the only solution that “mathematically works” given early refusal by Republicans to let voters extend tax revenues. Democrats on…
Supporters attend Zaragoza reelection breakfast
A group of more than 500 supporters, including local business owners, elected officials, labor representatives and community leaders joined together at Casa Lopez in Oxnard to celebrate the opening event to re-elect John Zaragoza to the Ventura County Board of…
Groups present redistricting workshop on June 18
In preparation for the California Redistricting Commission public hearing, a redistricting workshop will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 18 at Driffill Elementary School, 910 So. E St., Oxnard. The commission has submitted an initial proposal that…
Capps reports new potential funding for region’s military bases
Key federal funding for the construction of a new education center at Vandenberg Air Force Base and a training facility at Naval Base Ventura County was included in H.R. 2055, the Fiscal Year 2012 Military Construction-VA Appropriations bill that…
Commentary: Das Williams says no to Ormond Beach project
Dear Friends, A proposed 1,500-unit housing project adjacent to Ormond Beach in South Oxnard will be before the City Council on Tuesday, June 14. I have strongly opposed this project and continue to do so, joining the Environmental Defense Center (EDC),…
Latino Links: Political Trends
The proposed redistricting for California is a “Worst-Case Scenario” for Latinos in California, according to a news report on June 11 by New American Media. The first batch of political maps by California’s new Citizens Redistricting Commission is having exactly the…
Commentary: SouthShore development deserves a yes vote from Oxnard Council
By Maria Elena Cruz / Member LULAC District Board In a few days the Oxnard City Council will make a crucial decision — whether to approve or deny an important new proposed community development in South Oxnard. Your involvement as…
Updated: Zaragoza announces his bid for re-election
Ventura County Supervisor John C. Zaragoza has announced his bid for re-election at a media conference held Monday, June 6 at the Ventura County Government Center. “I am proud of my achievements as a County Supervisor. In a short time,…
Community urged to call in to fight Oxnard redistricting
Oxnard residents are being urged to call the California Redistricting Commission to voice their opposition to a proposal that would split Oxnard into two Assembly District. Half of Oxnard’s residents, as well as Santa Paula and Fillmore, would be split and go…
Latino Links: Political Trends
The Tequila Party is coming to a state near year. Latinos seeking to counter the influence on immigration policy by the tea party movement have launched the movement with the slogan “Your shot at change,” according to a report in…
Das Williams: Bills garner bipartisan support on way to State Senate
Assemblymember Das Williams on June 1 shepherded two bills off the Assembly floor and on to the State Senate. Both bills, AB 1303 and AB 178, passed with bipartisan support, Williams’ office reported in a media release. “I am pleased…
Oxnard High School Academic Decathlon Team receives recognition
Ventura County Fifth District Supervisor John C. Zaragoza congratulated Oxnard High School’s Academic Decathlon Team “A” with a presentation of commendation at the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 24, the supervisor’s office reported in a…
Redistricting meeting set for May 25 in Oxnard
The Office of Ventura County Supervisor John C. Zaragoza will hold a Town Hall Meeting regarding the proposed Supervisorial Redistricting Program at 6 p.m. Wednesday May 25 the Oxnard Public Library at 251 So. A St., Meeting Room B, Oxnard.…
BPA in baby products bill passes key Assembly vote
Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) provided a key floor vote and co-authorship for proposed legislation that would restrict the use of Bispenol-A (BPA) in certain baby products, Williams reported Tuesday in a media release. “I am pleased to co-author this…
Community celebrates LULAC state convention in Oxnard
Community members celebrated the 64th annual California State Convention of the League of United Latin American Citizens held May 20-22 at the Residence Inn Marriott in Oxnard. The event was hosted by LULAC District 17 and was scheduled to include…
Bilingual report: Das Williams announces district office staff
First-term State Assembly Member Das Williams announced this week that he has hired the following District Office staff: Williams hired former SEIU 721 political coordinator Jeannette Sanchez as his district director, Senior Field Representative Hillary Blackerby, who held the same…
Williams pesticide regulation bill passes committee
Assembly Bill 1176, which would implement enforceable timelines under the Toxic Air Contaminant Act with respect to pesticides, passed the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on April 26, Assemblymember Das Williams, D-35 Assembly District, reported recently. The proposed legislation…
Latino Links: Political Trends
More than 6.6 million Latinos voted in last year’s election — a record for a midterm, according to an analysis released recently by the Pew Hispanic Center. Fueled by their rapid population growth, Latinos also were a larger share of…
Das Williams to speak on April 20 in Santa Paula
Assemblymember Das Williams, D-35th, will speak on his “Save Public Libraries” bill at a no-host dinner at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at Vince’s Coffee Shop, 827 E. Main St., Santa Paula, 805.525.0314. Presented by the Santa Clara Valley Democratic…
‘Oxnard March for Rights’ set for April 10
The “Oxnard March for Rights” begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 10 at Del Sol Park, corner of Rose and Camino del Sol avenues, in La Colonia neighborhood of Oxnard. Organizers said the event features the United Farm Workers union and…
Williams takes part in Dolores Huerta Foundation fundraiser
Assemblymember Das Williams, (D-CA 35th District), took part in a fundraiser for the Dolores Huerta Foundation held March 15 in Sacramento. *** Asambleísta Das Williams, fotografiado aquí con la destacada activista Dolores Huerta, donde compartió el foro y algunas palabras junto con varios…
Healthcare Reform celebrates one-year anniversary
Attendees celebrate the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act during a presentation held March 28 at the Oxnard Public Library in Oxnard. “The health care law has provided critical benefits for families, seniors, and small businesses…
CAUSE reports library services bill gains supporters
The Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) is a sponsor for a bill introduced by Assemblymember Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara) that would give communities a voice on how their public libraries are run, the organization reported this…
Immigration panel discussion set for March 9 in Thousand Oaks
The Democratic Club of the Conejo Valley will present a moderator-led immigration forum beginning with a reception at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 at the Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Confirmed speakers include immigration attorney Gabriella Navarro-Busch;…
Lois Capps: House budget bad for California’s security
Cuts to port and border security endanger safety and hurt economy The seven month spending bill passed by the House last month would weaken California’s security by reducing funding for critical security grant programs, Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, stated…
Das Williams: Help me balance the budget
Dear Friends, Last weekend we held our first town hall meeting in Ventura concerning the budget. The nonprofit, Next 10, demonstrated their California Budget Challenge, which allowed attendees to vote on Governor Brown’s proposals to balance the budget. The Ventura…
Latino Links: Political Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com While the DREAM Act failed to gain approval from the U.S. Congress, Latinos going to the polls in 2012 are expected to remember the failed proposal and the inability by both parties to achieve…
Public continues to oppose changing ‘Birthright Citizenship’
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 While Arizona Republican lawmakers ponder a variety of legislative bills aimed at cracking down on undocumented immigration in the state, a Pew Research Center Poll released Feb. 24 continues to show the American public…
Latino Links: Political Trends
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805.com The economy, immigration and other hot button issues continue to impact the perceptions Latinos have when supporting Republicans or Democrats, according to a recent poll. Meanwhile, in a demographic trend that could be repeated…
Board of Supervisors make history with appointment
For the first time in about 100 years, a Latino citizen, John Zaragoza, was appointed vice chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. The appointment was made at the Jan. 11 Board of Supervisors meeting. Adolfo Camarillo, the only…
Das Williams holding swearing-in dinner Jan. 16
The Das Williams campaign will hold a celebratory dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 at Casa Lopez Mexican Restaurant & Banquet Hall, 325 So. A St., Oxnard. Sponsored by the Ventura County Firefighters, Williams said the swearing-in…
Latinos gaining in political power nationwide
Key swing states seeing growth of Latino population By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Latino voters are playing a big role in states that gained congressional seats and Electorial College votes, according to a report released this week by the Pew…
Commentary: Time for Latino voters to get motivated
By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 Mid-term elections are usually pretty dull affairs compared to national presidential campaigns. Most voters tend to believe that it’s politics as usual, their vote will really not make a difference and they would rather…