Santa Barbara Sierra Club Endorsements for General Election November 8, 2016
- U.S. President: Hillary Clinton
- U.S. Senate: Kamala Harris
- U.S. Congress, 24th: Salud Carbajal
- State Senate, 19th: Hannah-Beth Jackson
- State Assembly, 37th: Monique Limón
- Santa Barbara County Supervisor, 3rd: Joan Hartmann
- Carpinteria City Council: Fred Shaw
- Goleta City Council: Stuart Kasdin, Kyle Richards
- Goleta Water District: Lauren Hanson, Rick Merrifield, Bill Rosen
- Montecito Water District: Charles Newman
- Isla Vista Community Services District: Ethan Bertrand, Spencer Brandt, Fr. Jon Hedges
Statewide Ballot Initiatives
- Yes on Prop 56 Cigarette Tax
- Yes on Prop 58 California EdGE Initiative
- Yes on Prop 59 Citizens United
- Yes on Prop 67 Plastic Bag Ban
More information about the candidates:
U.S. President: Hillary Clinton
The Sierra Club enthusiastically endorsed Secretary Hillary Clinton for president. Throughout the primary, Clinton has listened to the environmental movement’s call to protect our public lands, address environmental injustices, and continue to expand the clean energy revolution -- and she has responded with detailed plans that will build on our movement’s victories and President Obama’s legacy. (Read more.)
U.S. Senate: Kamala Harris
As Attorney General, Harris has fought to protect key climate safeguards including defending California’s landmark carbon tax and President Obama’s Clean Power Plan, taken on environmental justice issues by standing up for the families at Mira Loma, and held companies accountable for dumping hazardous waste. (Read more.)
Congress, California’s 24th District: Salud Carbajal
Salud has been endorsed by Congresswoman Lois Capps who is retiring. A leader in protecting our coastline and natural environment, he’s stood up against developments on the Gaviota coast and opposed new offshore oil development. Salud worked to implement a Climate Action Plan for Santa Barbara County and made solar energy affordable for homeowners. Salud served on President Obama’s task force on climate change. In Congress, Salud will continue to say no to any new offshore drilling and instead encourage efforts to move toward cleaner energy solutions that help create new jobs, like the new solar power facilities have done locally. www.saludcarbajal.com
State Senate, District 19: Hannah-Beth Jackson
State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson is a leader in the fight to protect California's clean air and water, our beaches and our open spaces. She co-authored important legislation that promotes alternative energy and green jobs. During her service in the Assembly she chaired the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and the Environmental Safety Committee and wrote the law banning risky oil barges along our coast and legislation (SB 295) which requires annual pipeline inspections. Hannah-Beth successfully fought to regulate the use of pesticides near schools and communities. She was named "Environmental Hero" by Santa Barbara's EDC and "Legislator of the Year" by the California League of Conservation Voters. www.hannah-bethjackson.com
State Assembly, District 37: Monique Limón
Assembly District 37 is an open seat with Das Williams elected County Supervisor in the June primary. Sierra Club endorses Monique Limón to be our new representative in Sacramento. Monique was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA and has dedicated much of her career to improving schools and universities. Monique stood up to attacks on our environment, took public positions discussing the dangers of fracking and extreme oil extraction during the 2014 Measure P campaign, demonstrated her commitment to renewable energy and stronger action on climate change, and worked to build a broader and more representative coalition of environmentalists to protect California's natural resources. While on the school board, Monique supported leveraging the California Clean Energy Jobs Act (Prop. 39) funds to increase energy efficiency and alternative energy projects, along with related improvements and repairs resulting in reduced operating costs and improved health and safety conditions in public schools. In 2014 while serving on the board of the California Latino School Boards Association, Monique moved forward a resolution to support the Salton Sea Renewable Energy Initiative and highlighted the connection between poor air quality, children with asthma, and underserved communities. “I am honored to have the endorsement of the Sierra Club and know that we will work to not only protect our environment and support clean and renewable energy alternatives but also bring people together to ensure we preserve California’s natural resources.” Learn more about Monique Limón at https://limonforassembly.com.
County Supervisor, District 3: Joan Hartmann
Joan Hartmann, J.D., Ph.D. served as Supervisor Doreen Farr’s Planning Commissioner until January, and built a solid record opposing off-shore oil development, standing up for Community Plans, and protecting the Gaviota Coast. She fought to restrict air emissions from oil extraction and opposes trucking of oil through our community. An advocate for Community Choice Energy, Joan will work with the community on the development of micro-grids. She believes the County needs to expand water conservation efforts, particularly from agriculture, and will explore options for groundwater recharge and direct potable reuse. Joan helped establish the public policy program at the Claremont Graduate School and the environmental studies program at Oberlin College. She left the academic world to work in the policy and budget offices and as legal counsel for federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and EPA. JoanHartmannforSupervisor.org
Carpinteria City Council: Fred Shaw
Fred Shaw should win an award for outstanding volunteer in Carpinteria. Whether it’s with Carpinteria Beautiful, serving as a day captain for the all-volunteer Carpinteria Seal Watch, working on the organizing committee against Measure J - Venoco’s Paredon Project, or vocally advocating for acquisition of the Bluffs Nature Preserve, Fred is outdoors working to save the environmental treasures in Carpinteria. Since being on the City Council, Fred has also been a strong proponent on many of Sierra Club’s issues. He’s pushed the concept of Community Choice Energy (CCE) and has the City involved in the CCE working group. Fred actively campaigned for Measure P. He regularly promotes research and planning for sea level rise and climate change as the Council’s representative on BEACON. Fred continues to speak at public forums against the Phillips 66 rail spur project that would bring highly volatile oil on mile-long trains through our coastal area. Fred said, “I am once again honored to have the Sierra Club endorsement. I am proud to be part of a City Council that has made Carpinteria a trend setter with environmentally progressive ordinances. We need to protect our natural resources for now and future generations.” Email Fred Shaw with your questions at FredShaw4Carp@gmail.com.
Goleta City Council: Kyle Richards
Sierra Club proudly endorses one of our members, Kyle Richards, for the Goleta City Council. He has a longstanding commitment to the environment that includes service for three years as a member and chair of the Goleta Parks & Recreation Commission. In this position, Kyle has worked to increase city greenbelts, open spaces and recreational lands. Like many of us, Kyle is troubled by the rampant growth now enveloping the city that is contrary to the original General Plan. He supported Measure G2012 to preserve Goleta’s agricultural parcels and require a public vote before re-zoning. He is receptive to a growth-pacing ordinance to return to a carefully managed rate of growth that we can support and afford. Kyle supports Community Choice Energy and opposes any expansion or renewal of offshore drilling leases off our coast. He supports moving forward with terminating Venoco’s non-conforming use at the Ellwood Onshore Facility and converting the area to its intended recreational use. You can find Kyle promoting wilderness education through his volunteer efforts with Channel Islands Restoration, Santa Barbara Trails Council, and Great Outdoors. Upon receiving the Sierra Club endorsement Kyle stated, “I’m dedicated to preserving Goleta’s natural beauty and sensitive habitats. I will ensure appropriate oversight over drilling, extraction and processing of oil within the city.” Visit Kyle’s website: www.kylerichards.org.
Goleta City Council: Stuart Kasdin
Stuart Kasdin is running for Goleta City Council to offer a clear choice from the current rapid pace of development. We agree that Goletans want a new direction and endorse Kasdin to provide a rational, sustainable rate of growth that protects open space, agriculture and the environment. “I am committed to protecting and preserving Goleta’s open spaces, sensitive habitats, mountain views, and water sources,” said Kasdin. In his youth, Stuart was an Eagle Scout who went camping regularly. He has a Masters degree in agricultural and resource economics and served in the Peace Corps. He supports keeping viable agriculture in Goleta. Stuart wants to focus on transportation alternatives that help make Goleta more livable. These include pedestrian walkways, bicycle routes, and available mass transit – all ways to reduce greenhouse gases. Kasdin wants to explore the city’s building standards and irrigation practices to make us more water efficient. He supports better coordination with both the Goleta Water District and the Goleta Sanitary District to formulate plans and policies for maximum effectiveness. Finally, he wants the City Council to exercise its right to terminate Venoco’s Ellwood Onshore Facility that processes oil. Visit http://www.stuartkasdin.com for more information.
Goleta Water District: Lauren Hanson
Lauren Hanson has been an environmentalist for as long as she can remember. “I was born and raised in Hawaii,” she says, “the only state whose motto specifically speaks to our responsibility to nature. That meant something to me growing up and it means even more to me today.” The motto translates to “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” Lauren is currently the Board President of the Goleta Water District and is running for re-election as a Sierra Club-endorsed candidate with her colleagues Rick Merrifield and Bill Rosen. She was first elected to the board in 2008 at a time when there was a good deal of community discontent with the water district. In her time in office, she and her colleagues have made significant changes. “The District is now a stable, professionally run, innovative operation where sustainability is a key component of every decision,” she says. “We are preparing for a drier, warmer climate and what that may mean for all of us. I’m proud of the District’s accomplishments. I’m excited about our plans for the water security future of the Goleta Valley and I’m eager to continue playing a part in this critically important process. Thank you, Sierra Club, for supporting my re-election effort!” Learn more about Lauren Hanson at www.ReelectLaurenHanson.com.
Goleta Water District: Rick Merrifield
Rick Merrifield is uniquely qualified to serve as a Director of the Goleta Water District. Rick worked for over three decades at Santa Barbara County Public Health Department with the last seven as Director of Environmental Health. He had oversight of water systems, inspected domestic and recycled water supply systems, oversaw well construction, and interacted with the State Department of Health Services and Regional Water Quality Control Board. Rick was appointed to a GWD board vacancy in 2011 and elected in 2012. Since then he has worked proactively with other board members and management to ensure the long-term reliability of the community water supply. “Key accomplishments during my tenure include a water supply management plan, infrastructure improvement plan, establishment of a reserve fund, significant improvements to our groundwater supply program, establishment of a sustainable and flexible rate structure, improved costs controls, and a long range capital improvement plan,” said Merrifield. At a time when water quality issues are making national headlines in Flint, Michigan and elsewhere, we are fortunate to have someone with Rick Merrifield’s unique skill set serving on the Goleta Water District. The Sierra Club is proud to support Rick’s candidacy for re-election. Visit https://electrickmerrifield.wordpress.com/ for more information.
Goleta Water District: Bill Rosen
Since his 2008 election, Bill Rosen has played a significant role in repositioning the Goleta Water District as a transparent, effective and responsive utility. Bill has been responsible for restructuring the operations of the Board of Directors, supporting a conservation-based rate structure, adopting effective drought policies, and restoring sound financial footing to the agency. Bill served 5 one-year terms as GWD Board President and now serves on the board of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), the statewide public water agency advocate. ACWA believes that water use limitations may be the new normal so Bill advocates for a “secure water future” in which new sources of water, management of existing supplies, and technology will enhance water availability. Leadership – Innovation – Accomplishment: These are the objective standards of Bill’s performance. He supported modification of the District’s water allocation policy to focus on the end of the land use approval process resulting in limiting the amount of water approved for projects. Bill supported rebate and other programs to encourage water use reduction. “I appreciate receiving the Sierra Club endorsement and support once again,” said Rosen. For additional information, visit www.Electbillrosen2016.com.
Montecito Water District: Charles Newman
The drought has challenged all of our water districts, but none more than Montecito Water District. Charles Newman was appointed as a Director in July 2015 to fill a vacancy and has proved to be a hard-working, progressive member endorsed by Sierra Club. During his brief tenure, Newman is leading the District’s efforts to add recycled water to MWD’s water supply and to encourage graywater systems. He is a leading advocate for developing a long-range, strategic plan with community input so Montecito customers never again find themselves about to run dry. Perhaps it’s because of his active membership in the Community Environmental Council, but since he’s joined the Board, the District participated in Earth Day in 2016 for the first time ever and supported legislation opposing Governor Brown’s twin tunnels approach to fixing the Delta. Charles is a strong advocate for conservation which poses a unique challenge in an area with estate-size properties and homeowners who may feel entitled to have acres of lawn! “I am likely the only candidate who believes that, even without compulsion of law, MWD must always act in the most environmentally responsible manner,” said Newman. Learn more at www.NewMan4water.com.
Isla Vista Community Services District: Ethan Bertrand
“I am truly honored to have the Sierra Club endorsement,” said Ethan Bertrand. Ethan is an amazing 20-year old who arrived at Santa Barbara Community College (SBCC) a mere two years ago. He has been more involved with the Isla Vista community than people twice his age. We first met him in 2014 as a field intern for Congresswoman Lois Capps and the “Yes on Measure P” campaign to ban fracking in Santa Barbara County. While at SBCC, Ethan served as the student body’s Isla Vista Community Representative. He advocated for sustainable and affordable transportation options for Isla Vista residents. He graduated in May of 2016 at the top of his class and intends to finish his education at UCSB. Ethan is currently a Director of the Isla Vista Recreation and Park District working hard to preserve IV parks and natural open spaces. This position has also enabled him to work with the County pursuing environmentally friendly changes to the Isla Vista Master Plan and bringing reclaimed water to IV. Ethan was involved with the weekly community meetings on Isla Vista self-governance. He is a strong supporter of convening an Area Planning Commission to give residents of Isla Vista a greater voice in planning decisions within the district. Contact Ethan at ethanjbertrand@gmail.com.
Isla Vista Community Services District: Spencer Brandt
Spencer Brandt got involved with Isla Vista self-governance efforts by attending weekly meetings as a photographer for the Daily Nexus. He soon found himself participating in the discussions to make IV better through creation of a local Community Services District. Spencer also made time to volunteer on Joan Hartmann’s campaign for 3rd District Supervisor and helped to register over 6,000 voters for the June primary election. A major priority for Spencer will be to push for a fully-functioning Area Planning Commission to enable more input from Isla Vista residents on the Isla Vista Master Plan. The current plan calls for high density, population increases, and high rises. This is unsustainable and doesn’t reflect the community’s vision or discourage vehicle usage or preserve IV’s natural environmental beauty. When advised of the Sierra Club endorsement, Brandt said, “I will strive to govern with the values of the Sierra Club. Young people today are cynical about politics but they know that Sierra Club is a voice for a sustainable world and speaks for the environment.” Visit spencerbrandt.com for more information.
Isla Vista Community Services District: Fr. Jon Hedges
Jon Hedges came to attend UCSB when Lyndon Johnson was President. As Fr. Jon Hedges, he is well known and very popular for his activism in Isla Vista. He can compare the “parking issue” from his early days when students might have a beat-up VW to today’s students with Range Rovers. He understands the long-held opinion that “they (meaning the students) can’t be trusted.” While serving as a Director on the Santa Barbara Community Action Commission, he supported recycling and energy efficiency for low-income families. He has participated on panels at faith-based organizations to promote awareness of global warming. Fr. Jon supports the IV’s green culture which is not surprising when you consider that he is a Sierra Club member. He understands the global assault on nature and speaks poetically about nature’s importance to him. “As decades of rough service have passed and my soul has often been wounded by trauma, I have fled to her for healing and found her sources have never failed me,” said Hedges. Fr. Jon is about building bridges, not barriers, in Isla Vista and will be a valued member of the Community Services District. Sierra Club proudly endorses his candidacy. You can reach Fr. Jon Hedges at frhedges@stathanasius.org.