Diana Perez

for Mayor

For the past ten years, Diana Perez has served on the Santa Maria Joint Union High Schools Board, most recently as president. She plans to use data-driven solutions to tackle issues like the high cost of living as Mayor. Diana aims to pass an ordinance making housing applications free, arguing that current fees exploit those seeking homes. Diana’s honesty and expertise make her the right choice for Mayor.

Maria Salguero

for Santa Maria City Council, District 1

Maria Salguero, a first-generation high school and college graduate from Santa Maria, is currently an attorney at the Immigration Legal Defense Center and Board President for Partners in Housing Solutions. She is running for City Council to tackle issues such as unaffordable housing and to improve wages. If elected, Maria plans to invest in various types of housing and increase apartment availability. As the daughter of an agriculture worker, she strongly supports local farmworkers’ efforts for a living wage.

Benjamin Ortiz

for Santa Maria City Council, District 2

Benjamin Ortiz, born and raised in Santa Maria, studied city planning in college and worked as a software engineer for ten years before returning to engage in local campaigns. Troubled by local leader’s decisions that did not serve the community’s interests, he decided to run for local government. Benjamin advocates for rent control, eviction protections, and increasing affordable housing, including duplexes and single-person units. He also supports creating a Renters Board for various housing issues and is committed to livable wages and environmental justice in Santa Maria.

James Rymel

for Santa Maria-Bonita Elementary School District, Trustee Area 3

James Rymel, raised in Yuba County and educated at Cal Poly, has spent over 20 years in Santa Maria. With a background in agriculture and tutoring, he believes in education’s transformative power. Committed to expanding student opportunities, James plans to introduce dual language immersion, enhance mental health services and awareness, improve communication between parents and staff, and regulate pesticide use near schools and homes. If elected, he will also increase mental health programs and counselors to support students.

Ricardo Valencia

for Santa Maria-Bonita Elementary School District, Trustee Area 4

Since December 2020, Ricardo Valencia has been a member of the Bonita School Board and is seeking reelection. Before joining the board, he gained experience in student government at UC Berkeley, where he served as a senator for a progressive party. Ricardo’s alignment with the core values of CAUSE Action is reflected in his proven track record.

Alma Hernandez

for Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, Trustee Area 3

Alma Hernandez, a Santa Maria resident for over 30 years, began her career in Guadalupe, aiding parents with children facing educational challenges. Having experienced a learning disability herself, Alma aims to ensure all students can reach their potential. She advocates for welcoming schools with mental health programs and measures against bullying. As a Guadalupe resident, she has proposed building a new high school nearby and is dedicated to enhancing communication between parents and the School Board to address educational issues.

Gregg Hart

for State Assembly District 37

Gregg Hart currently serves as Assemblymember for District 37. Prior to joining the State Assembly, Gregg Hart served on the Santa Barbara City Council and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, where he was a strong voice for affordable housing, renters rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. As an assemblymember, he has been fighting to increase funding for public education, preparing communities for climate emergencies, and cleaning up pollution to improve the health of all Californians.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Measure H

This measure proposes establishing a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for tourists staying in hotels or other accommodations within the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. The tax rate would rise from 12% to 14%, potentially generating an additional $2.9 million in revenue. The County plans to use this increased revenue to address a projected budget shortfall.

Wendy Santamaria

for City Council, District 1

Wendy Santamaria, a past organizer of CAUSE Action, is seeking the 1st District Santa Barbara City Council seat. As an organizer working with families in the Eastside of Santa Barbara and active member of the Santa Barbara Tenants Union, Wendy has the expertise to implement effective policies for rent stabilization and tenant protection. As a current labor organizer with AFSCME Local 3299, Wendy understands the need to uplift workers and provide the necessary safety nets for families to survive in our local economy.

Oscar Gutierrez

for City Council, District 3

Oscar Gutierrez, born and raised in Santa Barbara, is seeking reelection to the City Council. He believes that bold measures such as rent stabilization and tenant protections are crucial for working families and community resilience. Having collaborated with CAUSE Action Leaders for over three years, Oscar is recognized for his advocacy, values, and commitment to enhancing tenant protections.

Sunita Beall

for Santa Barbara Unified School District, Area 2

The CAUSE Action Board is proud to endorse Sunita Beal, a dedicated parent who is committed to supporting teachers and English learners. Appointed to the board early last year, Sunita has consistently demonstrated her alignment with our values. Her proven track record highlights her dedication to enhancing parent engagement, supporting English learner students, creating college pathways for all students, and ensuring fair treatment for teachers and campus staff.

Bill Banning

for Santa Barbara Unified School District, Area 3

The CAUSE Action Board is pleased to endorse Bill Banning, a retired superintendent dedicated to academic equity, mental health, and student well-being. His proven track record aligns with our values, including enhancing parent engagement, supporting English learner students, creating college pathways for all students, and ensuring fair treatment for teachers and campus staff.

Celeste Kafri

Santa Barbara Unified School District, Area 5

The CAUSE Action Board is proud to endorse Celeste Kafri, who has successfully led Goleta parents in advocating for evidence-based methods to improve student reading levels. Her track record aligns with our values, including enhancing parent engagement, supporting English learner students, creating pathways to college for all students, and ensuring fair treatment for teachers and campus staff.

Gregg Hart

for State Assembly District 37

Gregg Hart currently serves as Assemblymember for District 37. Prior to joining the State Assembly, Gregg Hart served on the Santa Barbara City Council and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, where he was a strong voice for affordable housing, renters rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. As an assemblymember, he has been fighting to increase funding for public education, preparing communities for climate emergencies, and cleaning up pollution to improve the health of all Californians.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Measure H

This measure proposes establishing a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for tourists staying in hotels or other accommodations within the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. The tax rate would rise from 12% to 14%, potentially generating an additional $2.9 million in revenue. The County plans to use this increased revenue to address a projected budget shortfall.

Measure I

This measure proposes a half-cent increase in the City of Santa Barbara’s existing sales tax, raising the rate to 9.25%. The increase is expected to generate over $15.6 million annually. The City Council has put this measure on the ballot to address anticipated budget shortfalls, particularly following a $7.1 million shortfall this year. While further advocacy is needed, some of the additional funds could be allocated to services such as tenant protections, homelessness support, and affordable housing initiatives.

Paula Perotte

for Goleta Mayor

Paula Perotte has been a member of the Goleta City Council since 2010. Before entering politics, she dedicated herself to child-focused initiatives, working with the Community Action Commission, serving on the First 5 board, and volunteering with various PTA committees. She enjoys the backing of progressive leaders, institutions, and unions, and aligns with the values of CAUSE Action.

Jennifer Smith

for Goleta City Council District 3

CAUSE Action staff and leaders have collaborated with Jennifer Smith for several years in her role as Executive Director of the Legal Aid Foundation. Her team has been an essential partner in our efforts, especially concerning renter protections in Santa Barbara. Housing affordability remains a central focus of her campaign.

Gregg Hart

for State Assembly District 37

Gregg Hart currently serves as Assemblymember for District 37. Prior to joining the State Assembly, Gregg Hart served on the Santa Barbara City Council and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, where he was a strong voice for affordable housing, renters rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. As an Assemblymember, he has been fighting to increase funding for public education, preparing communities for climate emergencies, and cleaning up pollution to improve the health of all Californians.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Measure H

This measure proposes establishing a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for tourists staying in hotels or other accommodations within the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. The tax rate would rise from 12% to 14%, potentially generating an additional $2.9 million in revenue. The County plans to use this increased revenue to address a projected budget shortfall.

Ryyn Schumacher

for Ventura City Council, District 3

Ryyn Schumacher is running for Ventura City Council District 3, advocating for affordable housing, tenant rights, and environmental justice on the Westside. If elected, he will focus on strong tenant protections and housing initiatives. With a background in public health, Ryyn opposes the SoCalGas expansion project for community safety and aims to support marginalized communities in finding affordable, safe housing.

Sabrena Rodriguez

Ventura City Unified School District, Area 2

Sabrena Rodriguez, currently serving on the Ventura Unified School District Board of Trustees, has enhanced student resources by expanding mental health services, introducing Art & Music programs, and creating two TK-8 schools. Her dedication to improving education aligns with CAUSE Action’s values, making her a strong candidate for VUSD Board of Trustee Area 2.

Shannon Trani Frederick

for Ventura City Unified School District, Area 3

Shannon Fredericks, a teacher at Oxnard Elementary School District for 23 years and a parent of two, is running for School Board Trustee. She aims to enhance parent engagement, support struggling students, and expand on-site mental health resources. Shannon is also open to providing mental health services to parents. Her priorities include improving parent engagement, addressing housing insecurity, and supporting underserved youth to ensure student success and retention.

Steve Bennett

for State Assembly District 38

Steve Bennett currently serves as Assemblymember for District 38. Steve began his career as an economics teacher and then served on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, where he worked to stop pollution and promote a healthy environment, reform campaign laws to get money out of politics, and expand resources for farmworkers. As an Assemblymember, he has been a strong voice for immigrant rights, environmental health, and working families.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Oscar Madrigal

for Oxnard City Council District 3

Oscar Madrigal, currently on the Oxnard City Council, is seeking reelection. His values and actions, particularly regarding tenant protections and affordable housing initiatives like inclusionary housing, align with CAUSE Action’s priorities. Given his strong track record, we are excited to endorse him in this crucial election.

Gabriela Rodriguez

for Oxnard City Council District 4

Gabriela Rodriguez is running for the Oxnard City Council with a strong focus on housing and economic development. Her proven track record and endorsement interview with CAUSE Action Leaders confirm that she aligns with our values. If elected, Gabriela is dedicated to tackling housing challenges, enhancing extracurricular opportunities for youth, and improving affordability in Oxnard. She is also a staunch advocate for small businesses and will prioritize their needs.

Michaela Perez

for Oxnard City Council District 6

Michaela Perez is committed to improving affordable housing, public safety, and environmental sustainability in Oxnard’s District 6. If elected, she will enhance economic mobility by investing in professional development and skills training, while working to streamline permitting processes and update ordinances to support small businesses. She will focus on comprehensive public safety and protecting the district from environmental hazards. Additionally, Michaela aims to boost green jobs and prepare the community for the future. In her current role on the Ventura County Climate Emergency Council, she tackles climate justice and if elected she will continue this work by seeking funding from the Inflation Reduction Act for electric vehicles, offshore wind, and solar projects.

Steve Bennett

for State Assembly District 38

Steve Bennett currently serves as Assemblymember for District 38. Steve began his career as an economics teacher and then served on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, where he worked to stop pollution and promote a healthy environment, reform campaign laws to get money out of politics, and expand resources for farmworkers. As an Assemblymember, he has been a strong voice for immigrant rights, environmental health, and working families.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Measure E

CAUSE Action recommends supporting Measure E, a $257 million bond proposed by OUHSD. This measure aims to renovate current school facilities and fund workforce housing, a pioneering initiative for our region. Importantly, Measure E will extend the existing tax rate of $47.69 per $100,000 of property value for all District Bonds, meaning residents in the OUHSD districts will not face any new taxes.

Christina Eilar

for Santa Paula City Council District 5

Christina Eilar, a lifelong Santa Paula resident with Mexican-American farmworker roots, has seen the shortage of affordable housing and educational opportunities firsthand. She is running for office to ensure representation from someone who understands the community. Her priorities include preventing displacement, creating well-paying job opportunities, and promoting clean energy, water conservation, and sustainable growth. Leaders are enthusiastic about Christina’s commitment to renter protections and worker priorities, as well as her active engagement with the community.

Nathan Ramos

for Santa Paula Union School District 4

Nathan Ramos, a long-time Santa Paula resident and graduate of Santa Paula High School and CSUCI, is running for school board to enhance the SPUSD student experience. He aims to improve classroom infrastructure, implement ethnic studies, and boost bilingual and culturally relevant counseling. He also plans to address student burnout with more social and service programs. In interviews on August 27th, CAUSE Action adult and youth leaders praised Nathan for his well-prepared plans to improve mental health, climate resilience, parent engagement, and educational opportunities.

Steve Bennett

for State Assembly District 38

Steve Bennett currently serves as Assemblymember for District 38. Steve began his career as an economics teacher and then served on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, where he worked to stop pollution and promote a healthy environment, reform campaign laws to get money out of politics, and expand resources for farmworkers. As an Assemblymember, he has been a strong voice for immigrant rights, environmental health, and working families.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Measure R

This measure proposes a 1-cent increase in the sales tax, raising it to 9.2%, to generate $4.5 million annually until voters decide otherwise. The additional revenue would support various services, including faster street and pothole repairs, sinkhole prevention, sidewalk repairs, 911 response maintenance, local business retention, public area cleanup, storm drain upkeep, clean drinking water sources, and youth programs. The measure would also mandate audits and public spending transparency. While the city already has a long-term plan for infrastructure repairs and maintenance, Measure R would provide the necessary funding and potentially speed up the process.

Gregg Hart

for State Assembly District 37

Gregg Hart currently serves as Assemblymember for District 37. Prior to joining the State Assembly, Gregg Hart served on the Santa Barbara City Council and the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors, where he was a strong voice for affordable housing, renters rights, criminal justice reform, and immigrant rights. As an Assemblymember, he has been fighting to increase funding for public education, preparing communities for climate emergencies, and cleaning up pollution to improve the health of all Californians.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Measure H

This measure proposes establishing a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for tourists staying in hotels or other accommodations within the unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. The tax rate would rise from 12% to 14%, potentially generating an additional $2.9 million in revenue. The County plans to use this increased revenue to address a projected budget shortfall.

Christina Villaseñor

for Fillmore City Council District 5

Christina Villaseñor is currently a member of the Fillmore City Council, seeking reelection. With a Master’s in Public Health, she is dedicated to leveraging public policies to enhance health outcomes. Before entering office, Christina spent four years at the Latino Issues Forum, a statewide public policy and advocacy organization, followed by 11 years at the LA County Department of Public Health — six of those years as a member of SEIU Local 721 and five years in management. Despite facing opposition from a conservative council majority, Christina has been a dedicated advocate for increasing affordable housing in Fillmore. As a mother who supports her daughter’s local sports activities and a board member of One Step a la Vez, she is a committed supporter of youth programs. She is also passionate about advancing renewable energy initiatives for the city.

Steve Bennett

for State Assembly District 38

Steve Bennett currently serves as Assemblymember for District 38. Steve began his career as an economics teacher and then served on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, where he worked to stop pollution and promote a healthy environment, reform campaign laws to get money out of politics, and expand resources for farmworkers. As an Assemblymember, he has been a strong voice for immigrant rights, environmental health, and working families.

Monique Limón

for State Senate District 19

Monique Limón currently serves as State Senator for District 19. Prior to joining the State Senate, Monique served as the Assemblymember for District 37 from 2016-2020. Throughout her tenure as a state legislator she has worked to advance women’s issues, affordable housing and tenants rights, and helped put a stop to corporate polluters in disadvantaged communities. In 2022, Monique was named an Environmental Justice Champion by the California Environmental Justice Alliance. As a State Senator, she will be a strong voice for environmental justice, affordable housing, and women’s rights.

Yes on Prop 2 – Education Bond: Approves $10 billion in bond financing for aging educational facilities and constructs new facilities at public K-12 schools and community colleges.

Yes on Prop 3 – Marriage Equality: Will allow for marriage in California to be legally recognized between two individuals regardless of gender.

Yes on Prop 4 – Climate Bond: Approve $10 billion in bond funds for a variety of climate infrastructure projects including drinking water, drought and flood preparedness, wildfire resilience, sea level rise protections, biodiversity and clean air.

Yes on Prop 5 – Voter Approval for Affordable Housing: Will allow for local bond measures for affordable housing and public infrastructure to pass with 55% of the vote.

Yes on Prop 6 – Removing Slavery from CA Constitution: Will remove involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime from the California state constitution.

Yes on Prop 32 – Raising the Minimum Wage: Increase the state minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026 for all employers and thereafter annually increase by cost of living adjustment.

Yes on Prop 33 – Allow Local Rent Control Expansion: Will allow for cities and counties to pass local rent control to limit annual rent increases and to expand protections to rental homes and condominiums.

No on Prop 34 – Healthcare Provider Spending Limits: A no vote will oppose the initiative to place limits on how healthcare providers spend revenues from the federal discount prescription drug program.

Yes on Prop 35 – Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal: Will expand the current tax used for Medi-Cal programs to be permanent before it expires in 2026.

No on Prop 36 – Increased Drug and Theft Sentencing: A no vote would keep Prop 47, a criminal justice reform passed by voters in 2014 to reclassify nonviolent drug and theft crimes from felonies to misdemeanors.