Voter’s Guide: Candidate Statements
Misplace your sample ballot? We have you covered. Here are the candidate statements for the upcoming election:
United States Representative, District 24
Also referred to as a congressman or congresswoman, each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments, and serve on committees. (Source: house.gov)
Brad Allen (R)
Occupation: Pediatric Heart Surgeon
I am running for Congress because I believe our country has lost its way.
This Administration’s policies have caused the highest inflation in 40 years, suffocated businesses with overregulation, increased crime and attacks on police, doubled gas prices, encouraged immigrants to stream across open borders, and failed our children’s education; the list of problems is endless.
As a pediatric heart surgeon, I’ve spent 40 years practicing and studying medicine, all to help people live better lives. I’m also a small business owner. As your congressman, I will take the real-life problem-solving approach I learned as a doctor and business owner to Washington, D.C. to provide real solutions, not more politics.
I want to reduce spending and cut federal regulations to lower inflation and let businesses flourish. Bring back public safety by supporting law enforcement, give parents more school choice, stop government mismanagement of COVID-19, and solve our energy shortage by increasing domestic energy production from all sources.
I will bring common sense, accountability, and real-life experience to Congress, instead of empty political talking points. I want to help end government that is too big, too intrusive, and utterly irresponsible with your money.
That is why, in this era of political evasion and posturing, I offer a written commitment that clearly states my positions, no fine print. (drbradallen.com/contract)
If you have finally had enough of career bureaucratic politicians, and want a leader that brings real-life commonsense solutions, then I humbly ask for your vote.
For more information, please visit drbradallen.com. Thank you.
Salud Carbajal (D)
Occupation: Member of Congress
I’m Salud Carbajal, and as your Representative in Congress, I have continued to advance our Central Coast priorities and deliver for our communities.
I grew up in Ventura County, where my father worked as a farmworker. I attended UCSB while working two jobs to become the first in my family to graduate from a university. I proudly served in the Marine Corps Reserves and as a Santa Barbara County Supervisor. My wife, Gina, and I raised our family here, and now our grandchildren are growing up in this community.
In Congress, I’ve focused on solving challenges facing Central Coast families by passing laws that will curb inflation, lower your costs, and create good-paying jobs. I’ve worked to bring home million-dollar investments to expand access to public transit, high-speed internet, and clean drinking water.
I’m proud to have spearheaded efforts to bring long overdue reforms to gun safety laws, expand veterans’ health benefits, and reduce the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs. I’m fighting for climate solutions that will tackle wildfire and drought responses. And I will always protect reproductive rights and marriage equality.
I would be honored to continue working for you in Congress. For more information, please visit SaludCarbajal.com.
I kindly ask for your vote. Thank you.
Member of the State Assembly, District 37
The California State Assembly is the lower chamber of the California State Legislature. Alongside the California State Senate, it forms the legislative branch of the California state government and works alongside the governor of California to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the California State Assembly include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes. (Source: Ballotpedia)
Gregg Hart (D)
Occupation: Santa Barbara County Supervisor
Gregg Hart is a Santa Barbara County Supervisor, representing the 2nd Supervisorial District. He grew up in Santa Barbara, attended local public schools, and graduated from SBCC and UCSB.
Gregg Hart began his professional career as a legislative assistant for State Assemblymember Jack O’Connell and went on to become the original manager of the Santa Barbara County Association of Government’s (SBCAG) Traffic Solutions program, promoting local green and sustainable transportation options. Later, he served as the Deputy Executive Director for SBCAG, supporting regional efforts to widen the 101 freeway and improve bus and passenger rail service throughout Santa Barbara County.
For more than 20 years, Gregg Hart owned and operated Transitions Preschool, a local, family business dedicated to early-childhood education and quality childcare. Starting in 1995, Gregg was elected to four terms on the Santa Barbara City Council. In 2018, he won a seat on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. He has served the Santa Barbara community for more than 30 years – as a Planning Commissioner, City Council Member, California Coastal Commissioner, and presently as the 2nd District County Supervisor.
As an Assemblymember, Gregg Hart will put the needs of Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County front and center in Sacramento. Gregg’s top legislative priorities will be to focus on equity, criminal justice reform, environmental protections, education, economic opportunity, and practical initiatives to tackle homelessness and the affordable housing crisis.
Mike Stoker (R)
Occupation: Small Businessman
California is headed down the wrong track. Inflation is at a 40-year high; housing, gas, and groceries are too expensive; and wages have remained flat for too many. All the while, career politicians continue to attack Prop 13 taxpayer protections and push pro-criminal policies that cut funding for law enforcement.
These politicians are taking California in the wrong direction for parents, law enforcement, small businesses, farmers, and taxpayers. They’re even pushing policies that make water and energy a scarcity.
It’s time for a new direction for California!
For 40 years, I have lived, worked, and raised a family right here on the Central Coast. In addition to owning and operating my own small business, I have always answered the call for public service when asked by Presidents or Governors. As a former County Supervisor, Deputy Secretary of State, Chair of the Agriculture Labor Relations Board and Southwest Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, I have stepped up to the plate and got the job done.
Like any California small business owner, I have never been one to run away from a challenge. As your next Assemblyman, I’ll bring the same small business mentality to Sacramento to tackle California’s issues head-on.
The question for you in this election couldn’t be simpler. If you think inflation is bad and California is headed in the wrong direction we need a proven leader, not a career politician. Join me as we chart a new course for California. Please visit StokerforAssembly.com to learn more.
County Board of Education, Trustee Area 1
(2 Candidates, 1 Seat)
The majority of California’s county offices of education are governed by a locally elected county board of education and operated by a locally elected, non-voting, county superintendent. In accordance with the California Education Code and other regulations, the Santa Barbara County Board of Education sets SBCEO board policy, approves the SBCEO budget, approves the SBCEO Local Control and Accountability Plan, and serves as an appeals board for inter-district transfer requests, student expulsions, and charter school applications. The local SBCEO is one of 58 county offices in California. (Source: sbceo.org and theccbe.org; edited for clarity and space)
Marybeth Carty
Occupation: Executive Director, Natalie Orfalea Foundation
I am running for reelection on the Santa Barbara County Board of Education, on which I have proudly served since 2013. I firmly believe that public education is the cornerstone of democracy; along with upholding the right of everyone to receive a free K-12 education in our nation, the responsibility falls to elected school board officials to ensure that the schools in the communities in which we serve are prepared to meet the diverse needs of all students. This includes providing the necessary support for students, teachers, and districts while recognizing the disparate needs that surface between districts, and working collaboratively to address sustainable solutions.
I am a 45-year resident of Carpinteria where my husband and I raised our two children. We now get to enjoy watching our two grandchildren grow just several doors away. I have dedicated my adult life to the pursuit of community strengthening, with a child-centered focus. I have worked to support the nonprofit sector for over 20 years, currently serve as the Executive Director of the Natalie Orfalea Foundation and held a management position in corporate philanthropy for 15 years prior. I administered and directed educational programs in the Carpinteria Unified School District for 10 years and have volunteered in Santa Barbara County schools for over 40 years. I attended UCSB and Antioch University and earned a BA in Psychology, and serve on numerous nonprofit boards that support youth, education, community action, and coalition building. Public education is transformational, and I am committed to the task of continuous improvement in our system. www.Marybethcarty.net
Rosanne Crawford
Occupation: Former Radiation Protection Specialist State of Ca Dept of Health Services
I am invested in our community with grown children and young grandchildren.
I will bring fresh ideas and positive change to our struggling schools. We must do better. The Santa Barbara public schools have failed our students, particularly the most challenged.
The test scores show a lack of consistency in results with some schools above the state average and most below average in both English and math.
A deficiency our Grand Jury noted was the lack of any standardized testing between our schools. This needs to change. We need better tools to evaluate learning to choose effective programs. The foundation for success in education is English and math.
I will work to bring the focus back to basics. Literacy is key.
Entry level, vocational jobs and higher education all require good skills in these areas.
My diverse background and professional career which included teaching as well as owning a small educationally focused business for 30 years allows me to be effective with all educational backgrounds and cultures.
For more information and some articles I have written on education visit RC4schools.com.
Please vote for Rosanne Crawford on or before November 8th for Santa Barbara County Board of Education Trustee Area 1. savesbschools@gmail.com
Santa Barbara Community College District,
Trustee Area 1
(2 Candidates, 1 Seat)
Board members directly represent the people of the SBCC District (Carpinteria to Goleta) in determining board general policies and making decisions, which govern the total operations of the entire District and Santa Barbara City College.
The seven members of the Santa Barbara Community College District Board of Trustees are elected by District voters for four-year terms and represent areas within the District.
Debi Stoker
Occupation: Mother/Small Businesswoman
My name is Debi Stoker. I am a mother and small businesswoman, and I want to be your next Trustee on the Santa Barbara City College Board of Trustees.
The discord I have seen at City College over the past several years has led me to stand up and run for Trustee.
The current administration put the interests of school bureaucrats and the unions over the interests of our local students. They have adopted policies that give preference to foreign exchange students before our local students. This is so wrong.
At one time our City College and its library was the gem of the community college system nationwide. Today, shamefully it has fallen in the ranks. With your help, we will restore our City College to the level it once was.
Recently my daughter graduated from City College with unfulfilled promises. My son, a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, is currently enrolled for fall term to finish his education and advance his career.
I may not be able to change things in time to help my son, but we can make positive changes that will benefit the next generation of local City College students.
I am Debi Stoker, and I would be honored to have your support.
Charlotte Gullap-Moore
Occupation: Nurse Practitioner/Professor
I am running for Santa Barbara City College Board Trustee District #1 because through my professional and volunteer experience, I have learned the kind of leadership and advocacy skills that will help us take SBCC into a new generation. As Trustee, I will support sustainable policies and ensure equitable access for all students. I want to foster a community college that supports our students and meets their needs as they come through our system.
I am a product of a community college, subsequently transferring and receiving a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and recently a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of San Francisco. As a member of our nation’s largest and most trusted healthcare profession, I have over two decades in the workforce as a Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, entrepreneur, and faculty at California State University – Channel Islands.
I am proud of my public service and have represented several nonprofits and non-partisan organizations, advocated for legislative bills at the state and federal levels, and annually allocated thousands of dollars of block grant federal funds. As a nurse, I will bring an empathetic ear and an experienced eye to all decisions on campus and in the community and would be honored to have your vote as SBCC Board Trustee. www.voteyes4moore.com
Santa Barbara Unified School District, Trustee Area 1
(3 Candidates, 1 Seat)
The Board of Education is the educational policy-making body for the District. To effectively meet the District’s challenges, the Board and Superintendent must function together as a leadership team. To ensure unity among team members, effective operating procedures, or protocols, must be in place. There are general protocols and those that are specific for the Board and for the Superintendent.
In 2018, Santa Barbara Unified School District voted to transition from at-large elections to trustee-area elections in accordance with the California Voting Rights Act. The act took effect on January 1, 2003. It prohibits the use of “at-large” elections when such an election system: “imparts the ability of a protected class to elect candidates of its choice or its ability to influence the outcome of an election….” (Elections Code 14027) (Source: sbunified.org)
Efigenia Banales
Occupation:Retired Educator
Hello, my name is Efigenia Banales. I’ve been a resident of S.B. over 30 years. I have worked at the elementary and secondary levels as an educator, as well as worked to support school administration for the SBUSD for 25 years.
It’s imperative that children get the best education possible in order to ensure a successful future. Santa Barbara Unified School District deserves a balanced and strong leadership who understand the needs of all students.
I want to work with educators to develop a dynamic and robust curriculum to enhance the skills students receive in our district which will have real world impact on their success post-graduation.
I’m highly motivated to continue supporting our children, our future generations with the participation and support of their parents, district personnel, and community.
Let’s set the bar high as one of the steps to grow into people. Let’s work together, let’s work as a team.
Gabe Escobedo
Occupation: Student Affairs Professional
I am a proud public servant and committed to the students of Santa Barbara. As a first-generation college graduate, I know how precious a good education can be. I worked hard – earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees – and have spent the last decade of my career working in higher education supporting hundreds of students every academic year. I understand the challenges students face and know what it takes to help our students achieve: increase literacy and parental involvement while ensuring our District’s stable fiscal future.
Understanding government is the key to effective change, and I understand local government. I currently serve the City of Santa Barbara as the Chair of the Planning Commission and recently as the Chair of the Community Formation Commission. Through my work, I have been an effective leader who asks tough questions, demands answers, and understands how to build coalitions to accomplish the change we need.
I know and care for District 1, it’s a vital area of Santa Barbara that deserves a dedicated community advocate. I will bring forward-thinking leadership and will fight for first-rate quality at every level of our district. That’s why I’m running for school board and I ask for your vote.
Dan La Berge
There was no Candidate Statement filed. The following is sourced from LinkedIn.
Dan La Berge is the Executive Director of Mothers’ Helpers. A seasoned organizational leader with experience in small business and nonprofit management. Demonstrated ability to identify effective solutions to intractable problems, turn around struggling organizations, and tactically deploy limited resources to achieve substantive outcomes. Most effective in teams of talented individuals in mission-driven organizations.
Cold Spring School District, Governing Board Member
(4 Candidates, 3 seats)
Cold Spring School is a TK-6 public school that serves approximately 194 students in a small classroom setting. The Cold Spring School District Governing Board meets on the second Monday of each month in the school auditorium at 6 pm, unless otherwise noted. General session meetings are open for public attendance.
Jennifer Miller
Occupation: Incumbent
Jennifer Miller currently serves as Vice President on the Board of Trustees for Cold Spring School. Prior to this, Jennifer Miller Cold Spring School served as President of the Board of Trustees for four years.
As a volunteer, she believes in the goal of the Cold Spring School Board Mission Statement which is “to provide a quality educational program in a secure family atmosphere, which fosters a balance of academic achievement, healthy personal development, social and environmental responsibility, and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.”
Her passion for quality education derives from the personal experience of having three children, each with different learning styles and learning needs.
jennifermillercoldspringschool.com
Elda “Elke” Kane
Occupation: Attorney and CSS Parent
I am a current Cold Spring School parent, attorney, and long-time advocate of quality education, with a deep understanding of how important a school board is to a healthy community. For five years, I have had the privilege of supporting our school through the many, unprecedented challenges the District has navigated. I have embraced leadership opportunities as a CSS Foundation officer, Parent Club member, and classroom volunteer. My commitment to education extends beyond our district boundaries, through pro bono work with nonprofit organizations and as Secretary of the Santa Barbara Education Foundation.
Cold Spring is one of California’s highest performing districts, which has strengthened our community, benefited our children, and led to increased property values year over year. Effective leadership, transparent communication, and creative and collaborative solutions that focus on the students will continue to be essential as CSS implements state mandated Universal Transitional Kindergarten and Universal Meals, while addressing increasing enrollment and aging infrastructure.
Please join parents, teachers, and community members in supporting me, Elke Kane, for Cold Spring School Board.
Erika P. Kellis
I have been a parent at Cold Spring School since 2018. I am running for the school board because I think some people have allowed a culture of conflict to damage the community and have demonstrated that they are blind to the financial state of the district and the concerns of their constituents.
As a Board member I will have the courage to represent the voices of the parents, staff, and community members who don’t feel safe with or represented by the current leadership, and I will hold the administration accountable for every dollar that they plan to spend. I believe it is a conflict of interest to have the Chief Business Officer also serving as Legal Counsel, so I will push to get independent legal counsel for the District to ensure that the District operates legally and ethically.
As a Latina mother, I think the District should be teaching Spanish to help our children thrive. My professional background is as a financial auditor in Peru; this coupled with my experience in Early Childhood Education in California will serve the district as it embarks on tackling the challenges of the coming years.
Michael Marino
Michael Marino is an incumbent candidate and the current Board President of the Cold Spring School District. There was no official Candidate Statement filed. According to LinkedIn, Marino is the Managing Director of Marino Legal CLE since 2009.
Montecito Fire Protection District, Director
(3 Candidates, 2 Seats)
The Montecito Fire Protection District is a progressive organization committed to the protection of people, property, and the environment. As part of the community, they exist to provide professional and timely service through preparation for, response to, and recovery from emergencies. The Board of Directors is responsible for governing the Montecito Fire Protection District. The Board currently consists of five Members, each of which serves a four-year term. (Source: montecitofire.com)
Stephen J Dougherty
Occupation: Rescue Member, Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue
The job of this board is to work with Montecito’s Fire Department to help set budget priorities and steer resources so that the agency can provide the best possible emergency services to all Montecito residents.
I have been a full-time resident of Montecito for the last 17 years. I previously served on the Executive Committee of the Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club and currently serve on the Board of Directors of Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. Prior to that I held senior marketing positions at technology companies like Apple Computer.
I am the candidate best qualified to serve on the Board because of my previous background in technology and communications, and my experience with Search and Rescue.
Over the next few years, emergency services in our community will be facing a series of important technology and communications transitions: a new countywide dispatching system, new digital radio communications, technology-based evacuation planning, and more. Electing someone to the board with strong technical, communications, and emergency response backgrounds will be critical to Montecito Fire navigating these transitions.
We in Montecito are fortunate to have a staff of highly trained and dedicated professionals protecting us. I would be honored to receive your vote for Montecito Fire Protection District Board of Directors.
Susan Keller
Occupation: Artistic Director/Attorney
I am a graduate of Stanford University and UCLA School of Law. I have lived in Montecito with my family for 28 years, and I have been deeply involved in the community for my entire residency. I served on the Montecito Association for almost 10 years, and I chaired the land use committee. From 2012 to 2016 I served on the Montecito Fire Protection District Board, and since 2016 I have been a Montecito Planning Commissioner. I wish to return to the Fire Board to use my knowledge of and experience with local concerns, planning, and public safety to benefit the entire community.
Peter van Duinwyk
Peter van Duinwyk is an incumbent candidate and the current Vice President of the Montecito Fire Protection District Board of Directors. There was no official Candidate Statement filed, however our endorsement for Van Duinwyk can be found on page 25.
State Measures Submitted to the Voters
Proposition 1
Constitutional right to reproductive freedom. Legislative constitutional amendment.
Amends California Constitution to expressly include an individual’s fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which includes the fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives. This amendment does not narrow or limit the existing rights to privacy and equal protection under the California Constitution.
Fiscal Impact: No direct fiscal effect because reproductive rights already are protected by state law.
Proposition 26
Allows in-person roulette, dice games, sports wagering on tribal lands. Initiative constitutional amendment and statute.
Also allows: sports wagering at certain horseracing tracks; private lawsuits to enforce certain gambling laws. Directs revenues to General Fund, problem-gambling programs, enforcement.
Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues, possibly reaching tens of millions of dollars annually. Some of these revenues would support increased state regulatory and enforcement costs that could reach the low tens of millions of dollars annually.
Proposition 27
Allows online and mobile sports wagering outside tribal lands. Initiative constitutional amendment and statute.
Allows Indian tribes and affiliated businesses to operate online/mobile sports wagering outside tribal lands. Directs revenues to regulatory costs, homelessness programs, nonparticipating tribes.
Fiscal Impact: Increased state revenues, possibly in the hundreds of millions of dollars but not likely to exceed $500 million annually. Some revenues would support state regulatory costs, possibly reaching the mid-tens of millions of dollars annually.
Proposition 28
Provides additional funding for arts and music education in public schools. Initiative statute.
Provides additional funding from state General Fund for arts and music education in all K-12 public schools (including charter schools).
Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs of about $1 billion annually, beginning next year, for arts education in public schools.
Proposition 29
Requires on-site licensed medical professional at kidney dialysis clinics and establishes other state requirements. Initiative statute.
Requires physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on site during treatment. Requires clinics to: disclose physicians’ ownership interests; report infection data.
Fiscal Impact: Increased state and local government costs likely in the tens of millions of dollars annually.
Proposition 30
Provides funding for programs to reduce air pollution and prevent wildfires by increasing tax on personal income over $2 million. Initiative statute.
Allocates tax revenues to zero-emission vehicle purchase incentives, vehicle charging stations, and wildfire prevention.
Fiscal Impact: Increased state tax revenue ranging from $3.5 billion to $5 billion annually, with the new funding used to support zero-emission vehicle programs and wildfire response and prevention activities.
Proposition 31
Referendum on 2020 law that would prohibit the retail sale of certain flavored tobacco products.
A “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, a 2020 law prohibiting retail sale of certain flavored tobacco products.
Fiscal Impact: Decreased state tobacco tax revenues ranging from tens of millions of dollars annually to around $100 million annually.
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