Delaine Eastin, Gubernatorial Candidate, Makes Education a Priority

By Phyllis DeBois, March 26, 2018

Delaine Eastin, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction 1995–2003, is the first non-millionaire female running for governor of California.

Eastin spoke with gusto and a sense of humor at the Progressive Democrats of Benicia meeting on March 13, 2018.  She is an intelligent, energetic politician, and a non-corporate funded candidate who is authentic and progressive.

When asked what she wanted people to mostly remember about her talk, Eastin said her comments about education. Her blue-collar family made education a priority and she views this opportunity a gift that gave her a sense of optimism, understanding, and confidence to make choices that would shape her destiny and change her life. Delaine Eastin wants this opportunity for every child and has made education a foundational issue of her campaign.

She states that California is now the 41st state in per pupil spending and the 1st state in per prisoner expenditure. Since 1985 California has built 13 colleges and universities and 23 prisons. Delaine said this is a waste of human resources and tax dollars, and the school to prison pipeline, a reality for some, she is determined to change. She believes that educational opportunities can reduce crime and incarceration and that it can boost economic development. It makes sense and it is the right thing to do.

Delaine describes herself as the candidate with the courage, vision, and heart to do the job. She said other politicians might tell you what you want to hear but don’t have the heart, courage, and vision to do it. Delaine said she has all three: she sees the big picture, has the courage to make the tough choices that will make a difference, and the heart to govern for all people including those at the margins.

In addition to education and prison reform, Delaine Eastin also wants to implement affordable housing, health care for all, and gun control. She will work towards banning fracking, closing the prop 13 corporate tax loophole, writing a long-range plan for California, addressing climate change, plus a myriad of other goals. Though Eastin has made education her foundational issue the environment, economy, crime prevention, and health care are also important issues to her.

Delaine Eastin’s resume includes extensive work in government as California’s first woman Superintendent of Public Instruction, as state assemblywoman 1986-1994 for districts 18 & 20, and councilwoman for Union City 1980-1986. She was a corporate strategic planner for Pacific Telephone and a professor at community colleges and Mills College.

During her various careers, Delaine Eastin has honed a hands-on approach to problem solving: first consulting with the staff to identify the problem, building consensus and working together to find answers and resolve obstacles, and implementing solutions. She is an energetic leader doing as she says a “full-court press” and claims to have a brass backbone. “Speak the truth even if your voice shakes.” is a Maggie Kuhn‘s quote that Delaine Eastin follows even when it is difficult.

To learn more about Delaine Eastin go to:
https://www.delaineforgovernor.com/meetdelaine

Delaine Eastin’s Democratic primary challengers are Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Treasurer John Chiang, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Amanda Renteria a former aide to Senator Feinstein. Republican primary candidates are Assemblyman Travis Allen and businessman John Cox.

The Progressive Democrats of Benicia will meet April 10th, at 7 p.m., in the Benicia Public Library when California State Senator Kevin de Le’on will speak about his campaign for U.S. Senate.

Benicia March for Our Lives – Saturday, March 24, 2018 #NEVERAGAIN

Remembering lives lost in Parkland, Florida … and calling for sensible national gun control

On March 24, 2018, a March for Our Lives will be held in Benicia, California.  The community is invited to gather in solidarity with the families and friends of those killed in the Parkland school massacre. We will join those marching in Washington D.C. and over 850 cities around the world on Saturday, March 24, demanding that sensible gun laws be passed by Congress and signed by the President.

High School students and concerned others will gather on the First Street Green at the foot of First Street (map) at 10 A.M. and march up First Street to City Park, located at Military and First Streets (map).  A group of distinguished guests will speak from the gazebo in City Park, including several Benicia High School students and teachers, Benicia Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Benicia Poet Laureate Johanna Ely, Solano County Supervisor Monica Brown, and representatives of our state and federal governing bodies.  Benicia Vice Mayor Steve Young will serve as master of ceremonies.

Continue reading Benicia March for Our Lives – Saturday, March 24, 2018 #NEVERAGAIN

City Council Focuses on Defining Benicia’s Strategic Goals; Public Input Vital

City Council Focuses on Defining Benicia’s Strategic Goals; Public Input Vital

March 5, 2018

Benicia City Manager Lorie Tinfow recently announced two concurrent activities during March that could impact the focus, content, or direction of the “Five Strategic Goals/Issues” that the City of Benicia adopted several years ago. This process is incredibly important as our City leaders set goals and priorities.

Some, perhaps many, of PDB’s members were involved in earlier discussions that led to the past City Council’s historic adoption of Five Strategic Goals. These five issues are:

  • Protecting Community Health and Safety
  • Protecting and Enhancing the Environment
  • Strengthening Economic and Fiscal Conditions
  • Preserving and Enhancing Infrastructure
  • Maintain and Enhance a high Quality of Life

These five goals were confirmed by City Council during its February 27, 2018 meeting. The next phase is implementing a Priority Based Budgeting process to identify and prioritize programs and projects, and allocate budget revenues consistent with the priorities established.

The City has launched a community survey to define  each of the five goals. Starting tomorrow afternoon, Monday, March 5, please visit Benicia Town Hall and submit your survey responses. The survey will be available through the month until March 30.

The City will also be holding two community meetings to share more information about PBB and provide an alternative way to complete the survey. Meeting details will be announced soon. Additionally, the City will be sharing information with each of our boards and commissions during the month of March and reaching out to business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce for an opportunity to present to their members.

First, City Council will be participating in a goal-setting workshop on March 9 and 10, held at the Community Center. Day one will start at 12:00 noon and focus on developing and strengthening working relationships between Council members and the City Manger. Day Two will start at 9:00 AM and involve the City’s executive staff with Council in developing a set of high priority projects and initiatives that will become our work plan for next year. Both days are open to the public.