This past weekend I attended the California Democratic Convention where I had the opportunity to hear from 14 presidential candidates, attend a variety of caucuses, and vote for the California Democratic Party Chair.

My first choice, the eloquent, inspired, dedicated organizer, and mentor to many, Daraka Larimore-Hall from Santa Barbara, did not win. I am very proud of the strong campaign he ran, which was loud and proud in the convention halls all weekend long.

Rusty Hicks, a leader in the labor movement from Los Angeles, emerged victorious in the Chair’s race. During Rusty’s time as President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, he helped form the group Second Chance, which helps place formerly incarcerated people in union jobs. I am looking forward to get to know Rusty better, and committed to working with him to advance the Democratic Party.

A socially just and environmentally sustainable local economy are core tenants of the Santa Barbara County Democratic Party platform. A strong economy and a green economy are not mutually exclusive. It is incredibly important that we as a party engage in dialogue about how labor and environmental organizations can work together to build a reach these goals.

Thank you to Rusty, Daraka, Kimberly Ellis, and others for running passionate campaigns for Chair that were focused on building and improving our Party.

Gail Teton-Landis, Democratic Party of Santa Barbara County Chair