There are many wonderful people and organizations that impact the 35th Assembly District. From time to time, we will profile them in the feature "Making a Difference".

At 13 years of age, Alec Loorz seeks to make a difference in his community and ultimately save the world.

Alec Loorz (right) with mom, Victoria.

Ventura - Like other 13-year-olds, Alec Loorz likes to surf the internet, listen to music, and play the drums. Besides these interests, he wants to save the world and make a difference in his community.

After watching Al Gore's film, "An Inconvenient Truth," he immediately discovered his newfound passion: educate other youth about global warming.

"I started a website that talks about things kids can do, events, videos, and also gathers local youth to work together on projects. I am working on some other projects, too, where kids can help not only their families change their lifestyles, but our cities as well."

He founded his own organization, Kids vs. Global Warming, and launched http://kids-vs-global-warming.com to educate other youth on what they can do to reduce global warming and save the environment. He is often asked to give presentations to youth groups and schools all over Southern California. After a recent presentation, he noted, "These are kids who are realizing, like me, that we aren't just 'the future'...we are able to make change NOW."

Aside from being an environmental activist, Alec has focused on other issues such as coordinating a community rally in protest of President Bush's veto of a Children's Health Care bill. He was joined by Assemblymember Nava and 40 other members of the community. Alec's family was personally affected by the president's veto.

"Alec's energy, passion for the issues, and idealism inspired everyone around him. He was able to single-handedly bring the community together for a rally," said Assemblymember Nava. "I was proud to join him."

Rest assured, with youth like Alec, our future looks bright.

Santa Barbara -The 14th Annual Green Awards ceremony was held at UC Santa Barbara on September 21st, 2007. The Green Awards consortium, made up of several local agencies and organizations, honored five businesses for their environmental efforts.

"Every year the Green Award Consortium helps highlight important environmental efforts by local business, institutions and people right here in our community. I was pleased to be a part of their celebration this year," said Nava.

B & H Flowers, Incorporated, in Carpinteria is an environmentally responsible and innovative grower of cut flowers. With the use of high-efficiency and low-waste irrigation systems, beneficial insects, and certified organic fertilizers, B&H is the first flower grower in Santa Barbara County to be Veriflora Certified as a Sustainable Grown greenhouse operation.

The University of California, Santa Barbara, Campus Design and Facilities Department (UCSB), has committed to having 25 buildings achieve LEED Silver certification over the next five years. UCSB also strives to use efficient water, lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems in all campus facilities.

Valle Verde Retirement Community in Santa Barbara is home to over 380 seniors, and has invested heavily in solar energy installation, drip irrigation for landscaping, and a comprehensive programs for recyclables including office waste, electronics, and construction debris.

The Chumash Casino and Resort in Santa Ynez has become a leader in waste reduction and economizing the use of heating and cooling systems. The Casino has reduced area traffic by requiring employees from Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Buellton, approximately 1,300 of 1,645 employees, to take the free Chumash shuttle bus to work.

Clos Pepe Vineyards, located between Lompoc and Buellton, uses no insecticides or herbicides to cultivate its grapes, and a drip irrigation system. By using unique natural systems, Clos Pepe has created a sustainable system for wine production.

Santa Barbara - Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Santa Barbara City Councilmembers Roger Horton and Grant House and others gained the support of the Ventura County Transportation Commission to work together on a plan for commuter rail for the South Coast.

City Councilmembers Roger Horton and Grant House presented the On-TRAC plan that would implement early start commuter service between Ventura and Santa Barbara by adjusting the times of existing Amtrak trains to reflect commute times to combat congestion on Highway 101. The City of Santa Barbara unanimously approved the plan three weeks before and is coalition building with neighboring cities and counties.

Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, spoke in favor of On-TRAC at the VCTC meeting and agreed to promote commuter rail efforts. On-TRAC received overwhelming support from VCTC Executive Director, Ginger Gherardi and the rest of the Commission.

Trick or Treating Safety Tips

• Consider adding reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
• Have an adult check all the collected candy for spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items.

In an effort to bring together as many public and private resources to the Santa Barbara County business community, Assemblymember Nava is partnering with the California Small Business Association, the Santa Barbara Region Chamber of Commerce, the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Solvang Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a Business Resource EXPO on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center, 1118 East Cabrillo Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to come learn how to start their own business or how to become qualified to do business with federal, state and local government. Many public and private agencies will be on hand to provide information and resources. For more information please call (805) 483-9808.

A dynamic team: (from left to right) Caroline Vance, John Mann, Hillary Blackerby, and Jesus Torres.

Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties - With district offices in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, the district staff works hard to help you with government agencies, information on legislation, and with bringing state services to the district. Meet the dedicated team ready to serve you:

Caroline Vance
Caroline Vance, UC Santa Barbara graduate, leads Assemblymember Nava's Santa Barbara District office in constituent assistance, outreach events, and coordination with local agencies. Caroline has worked for the 35th Assembly District Office since 2003.

Hillary Blackerby
Hillary Blackerby, Field Representative in the Santa Barbara District Office, handles district scheduling, constituent casework, and other community outreach duties. She is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and previously worked in the Mayor and Council office of the City of Santa Barbara.

Jesús Torres
Jesus Torres was raised in Oxnard and grew up in La Colonia neighborhood. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, he completed a fellowship with the California State Senate Fellows Program. He was an advocate in Sacramento for California State University faculty before returning home to work for Assemblymember Nava where he directs day to day operations in the Ventura County District Office. He has a background in advocacy, community and governmental affairs, and has worked on various political campaigns. He has worked in and around state government since 2002. He lives in Oxnard.

John Mann
John Mann is a 25 year resident of the South Coast. He is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara in political science and studio art. Upon graduation, he served two and a half years as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, West Africa. Upon completion of his service, he returned to the South Coast and worked for then Assemblymember and Senator Jack O'Connell. Beginning in January, 1999, he worked for the Senate Majority Caucus in Sacramento, where he coordinated strategic communications for members of the State Senate. Mr. Mann returned to the South Coast to work for Assemblymember Nava in January of 2006 as a Senior Field Representative and Communications Coordinator. He resides in Ventura.