Mariko Yamada, Democrat for State Assembly

Dear Friends:

Needless to say—the Yamada campaign has had quite a week! After more than a year of trying to call attention to some of the issues we care about most--addressing homelessness, examining why West Sacramento has the highest elder poverty rate in the six-county SACOG region, and advocating for rent stabilization for mobile home park residents--it was the parking ticket story that got the media’s attention.

While it was good for a chuckle, I am disappointed that the serious and substantive issues of the day have not yet had a public airing. There are far more important concerns we should be focused on—and that’s what the voters expect.

My opponent has finally agreed to meet me for a debate in Vacaville this coming Monday evening—April 21, at the McBride Senior Center (see details later in the Missive). In the meantime, I have kept up my walking and have enjoyed meeting new friends and supporters in Solano County.

One of the voters was a teacher. She expressed great frustration with the “top-down” approach to budget cuts. “How can we be expected to do the same and more work with less and less every year? Yet the administrators keep getting raises and the teachers and classified employees are getting pink-slips?” she asked.

A particularly poignant stop was at the home of an 88 year-old man who is primary caregiver for his 86 year-old wife who has advanced Alzheimer’s. He is a retired electrical engineer, originally from Denmark, and was skeptical at first to have someone come to his door seeking a vote but who also offered to help.

He seemed “hungry” to have someone to talk to—and as a social worker, I recognized he needed caregiver support and respite. He said he had tried to find help but had not had much luck with a homecare agency. I promised I would try to link him with someone who could help him—and I did. The next day, I made a referral to a local geriatrician who contacted and provided him with referrals to a geriatric case manager and local Alzheimer’s care facilities in Vacaville. The gentleman seemed genuinely appreciative that someone cared.

I always try to do what I promise to do, and that is a commitment I will carry forward if I am privileged to serve you in the State Legislature. I am proud to report that we now have 700 individual donors—an expression of a true grassroots campaign. Our ballots are coming in about 15 days—thank you for your continuing support!

No On Proposition 98

The June 3 ballot is a short one, which is one of the reasons turn-out is expected to be very low. One issue deserving of your attention is Proposition 98. Please join Mariko in voting NO ON 98.

Wealthy landlords and mobile home park owners have spent millions to get Proposition 98 on the ballot in an effort to eliminate rent control and other important renter protections like the fair return of deposits. Proposition 98 could also stop future water projects, destroy local land-use planning, erode environmental protections and lead to higher taxpayer costs.

Who is funding Proposition 98?

The Western Manufactured Housing Communities Issues PAC is a major backer of Proposition 98, giving $205,677 to the campaign. Mobile Home residents are some of our most vulnerable populations, and fighting for their dignity and renters rights should be the mission of every Democrat…which leaves us scratching our heads and asking … why did Christopher Cabaldon take the maximum contribution from the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Issues PAC?
In contrast, we’re proud to announce that Region 2 of the Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League endorsed Mariko’s candidacy. She’s proud to stand with residents in fighting for the renter protections that every Democrat should value.

Major New Endorsements – California Teachers Association, The California List, West Sacramento Firefighters Local 522, and the California Labor Federation

Great news on the endorsement front! Mariko has received letters of support from the California Teachers Association, The California List, West Sacramento Firefighters Local 522 and the California Labor Federation.

Keep up with Mariko’s endorsements on her web site. If you’d like to add your name to the list, just email info@marikoyamada.net

Upcoming Events

• April 20th, 4:00 p.m. Rio Vista Coffee Meet ‘n Greet, Rio Vista Senior Center, 25 Main Street, Rio Vista.
• April 21st 6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 8th AD Candidate Forum Sponsored by Northern Solano Democratic Club.
• April 29th Fundraiser hosted by Phil Angelides and Dave Jones at Thomas Enterprises in Sacramento

Supporters interested in attending the forum in Vacaville are encouraged to contact Don Lowrie at don@marikoyamada.net.

Here are updates to a few stories we’ve been following in the Missive:

• The West Sac Democratic Club met this week, and failed to reach the 10% quorum required by its Bylaws. With over 760 “new” members, the Club must have 76 members in attendance to conduct business. A group of residents is meeting as a sub-committee to figure out how to heal the rift created by the questionable expansion.
• The Woodland Daily Democrat ran a story and included the fact that Cabaldon has taken over $165,000 from developer interests (and counting!).

Web Site Updates:

The IT team has updated the home page, expanded the bio page, added pictures to some of the press releases and uploaded the letters from community members in West Sacramento to the press release on the amazing expansion of the West Sacramento Democratic Club. We’ve also improved (we think) the navigation bar. Let us know what you think of the changes. Please email info@marikoyamada.net with suggestions.

Request a lawn sign:

Lawn signs are expected by the end of next week. Sign-up for your lawn sign early by emailing Don Lowrie at Don@marikoyamada.net. Don’t forget – we’ll need your address to make sure you get your sign.