SENATOR MARK WYLAND ENDORSES ROCKY
OCEANSIDE—Mark Wyland, the State Senator representing North San Diego County and South Orange County, today endorsed Rocky Chavez for California Assembly, District 76. Wyland joins several state and local officials who have signed on to Rocky’s campaign since his first-place finish in the state’s primary election held last month.
“Rocky is a proven leader, having served as a Marine Colonel and an elected official,” said Wyland. “He is the right person to represent our communities in Sacramento.”
Wyland currently represents the 38th Senate District, which includes the South Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano and the North San Diego County cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Vista.
Wyland began his political career as an Escondido School Board member and was later elected to the Assembly before serving in the State Senate. As senator, Wyland has been recognized for his efforts to create jobs and reform education.
“Senator Wyland’s service to our communities is well known, and I’m proud to receive his support,” said Chavez. “I pledge to continue in his efforts to bring back jobs and improve California’s economy.”
Chavez is seeking to represent the 76th California Assembly District, made up of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Camp Pendleton. In addition to serving as a Marine Colonel and Veterans Affairs Secretary, Chavez also served nearly a decade as an elected Oceanside City Council member. In 2002, Chavez co-founded the charter school, School of Business and Technology, designed to bring together education and careers with an emphasis on high-tech sectors. Enrolled students obtained internships and attended community college beginning in their junior years.
The Chavez campaign is focused on job growth, education, veterans issues and government accountability.
DECORATED VETERAN STANDS FOR ROCKY
OCEANSIDE—One of the most highly decorated veterans in North San Diego County has endorsed former Marine Colonel Rocky Chavez in his bid for California Assembly, District 76th. Today, former Air Force Major and Air Force Cross recipient Neil Black signaled his support for Chavez.
Chavez is running on a platform devoted to veterans issues and government accountability and has served as the Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs. Black was awarded the Air Force Cross after being held for seven years in a POW camp in Vietnam. The Air Force Cross is second in distinction only to the Medal of Honor.
“Rocky’s service to his country as a Marine and as an elected official prove that he will stand up for the people of his district,” Black said. “As a fellow veteran, I’m proud to endorse Rocky Chavez.”
In 1965, Black was a Pararescue-man on board a helicopter searching for a downed pilot. He and other members of the flight crew were captured when the aircraft was hit by ground fire and crashed. They were held in North Vietnam until February, 1973. Black shares the record as the longest-held enlisted POW.
He later became a pilot, retiring as an Air Force Major in 1987. Following his military service, Black became active in local government and currently serves on the Carlsbad Planning Commission.
Even after his ordeal, Black is grateful. “I’m glad to be an American,” he says. “My thoughts go out to the guys I served with who didn’t make it home.”
“Neil Black has given so much for his country, but he still humbly recognizes those who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in military service.” said Chavez. “Having Neil’s support is so meaningful as we work to provide education and opportunities to returning service members.
Chavez is seeking to represent the 76th California Assembly District, made up of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Camp Pendleton. His campaign is focused on job growth, education, veterans issues and government accountability.
LONG-TIME CARLSBAD CITY COUNCILWOMAN ENDORSES ROCKY
CARLSBAD—Eight-time Carlsbad City Councilwoman and current Mayor Pro Tem Ann Kulchin today announced her support of Rocky Chavez for California Assembly, District 76. The newly drawn district includes Carlsbad and neighboring communities of North San Diego County.
First elected to the Carlsbad City Council in 1980, Kulchin has been a strong advocate for economic development. She’s also devoted her efforts to infrastructure improvements in Carlsbad and providing residents with enjoyable open spaces. In addition to her work in politics, Kulchin was an elementary school teacher.
“As a thirty-two-year veteran of politics, I know experience when I see it, and Rocky has the experience needed to work on behalf of our district in Sacramento,” said Kulchin. “That’s why I’m proud to endorse Rocky Chavez for California Assembly.”
Local and state officials are supporting Chavez following his primary election victory last month. Kulchin joins Mayor Jerome Stocks of Encinitas and Assemblywoman Shannon Grove of Bakersfield as recent supporters of Chavez’s campaign.
“Ann Kulchin is an institution in Carlsbad, and I’m humbled to have her support,” said Chavez. “I promise to fight on behalf of our communities for more accountability in Sacramento – and to keep North San Diego County strong.”
Chavez is seeking to represent the 76th California Assembly District, made up of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Camp Pendleton. In addition to serving as a Marine Colonel and Veterans Affairs Secretary, Chavez also served nearly a decade as an elected Oceanside City Council member. His campaign is focused on job growth, education, veterans issues and government accountability.
FORMER MAYOR JIM BOND BACKS CHAVEZ
ENCINITAS—More top officials in the 76th Assembly District are lining up in support of Rocky Chavez. Today, former Encinitas Mayor Jim Bond became the latest to endorse Chavez in his bid for California Assembly.
“Rocky’s record as a Marine Colonel and head of the state’s veterans affairs department makes him ready to take on the challenges in Sacramento,” said Bond. “He’s the right choice for our district.”
Bond is a long-time elected city council member in Encinitas and previously served as the city’s mayor. His accomplishments include reforms to the city’s fire department to better provide emergency response services for the city’s 60,000 residents. Bond is also a supporter of the arts, overseeing the distribution of more than $100,000 in city foundation grants to nearly 50 organizations in 2011. The grants come from gifts to the city’s foundation, not taxpayer dollars.
“Jim Bond is a legend in Encinitas and I’m proud to have his support,” said Chavez. “We face an uphill battle as we fight for a better California, and it’s good to have such overwhelming support in the district.”
Local and state officials are backing Chavez following his first-place finish in the state’s primary election last month. In Encinitas, Bond also joins Mayor Jerome Stocks in endorsing Chavez.
Chavez is seeking to represent the 76th California Assembly District, made up of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Camp Pendleton. In addition to serving as a Marine Colonel and Veterans Affairs Secretary, Chavez also served nearly a decade as an elected Oceanside City Council member. His campaign is focused on job growth, education, veterans issues and government accountability.
HOMETOWN CITY COUNCILMAN IS FOR ROCKY
OCEANSIDE—Elected Oceanside City Councilman Jerry Kern today announced his endorsement for fellow Oceanside resident and California Assembly Candidate Rocky Chavez. Kern is the latest local official in District 76 to sign on to the Chavez campaign, joining Encinitas Mayor Jerome Stocks and Carlsbad City Councilwoman Ann Kulchin.
“Rocky shares a passion for quality education and a commitment to good government,” said Kern. “We served together on the Oceanside City Council where his strong voice and support for the taxpayers and businesses in Oceanside are truly missed.”
Following his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps, Chavez served as a member of the Oceanside City Council before being appointed to head the California Department of Veterans Affairs.
First elected in 2006, Jerry Kern has lived in Oceanside since 1975. In 1999, Kern co-founded Pacific View Charter School, the first charter school to be approved in Oceanside and where Kern formerly taught students. A strong voice for fiscal responsibility on the council, Kern is a devoted advocate for taxpayers and small business owners.
“I thank Jerry Kern for his service to his community, and I’m honored to receive his support,” said Chavez.
Chavez is seeking to represent the 76th California Assembly District, made up of Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Encinitas and Camp Pendleton. His campaign is focused on job growth, education, veterans issues and government accountability.
ASSEMBLYWOMAN SHANNON GROVE BACKS ROCKY
BAKERSFIELD—Shannon Grove, the Assemblywoman who represents Bakersfield and surrounding communities, today announced her endorsement of Rocky Chavez. Chavez, a 28-year Marine veteran and former head of California’s Veterans Affairs Department is seeking to represent North San Diego County in the California Assembly.
Grove serves as the vice-chair of the Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. Grove's legislative priorities include streamlining burdensome regulations, reducing excessive state spending and bringing jobs back to California.
“Rocky Chavez is a fighter who will stand up for his district as we face difficult issues in Sacramento,” said Grove. “We need leaders like Rocky in the Assembly to bring back jobs and hold government accountable.”
Like Chavez, Grove is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. Grove later co-founded an employment agency with multiple offices in California. Grove has been recognized for her efforts on behalf of small businesses and for her involvement in workers compensation reform.
“Shannon Grove is an example of leadership, both in government and the private sector,” said Chavez. “When I’m elected to the Assembly, I will be proud to serve alongside her and I thank her for her support.”
SAN DIEGO COUNTY FARM BUREAU ENDORSES ROCKY
OCEANSIDE—San Diego County’s leading agricultural organization has endorsed Rocky Chavez in his bid for California Assembly, District 76. The San Diego County Farm Bureau, established in 1913 to advocate for the farm community, today announced their support for Chavez.
“Rocky knows our community and the needs of our hardworking farmers,” said Noel Stehly, San Diego County Farm Bureau President. “We know he will be a strong voice to promote the economic viability of agriculture, balanced with appropriate management of natural resources.”
The San Diego County Farm Bureau is a non-profit advocacy organization made up of more than 5,000 members and is joined by 53 county Farm Bureaus in California. At the state level, the California Farm Bureau Federation serves the county Farm Bureaus as the voice on state issues and works closely with representatives from the American Farm Bureau Federation on issues of national importance.
“Agriculture is critical to our district, employing thousands of residents and providing agriculture products to thousands more,” said Chavez. “That’s why I’m honored to receive the support of local farmers.”
EDVOICE ENDORSES ROCKY
OCEANSIDE—EdVoice, a nonprofit grassroots network dedicated to education reform, has endorsed Rocky Chavez in his race for California Assembly District 76. Support for Rocky’s candidacy is growing following his first place win in last month’s primary election.
EdVoice is made up of more than 40,000 parents, community leaders, educators, and the state’s leading education philanthropists. The group aims to be a voice against lagging student achievement as public policymakers make decisions in Sacramento.
“Rocky Chavez is an experienced leader and a proven champion for kids. He knows the key to improving the California economy is better public schools along with high expectations for student learning,” said EdVoice President and CEO Bill Lucia. “As a legislator he will fight to ensure every child in California receives a first-rate public education, and help build an economic climate where good paying jobs stay in California to reward graduates for all their hard work.”
With in-depth policy expertise EdVoice advocates for key policy changes that will make a difference for all California's students, including high standards for all students, effective educators, accountability, school choice, and transparent school funding. For more information visit www.edvoice.org.
“I’m proud to receive the support of EdVoice, an organization focused solely on student achievement,” said Chavez. “I believe that every child deserves the chance at success, and it’s time we put students first in California’s education system.”