Dominic Caserta for Assembly

Dominic YouTube Videos

2008-05-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Today, we have uploaded a number of videos of Dom onto YouTube. The videos include: 2 Television Advertisements and a clip of Dom on Comcast's "Newsmakers" program.

You may view the videos here

26 Days and Counting!

Santa Clara Weekly publisher makes the case for Dominic

2008-04-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

In today's Santa Clara Weekly, publisher Miles Barber makes the case for sending Dominic to Sacramento. Here's a copy of the opinion piece:

Milestones
A weekly column by SC Weekly Publisher, Miles Barber

It is almost May and the June Elections are only a few weeks away.

Top on the list of major issues is the election of an Assembly Representative to represent Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, part of Mt. View and Cupertino.

While there are four candidates running for the Assembly, only two have the credentials to be a serious representative and one of those is from Santa Clara.

Santa Clara City Councilman Dominic Caserta has mounted an impressive campaign and after months of fund raising, coffee klatches, public appearances and private presentations, he has emerged as a strong contender for the Sacramento seat.

Those who have listened to Caserta present his vision for serving our communities at a higher level and greater capacity with passion have to be impressed.

More important is the energy with which he speaks and based on his track record in Santa Clara he does get things done.

It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with Caserta’s politics, what Santa Clara needs representing us in Sacramento is an individual who has enough balls to swim in the Sacramento Shark Tank and not be eaten alive.

Dominic Caserta is a survivor and he is tough. Perhaps one quality that he has used effectively and may do more often in the future is finding a way to create consensus without cutting out concerned critics.

Quite honestly we are in need of some Assembly leadership and Caserta has demonstrated he can lead.

While he has worked hard at winning many party politicians over, he has been smart enough to range outside of his comfort zone and pull in support from unfamiliar territory.

Perhaps one of the most impressive endorsements was a recent surprise to many local Republicans. The Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce took an unusual step in conducting candidate interviews last month and in a hands down vote overwhelmingly selected Caserta.

Not usually known for taking positions on political candidates, the Santa Clara Chamber indicated this was such an important election that the candidate reflecting balanced views on business, education, labor and taxation should be supported.

Caserta has worked hard and he has worked smart. His list of endorsements cut deep into the other candidates’ home turf. There is nothing quite like having support of Santa Clara residents and political leaders which is critical. However, his support base also arrives from many well recognized private citizens and political leaders in Cupertino, Mt. View and even the current Mayor of Sunnyvale, home of his major competitor, Paul Fong.

Caserta wants to win, and to win, he is looking for a huge turn out from his home base in Santa Clara.

“In many cases it is the home City that carries the election,” says Caserta. “If we can get Santa Claran’s to vote by mail or in person in large numbers, we have a good chance of having a Santa Clara resident represent our City and District in Sacramento.”

With absentee (now politically correct Vote by Mail) packets arriving in about 10 days, it would be an exciting thing to have our Santa Clara residents vote with authority.

It would also be impressive to have some Santa Clara authority in Sacramento.

Another Day!

2008-04-29T14:22:00.001-07:00

Anthony,

Hey Buddy... This weekend was rocking my man...I think everyone was feeling the vibe on Saturday whether they were stuffing envelopes, pumping out lawn signs, or getting back from walking the precincts. Everyone had a good time and was enjoying themselves. I really think we're creating a good buzz around this District. What a gorgeous day it was too!!! Man the sun shining, smoke just billowing from the BBQ, 3 unions (Sheetmetal Workers, IATSE, AFSCME), 50 +, room full of volunteers, Beautiful! It's grassroots man at all levels, we got the voice of the people and a candidate that speaks to the issues and has a plan.

I'll have to get back to work...Deliver a few lawn signs, stuff a few envelopes...you know!

Jacob

Introductions

2008-04-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

I would like to introduce the staff who will be writing this blog from now until Election Day. My name is Anthony Colello, and I am Dominic's Field Coordinator. Other contributors will include: Jacob Morrison, Deputy Policy Advisor, and Ryan Chamberlain who is our Campaign Manager.

We are the midst of a heated race for the State Assembly Seat vacated by Assembly Member Sally Leiber.

Over the last few weeks, we have seen fantastic turnouts at all of our campaign events, including: Saturday Barbecues, house parties, coffee chats, and meet-and-greets. This outpouring of support is extremely encouraging as we get ready to make a huge push in the last month before Election Day.

Over the course of the next month, we will be updating this Blog weekly in an attempt to keep all of our supporters up to date with the happenings of Dominic's run for the State Assembly.

Thank all of you who have contributed already whether it be in the form of time, money, or spirit. We sincerely appreciate all of your support and look forward to seeing you soon.

If you have not been involved up to this point, and would like to be in the future, please feel free to contact us at Headquarters where the number is (408) 748-1890.

Best Wishes. More Soon.

36 Days and Counting...

Op-Ed: Let's prepare valley kids to ride wave of green-collar jobs

2008-04-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

The following op-ed by Dominic ran in Sunday's Mercury News:

Let's prepare valley kids to ride wave of green-collar jobs
by Dominic Caserta

Every time I start teaching a new section on civics or American history, her hand is the first to shoot up. That bright puppy dog of a kid who volunteers after class, reminds everyone to recycle - and should be headed to college.

Like many smart kids, she might not get there: Just 25 percent of high school freshmen in California graduate from college. So, will our budding environmentalist end up wearing a blue or white collar?

Fortunately for her, along with our ailing environment, manufacturing base and overall economy, there's another collar to choose: green.

Renewable energy, environmental protection and green building are creating a boom in jobs, many of which require no college degree and can't be outsourced. But they can be imported, and if Silicon Valley and the rest of California fail to keep pace, much of this work won't go to our sons and daughters. Starting with the state's public education system, we must commit ourselves to green-collar job training.

Environmental stewardship, long derided by Republicans as economic suicide wrapped in feel-good sentiment, is poised to power the economy. Consider:

• The Apollo Alliance, a labor-environmental partnership, says an annual clean-energy investment of $30 billion over a decade could create 3.3 million jobs nationwide and increase the gross domestic product by $1.4 trillion.

• Up to 500,000 green-collar positions could be created by 2010, estimates Cleantech Venture Network, a venture capitalist fund.

• The federal Green Jobs Act, which provides $125 million for training, was signed into law late last year.

Raquel Pinderhughes, a San Francisco State University urban studies professor, has identified more than 20 green-job sectors, including solar panel installation, urban agriculture, recycling and the manufacturing of everything from bike cargo systems to green waste bins.

But many positions go unfilled. At a January new-energy summit in San Francisco, corporate and government leaders bemoaned the shortage of qualified workers. "We're not going to be able to build anything and do any green retrofits until we have a workforce to do that," Jay Hansen of the State Building and Construction Trades Council said in a published report. "If we wait until they're out of high school to start training them, we're going to lose a lot of people."

Our vocational and career-tech system should spearhead such training, but it's not known or stigmatizing for many students. And while community colleges can help fill gaps, many young people never set foot on another campus after high school.

Here are some ways, on campus and off, to prepare our youth for the new green economy:

• Expand and improve vocational and career-tech training so that it includes green-collar jobs. Public schools need to promote this path as a sound alternative to college.

• Develop on-campus green-collar studies in the vein of English and math. It would include a required environmental-awareness course that guides interested students to job training.

• Create a statewide program, based on Oakland's Green Job Corps, for students left behind. The city in 2007 earmarked $250,000 for green-collar job training and paid internships for low-income and at-risk youth.

• Expand labor-environmental partnerships - like the Blue Green Alliance, in which the United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club promote job creation and alternative energy - to include business. As manufacturing jobs dwindle, such alliances will help train and employ people while affirming worker rights.

In Santa Clara, our Green Power Program allows city residents to choose solar and wind energy. A lack of solar panel installers, however, would cast a thick cloud over these efforts.

There's no reason why we in Santa Clara, Mountain View or anywhere else in Silicon Valley can't fill green-collar jobs. Every day, I see students with the enthusiasm and smarts - call it wattage - to make our journey into the new economy sunny indeed.

DOMINIC CASERTA, a high school teacher and Santa Clara City Council member, is a Democratic candidate for state Assembly in District 22. He wrote this article for the Mercury News.

Great Saturday for District 22!

2008-04-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Over 40 people were out walking precincts, enjoying the sun, and eating great BBQ over at headquarters this Saturday. Come out and join us this Saturday and every other Saturday till election day on June 3. The Mass precinct walk and BBQ goes from 9:30 AM -1:00 PM at headquarters (1825 De La Cruz Avenue, Santa Clara).

Dominic on the air

2008-04-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Dominic was recently invited to record a brief radio message about who he is and why he's running for office. You can listen to it here.

2008-03-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

Our office opening BBQ last week was a big hit. Here are some photos:

Unanimous endorsement: San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce

2008-02-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

COMPAC's press release on their endorsement:

COMPAC Endorses Dominic Caserta for State Assembly District 22

February 13, 2008 San Jose—COMPAC's Board of Trustees today announced that it has unanimously endorsed Dominic Caserta for the June 3 Election for California State Assembly District 22. Caserta is currently serving as a Council Member of the City of Santa Clara. As a Council Member, he is a strong advocate of fiscal discipline, economic revitalization and public safety.

Elated by the unanimous decision, Caserta states "I'm not only honored and enthusiastic about the endorsement, but I'm also humbled because this is a reflection of Silicon Valley's urgent need to focus on job creation and retention. By having the support of an organization, like the Chamber, it shows I understand the importance of this vital issue and the economic policies needed to promote job growth in Silicon Valley."

"Dominic Caserta would be an excellent representative in Sacramento. He understands the relationship between business and a healthy economy when it comes to jobs. This appreciation is why COMPAC endorsed his candidacy," said Jay Ross, Chair of the COMPAC Board of Trustees.

Background

COMPAC is the Political Action Committee for the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, a large regionally based nonprofit trade association with over 2,000 members representing a diverse and broad group of businesses and nonprofits with 250,000 employees in San Jose and throughout Silicon Valley.

Cupertino Daily endorses Dominic Caserta

2008-02-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

The Cupertino Daily just posted their endorsement. Click here to read it:

http://www.cupertino2007.com/2008/02/dominic-caserta.html

Here are a few excerpts:

"When we heard what he stands for, and perused the wide list of people who are endorsing his candidacy, how could we possibly not support Dom's candidacy? The most pressing issue on his political must do list is school overcrowding and the impact of development. As a teacher, he knows how important the quality of education is not only for our children, but for the future of California."

"With a political platform like Caserta's, it's no wonder so many Cupertino residents have jumped on his bandwagon."

We did it!

2008-02-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

When I asked you to help me raise $4,800 in 48 hours last week, I was confident we would make it. But in just two days, we raised twice that -- more than $10,000!

I want to thank each of you who contributed, whether last week or anytime during this campaign.

You are showing everyone that our message of experienced leadership will be heard loud and clear on Election Day.

P.S. Believe it or not, we have now raised over $17,000 online! If you want to help keep the ball rolling, please consider giving now, or creating your personal fundraising page. Click here to get started.

Photos from Cupertino

2008-01-29T20:09:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from last weekend's event in Cupertino. Thank you to everyone who attended!

Press release: Fundraiser in Cupertino

2008-01-28T17:40:00.000-08:00

Santa Clara Councilmember Dominic Caserta's Fundraising Event

Santa Clara Council Member and teacher Dominic Caserta held a fundraising event for the State Assembly, District 22, on Sunday afternoon, January 27th, at the Cupertino Bakery. District 22 includes all of Cupertino and is currently held by Sally Lieber who will be termed out of office this year.

Dominic, a popular and energetic teacher at Santa Clara High School for the past 11 years, had over 50 supporters in attendance including many current and former elected officials in Cupertino.

Hosting the event were Mahesh Nohalani and Ram Gopal, owner of the Cupertino Bakery. Also in attendance were Cupertino Vice-Mayor Orrin Mahoney, former Cupertino Mayors Sandra James, Barbara Rogers, Lauralee Sorensen, and many Cupertino community leaders including Darryl & Dorothy Stow.

Mayors Sandra James and Barbara Rogers, and Mahesh Nohalani all spoke glowingly about Caserta's election to the State Assembly. As Mayor James said, "Dominic's ability to bring people together is the reason we need him fighting for us in our State Capitol". "Dominic has the courage and passion needed to represent us, the people of Califonia", said Mahesh Nohalani. "We must work hard to elect Dominic to the State Assembly", echoed Mayor Rogers.

In announcing why he was running for the State Assembly, Caserta declared that his campaign was about making sure that California leads the nation in technological innovation, education, the environment, health care, and overall quality of life. Dominic said that decision-making in Sacramento must be guided by principles-not politics. "Politics is too important to be left to the politicians", Caserta noted. "We need a state government that is of the people, for the people; not of the politicians, for the lobbyists".

"As a high school teacher", Caserta noted, "I hear the hopes and dreams of California's students every day in my classroom. They ask me how am I going to live here and raise a family? What will the job market be like? How are we going to ensure that our schools remain strong and continue to improve? I tell my students those are the reasons I running for the State Assembly; to continue to build a better California for our youth."

"Dominic's vision and energy are why we are so enthusiastic about supporting me", said Darryl & Dorothy Stow. Dominic Caserta's campaign for the State Assembly is receiving a great deal of support, having raised over $350,000 from over 575 individuals, and has the endorsement of 1,600 people, including over 120 elected officials, many from Cupertino. In fact, many companies including Apple Computers, Intel, Microsoft, and Applied Material have endorsed Dominic's campaign.

For more information about Dominic's campaign for the State Assembly, please visit his website at www.dominiccaserta.com. This primary election will be held on June 3rd of this year.

25 organizations endorse Caserta for Assembly

2008-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I have some great news to share: I just received the sole endorsement of 10 professional firefigher organizations, including the Council of Professional Organizations of Firefighters of Santa Clara County.

The firefighters are not alone in deciding that I am the best Democrat to represent Silicon Valley in our state capitol. They join a diverse coalition including the Santa Clara Police Officers Association, Intel Corporation, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, Applied Materials, and many local labor unions.

Twenty-five organizations have already joined our team, with many more to come. I am especially proud that nearly half of these early endorsers are public safety organizations. I would like to honor their service to our community, and thank them for their support.

You can view the new list of organizations here.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season. Whether you are staying home or traveling to visit family and friends, have a joyful and relaxing New Year.

As I count my blessings this week, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the kindness and support so many of you have given me. I would also like to especially acknowledge my fellow teachers and everyone else working to help our children learn.

If you would like to spread some holiday cheer to a school near you, I suggest you check out DonorsChoose.org. This nonprofit lets teachers propose projects in need of financial support, and lets you contribute as little or as much as you like to your favorite. You can see a list of projects in Santa Clara County here.

I look forward to our work together in 2008, and to many exciting years to come.

The Next Step: Take it to the Voters

2007-12-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

This week our City Council reviewed a ballot measure process for the 49ers stadium project. This is a good thing and a step in the right direction. Our Council and City staff have worked & studied hard to analyze if a new, 49ers stadium will be feasible in Santa Clara. Giving the voters the opportunity to vote on the stadium project must be the next step.

As a member of our City Council, I am confident that we can put together a stadium deal with the 49ers that will follow the guiding principles that our City and the 49ers established at the beginning of the year—no new taxes, no negative impact on our city’s general fund and no use of utility taxes to build the stadium.

I am also confident that after reviewing three independent economic impact report that the stadium will have a major, positive economic impact on our city, creating a synergy of year-round jobs and extra revenues for our existing businesses.

While this project has much positive potential, we must also acknowledge and properly plan for the impact of a major project like a stadium: particularly parking and traffic circulation on Sundays when most games are played. We must insure that there is minimal impact on our Santa Clara neighborhoods.

As a result of the excellent and diligent work of our City staff, I believe that we will soon complete our stadium feasibility study. The City Council will thoughtfully and transparently analyze the next step, which I strongly believe is to take this Herculean decision to our residents, to let the people of Santa Clara vote and weigh in this public policy, a decision that will have an impact on our city for generations.

I am glad to hear that so many community leaders and residents agree that we must take this project to the people of Santa Clara. I am proud that our Mayor, Pat Mahan, and Jed York of the 49ers have publicly said they support a vote on the stadium. Hopefully, my colleagues on the City Council will agree that the people we represent must be allowed to weigh in on this issue at the ballot box.

Reading to Santa Clara's children

2007-11-20T23:58:00.000-08:00

Last week I took a break from the campaign trail to spend some time with children at the Santa Clara Children's Read Week. Children's literacy is so important to me because it is so crucial to our kids' success. As a teacher, I see every day how essential it is for our students to be encouraged -- by parents and communities -- to be excellent readers.

Poverty is linked with illiteracy in California's children, and illiteracy creates a vicious cycle of academic and economic failure. As the Library Ambassador on the Santa Clara City Council, I have worked to strengthen the children's literacy programs, particularly for poor and under-served kids in our community.

I strongly believe that all our kids can benefit from these programs. Overall, California's students have some of the worst reading scores in the country, a problem that requires a comprehensive solution. We need to elect legislators who understand the crisis that our students are facing and who will strongly support literacy programs. I will be that leader in Sacramento!

Being read to as a child is the most important factor in predicting future academic success. Our libraries and schools have an important role to play with parents and kids, encouraging a love of books and building strong students. As a community, we need to support library and school literacy programs. I am so happy and honored to be involved with Santa Clara's efforts to make reading fundamental.

For more information about Santa Clara Library's literacy services, visit their website or call 408-615-2960.

High Resolution Press Photos - UPDATED

2007-11-15T18:11:00.000-08:00

Right click on any photo to download the full print-quality version. You can also visit the gallery to view the photos at regular size.

Democratic Club interview with the leading contenders

2007-11-09T00:18:00.000-08:00

I have some good news to share: the President of the Santa Clara County Democratic Club recently declared me a leading contender in this race.

A few weeks ago, the Club invited me and one of my opponents to share our thoughts on the Assembly campaign process.

I thought you might be interested in watching the interview:

Click here to watch (Windows Media format).

Fall Kickoff Event photos

2007-10-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

You can also view the album here.

A great success

2007-10-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we kicked off our fall campaign activities with a fundraiser last Thursday night at the beautiful home of Kimberly & Michael Mulcahy in San Jose. The event was hosted by the Mulcahy’s, Helen Marchese-Owen, Bill Baron, Hon. Lisa M. Gillmor and William “Boots” Del Biaggio.

I am proud to announce that the event was a huge hit -- we had over 125 supporters in attendance. With the success of the event, we have now raised over $250,000!

Thank you to Kimberly & Michael, Bill, Helen, Boots and Lisa for hosting the event, and I want to thank all of you that attended the event and/or supported us with a contribution.

Join us this Thursday

2007-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

Michael Mulcahy, Bill Baron, Helen Marchese-Owen, Boots Del Biaggio and the Honorable Lisa M. Gillmor

cordially invite you to a fundraising reception for

Dominic Caserta
Santa Clara City Council Member, Seat #2
Candidate for California State Assembly, District #22

Thursday, October 25, 2007
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Home of Kimberly & Michael Mulcahy
1630 Mulberry Lane, San Jose, California 95125

Please RSVP by visiting the Contact page.

Thirteen Mayors!

2007-10-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am writing to share some great news from the campaign trail: I just received the enthusiastic endorsements of the honorable Tom McEnery, former Mayor of San Jose, and Sandra James, former Mayor of Cupertino.

With Mayor McEnerys' and Mayor James' endorsements, we now have thirteen current and former mayors on board. You can view the full list here.

These local leaders understand what it takes for a city to thrive. They are supporting me for the State Assembly because they know I can bring people together to find solutions for our communities and get things done in Sacramento.

Thank you for all your hard work and support!

Tell me what you think

2007-09-06T09:19:00.001-07:00

As a Santa Clara City Council Member, I have learned the nuts and bolts of making good policy: innovative ideas and sound values. That's why my campaign for State Assembly is going to be about the issues. You can see some of my beliefs and goals for California on my newly-updated website at www.dominiccaserta.com/issues.

I also want this campaign to be about collaboration. My website now features a blog where you can follow the latest news coverage, press releases, and events. I would love to hear what's on your mind. Drop me an email anytime, or call me at (408) 241-2322.

Lastly, I wanted to share some great news from the campaign trail. When I launched my campaign early this year, I set a goal of raising $150,000 by the end of August. I'm proud to report that together, we've raised the bar again, surpassing $200,000 as of last week!

Please take a look at my issues page and let me know your thoughts. Together, we'll bring innovative ideas and sound public policy to Sacramento.

First in fundraising

2007-08-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

From words of encouragement to financial contributions, you have all made tremendous investments in my campaign. I am truly humbled to report that the summer fundraising results are in... and that we raised more dollars than any other Democrat. The campaign is building momentum and more people than ever are on board.

With this deadline behind us, fall -- and school, for me and Santa Clara County students -- is just around the corner. As a teacher, I am reminded everyday how politics can make life better and more just. I know first hand some of the ways that Sacramento can improve California education: a focus on early childhood learning, increased funding for classroom technology, and a re-emphasis on vocational programs that prepare all kids for good jobs.

Some of my thoughts on vocational training were recently published in the San Jose Mercury News, which you can read here. In Sacramento, I will be a tireless advocate for education, and I will work hard for District 22.

Together, we will run a campaign to be proud of, and we will bring qualified leadership and innovative ideas to the state capitol. Thank you again for your support!

Mercury News Op-Ed: Dominic on Vocational Ed

2007-07-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Schools should support students not headed for college
By Dominic Caserta

San Jose Mercury News
07/08/2007

Alex treated every car like an old friend. "Hey, Mr. Caserta, how do you like your Mustang?" he would ask me before class. "When can you let me look under the hood? When can I work on it?" Alex cataloged pistons, points and differentials the way a Spanish instructor conjugates verbs. But when the bell rang and it was my turn to teach, another Alex, quiet and dispassionate, replaced the budding auto mechanic.

Where did the first Alex go? I suspect he got lost in a public education system that nurtures state mandates over individual need. A system narrowly focused on building a pipeline to a bachelor's degree when in fact only 25 percent of high school freshmen in California end up graduating from college. (When I started teaching nine years ago at Santa Clara High School, we offered five auto-shop classes; this year, none.)

In our frenzy to boost standardized test scores, and with the funding padlocked to them, we have lost sight of our mission: to serve every student, whether she dreams of harvesting stem cells or installing drywall. It is time for our public schools to renew their commitment to vocational, career and technical education.

While the status of certain trades - along with many degree-oriented occupations - may be imperiled because of outsourcing and changing technologies, others can look forward to solid gains. Jobs in installation, maintenance and repair, for instance, will rise by 657,000 from 2004 to 2014, an 11.4 percent increase, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A 10.3 percent bump is forecast for the trade, transportation and utilities sector. And many non-degree jobs pay well. A recent story on MSN noted 10 lucrative professions, including elevator repair and ship maintenance, that do not require a bachelor's degree. Public schools can and should help students prepare for such lines of work.

Here are a few ways we can start:

Make exposure to career and technical classes a graduation requirement. Students want to learn skills, such as auto repair and woodworking, beyond those measured by standardized testing. Interesting and relevant classes can help lower absenteeism - which is at an all-time high in many districts - and make the next generation of workers feel more secure in the global economy.

California is home to Silicon Valley, but few of our high schools offer online classes. More technology-driven instruction can better engage our generation of Web-savvy students, whether or not college is in their plans.

Offer more collaborative and student-driven instruction. In our attention-challenged society, straight lecture must cede space to lively alternatives. An example from my own classroom: Instead of passively listening to me explain the concept of assembly lines, the students formed an actual one with the heat cranked up and a boss barking orders at them. The students understood their lesson hands-on while working effectively as a group - a skill employers covet.

Support and expand on the resources we already have, including the Construction Career Academy. This partnership of the East Side Union High School District and the local building trades teaches students how to succeed in both white- and blue-collar careers.

Another example is my own district's partnership with the Central County Occupational Center. Students are bused from their public high school, splitting their day between core academic classes and career and technical instruction. They learn hands-on at the most technically advanced facility in Silicon Valley. The center also helps match career interests to future education and offers credits for high school electives, academics and even community college.

The problem is that facilities like these do not cater to enough students. Too few know about the center, for example. And it needs to offer integrated programs, such as construction management, that lead students to career advancement instead of low-paying jobs with few transferable skills.

All students, no matter what they dream of becoming, deserve access to such services. More than that, they deserve to feel proud of their choices, free of any stigma. Public schools must encourage our students' passions instead of trying to prescribe them. I like to imagine Alex is a head mechanic somewhere, maybe even part of a NASCAR pit crew. What's certain is he had a lot to teach me, to teach all of us, about matters far beyond crank shafts.

We did it!

2007-07-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

When I set a goal last week of raising $4,000 in four days, I was cautiously optimistic. But thanks to your generosity, it was not even close. Together we raised $10,750 in less than 100 hours!

This strong finish before the fundraising deadline demonstrates our commitment to politics by the people and for the people. Thank you to everyone who donated, followed our progress online, or told a friend. Your support thus far has been incredible, and makes me proud to be running this campaign.

Four thousand dollars in four days.

2007-06-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

When I made the decision to run for State Assembly, the most frequent suggestion I received was, "Get started early." I have followed that advice. The primary is still 11 months away, but I am already reaching out to local leaders, preparing my walking lists, and raising the money it will take for us to win.

This last reason is why I am writing to you today. This Saturday, June 30th, is an important fundraising deadline. Party leaders, elected officials, and local organizations will all be looking to see which Democrat has the most financial support -- and the best chance of winning in June and November.

We are positioned to come out at the head of the pack, but I need your continued support to make that happen. My goal is to raise an additional $4,000 in the next 4 days. Can you contribute $25, $50, or $100 to help me get there? You can easily make a secure on-line donation using ActBlue, or by mail.

Donating money is the biggest way you can help me at this crucial stage. Every dollar we raise reflects the strength of our campaign, and commitment of the supporters behind it. However, financially supporting a political campaign matters in another way as well. It shows that we are willing to stand up for the politics we believe in: that government should be by the people, and for the people.

Thank you for your continued support, especially at the beginning of this important race.

We are off to a great start

2007-06-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

It has been less than two weeks since you helped me officially kick off my campaign for State Assembly, and we are off to a great start!

So many of you joined me at the kickoff: over 250 supporters, 20 elected officials, and over 50 students. Thank you for making the event a huge success.

I am also proud to report that together we have already raised over $100,000, an incredible show of support this early in the campaign. While it is going to take more than that to beat "politics as usual" next June and November, I am humbled by the overwhelming level of confidence and enthusiasm you have already demonstrated.

Once again, thank you for being part of our grassroots effort to ensure that California's future remains bright. I know that with your support, we will succeed.

Campaign kickoff photos

2007-06-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

Councilmember Dominic Caserta's Kick-off to the State Assembly

2007-06-01T14:01:00.000-07:00

Santa Clara Councilmember and teacher Dominic Caserta kicked off his campaign for the State Assembly, District 22, on Thursday night, May 31st, at the historic Morse Mansion in the Old Quad of Santa Clara.

Dominic, a popular and energetic teacher at Santa Clara High School, had over 250 supporters in attendance including over 20 elected officials and 50 high-school students.

In attendance were Santa Clara Mayor Patricia Mahan, Santa Clara Councilmember Will Kennedy, former Santa Clara Mayors Gary Gillmor and Eddie Souza, and former Santa Clara Councilmembers Lisa M. Gillmor and Gary Hansen. Also, in attendance supporting Dominic’s campaign were former Sunnyvale Mayor Pat Castillo and California’s Youth Governor Ian Bruce.

Mayor Mahan, former Santa Clara Councilmember Lisa M. Gillmor, President of the South of Forest Neighborhood Association Michael O’Halloran of San Jose, Planning Commissioner Todd Fitch of Santa Clara and California’s Youth Governor Ian Bruce all spoke glowingly about Caserta’s election to the State Assembly. As Mayor Mahan said, “Dominic’s ability to bring people together is the reason we need him fighting for us in our State Capitol”. “Dominic has the courage and passion needed to represent us, the people of Califonia”, said Youth Governor Ian Bruce.

In announcing his candidacy for the State Assembly, Caserta declared that his campaign was about making sure that California leads the nation in technological innovation, education, the environment, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Dominic said that decision-making in Sacramento must be guided by principles-not politics. “Politics is to important to be left to the politicians”, Caserta noted. “We need a state government that is of the people for the people, not of the politicians for the lobbyists”.

“As a high school teacher”, Caserta noted, “I hear the hopes and dreams of California’s students every day in my classroom. They ask me how am I going to live here and raise a family? What will the job market be like? How are we going to ensure that our schools remain strong and continue to improve? I tell my students those are the reasons I running for the State Assembly; to continue to build a better California for our youth.”

Caserta’s campaign for the State Assembly is off to a great start having raised over $110,000 and has the endorsement of over 1,000 people. In conjunction with the May 31st Campaign Kickoff, the Caserta for Assembly campaign also launched the official campaign website at www.dominiccaserta.com. The election will be held in June of 2008.