Service Employee

International Union

Peace.

My name is Helena Pasquarella and I believe in peace.

We need peace within to have peace in our communities and the world.

If I am stressed because I cannot feed my family, cannot pay for health care, am worried about having a roof over my head, or if I do not feel safe in my community, I cannot be at peace!

Democracy hasn’t been working for us for quite some time. When the U.S. government spends $885 billion on the military that funds numerous wars and supports 800 bases in 80 countries worldwide to “keep the peace,” I know that our representatives are NOT meeting the needs of all Americans. The US government has money to spend on the wars in Ukraine, Yemen, Syria, and the genocide in Gaza, but not to pass a balanced budget here at home.

When I see an unhoused person sleeping under a free-way bypass, my heart breaks, and I drive by, hoping some services are caring for them. After a while, I think some of us go by, don’t notice anymore, and just accept it as normal. How is it that “we, the people” of one of the wealthiest countries on earth, allow this to happen? Where is our humanity? Why are billions of our tax dollars a year going to wars when we have our battles at home: housing, healthcare, education, unemployment, and gun violence, just to name a few.

Ask yourself, honestly, do you believe in your representatives?

I believe in peace,

I believe in people,

I believe in possibilities,

I believe in YOU!

I would be proud to be your representative of the 24th District.

Local 721

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California’s 24th Congressional District

The 24th District stretches from the Ojai’s quaint quiet Arcade, through the bustling scenic streets of Santa Barbara , through the pristine picturesque beaches of Pismo, up to the inviting vineyards of San Luis Obispo.  I remember when my mom would bring us from the San Fernando Valley to Santa Barbara to visit the “good” thrift shops in town.  This was when there used to be a stop sign on Highway 101 to enter Santa Barbara.  

Beyond the natural beauty of the Central Coast, one can appreciate the richness of the diversity of various communities that live here.   As an LA Times journalist, I was fortunate to meet numerous people as I worked documenting news and feature stories in the various neighborhoods of Ventura County.   Our District has so much to offer and we can learn from each other’s rich cultures and traditions;  The Chumash ,  Santa Barbara’s Fiesta Week, Artist Communities, our County Fairs, and Regenerative Farmers just to name a few.   And we must not forget our highly recognized Universities and Colleges that call this region home, offering higher learning for tens of  thousands of students from California, out of state,  and internationally as well. . 

There is always a festival, workshop, farmers' market, or community gathering to get involved in.  As your representative, I would like to promote more collaboration in our neighborhoods to build stronger, more peaceful communities.