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Tuesday November 8, 2016 — California General Election
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California State AssemblyCandidate for District 10

Photo of Veronica "Roni" Jacobi

Veronica "Roni" Jacobi

Business Owner/Engineer
65,355 votes (31.8%)
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My Top 3 Priorities

  • Implementing my California Good Jobs & Climate Plan at the speed and scale needed. Please see www.RoniJacobi.com for details.
  • Water sustainability and wildfire preparedness statewide.
  • Food and housing security for all.

Experience

Experience

Profession:Mechanical Engineer, PE; Energy Management Specialist, Eco-village creator, Farmer
Engineer - SIPS and EIS reviews, Energy Evaluations, US EPA, PG&E, and self, see RoniJacobi.com for extensive details (1979–current)
Santa Rosa City Councilwoman - please see RoniJacobi.com for extensive, City of Santa Rosa — Elected position (2006–2010)

Education

UCLA Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering (1979)

Community Activities

Please see RoniJacobi.com for details on many activities, Special Olympics (1994–2008)

Biography

Winner of the Community Advocacy Award from Concerned Citizens for Santa Rosa

Winner of the Upstream Swimmer Award from Sonoma County Conservation Action

Winner of the Women taking the Lead on the Environment Award (along with Julia Butterfly Hill...) from the American Association of University Women

Honored as the Sonoma County No Impact Woman, for being a Low Carbon Footprint leader.

UCLA Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering 1979

Mechanical Engineering Professional Engineer License

1980 - 82 US EPA Environmental Impact Statement Review and Region 9 Bicycle Coordinator

1982 - 84 PG&E Energy Management and conservation for large users of energy

1984 - present Energy & Environment - specializing in Energy Management and Conservation of Energy: many energy audits including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory lighting audit and Oakland Unified School District lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and overall energy audit

 

 

1991 - 92 Harmony School: Recycling Program Expansion, Parent Classroom Volunteer, Initiated Environmental Club for Students

1992 - 95 Lincoln School: Elected to Site Council, Parenting Skills Group Initiator and Instructor, Environmental Club Initiator and Leader

1998 - 2003 Santa Rosa High School: Community of Concern, Environmental Club, Choral Boosters

2000 - 2005 Sonoma County Special Olympics Soccer Co-initiator, organizer and coach

2006 - 2010 Santa Rosa City Council Member

2006 - 2010 Santa Rosa Waterways Committee

2006 - 2010 Santa Rosa Environmental Committee > Climate Task Force

2006 - 2010 Joint Board of Public Utilities and City Council Planning Group

2007 - 2010 Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Planning Committee

2007 - 2008 Santa Rosa Gang Prevention Task Force

2007 - 2010 Sonoma County Human Services Commission

2007 - 2010 Council Emerging Issues Committee

 

Co-founder of the Sonoma County Water Coalition, Former Co-chair, ~2004 - 2012

National Women's Political Caucus - now Women's Political Caucus - Sonoma County: Executive Board and Political Action Committee Co-chair '03, member '03 - '12

Santa Rosa City Council Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board BPAB former citizen visitor/participant (now Bicycle/Pedestrian Committee)

 

Founder of the Climate Protection & Recovery Fund (CPR Fund) and OurGreenChallenge.org 2008 - current

Board of Directors Sonoma County Conservation Council (SCCC)~'03 -'12, former Vice-Chair and Treasurer, alternate

Sierra Club Sonoma Group Executive Committee ~'04 - '12, Environmental Forum Chair ~'05 -'11, Political '03, Water Chair '02 - '05, Co-founder Climate & Energy Committee '08 - present

United Farm Workers (UFW) Local Activism

League of Women Voters, Sonoma County

Solar Sonoma County, founding member

Sonoma County Task Force for the Homeless

Madrone Audubon, SCCC and Sonoma County Water Coalition (SCWC) representative and alternate

Web activism: NOW and more

Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition (SCBC) member

 

Miscellaneous:

Davis Double Century 200 miles/24hrs & Banff to Alaska by bicycle, 700 miles paved, 1300 miles dirt, gravel, mud

Car-free for all of 2011, Car-lite pre 2000 - 2010, Car-sharing and Car-lite 2012 - present

 

Who supports this candidate?

Questions & Answers

Questions from The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund and California Counts, a public media collaboration. (6)

Climate changes and the continuing drought worry many in California. What new strategies do you believe would ensure that California is able to both satisfy its water needs and protect the environment? Please be specific. 
Answer from Veronica "Roni" Jacobi:

My Good Jobs and Climate Security plan is detailed at www.RoniJacobi.com  Water is also addressed and I am proud of my impacts on both of these critical challenges on the Santa Rosa City Council.  

Additionally wildfire preparedness and carbon farming, no till, no spray, no artificial fertilizers holds great promise.  Also, Food Security is very important.

What are your top three fiscal priorities, recognizing the need to balance the state’s income with its spending?
Answer from Veronica "Roni" Jacobi:

Climate disruption solutions.  Clean energy, WWII type mobilization

Water quantity and quality solutions.  No fracking.  Rainwater catchment, grey water reuse, purple plumbing... etc. 

Infrastructure maintenace at the best time for reducint costs.  Roadway repairs cost 7 to 12 times more if delayed, etc.

If elected, what solutions do you propose to deal with the high cost of living in the Bay Area?
Answer from Veronica "Roni" Jacobi:

Single room occupancy opportunities, small and tiny home opportunities.  Encouraging and allowing small units and co-housing and alternative lower cost efficient housing to rent and to own.  Y

There are a variety of proposals to raise California's minimum wage. Many of these proposals face opposition from business groups who are concerned that they would kill jobs. Do you support increasing the minimum wage in California?  In your answer please explain your position on the relationship between wages and jobs with specific reference to the situation in your district. 
Answer from Veronica "Roni" Jacobi:

Yes, Good jobs with fair pay are critical.

Many Californians are concerned about the influence of money in politics. What can the state legislature do to ensure that decision-making by elected officials is not swayed by moneyed interests at the expense of constituents?
Answer from Veronica "Roni" Jacobi:

I support reversing Citizens United and public financing of elections.  

What steps are needed to improve region-wide transportation planning and the growing traffic congestion?
Answer from Veronica "Roni" Jacobi:

I stongly support mass transit.  I encourage periods of free transit.  It has worked many places.  Once people realize the joy of not having to drive, they can make it a frequent or at least regular practice.

Who gave money to this candidate?

Contributions

Total money raised: $18,608

Top contributors that gave money to support the candidate, by organization:

1
Employees of JACOBI, VERONICA S.
$13,100
2
Employees of Santa Rosa Junior College
$100

More information about contributions

By State:

California 100.00%
100.00%

By Size:

Large contributions (97.35%)
Small contributions (2.65%)
97.35%

By Type:

From organizations (0.00%)
From individuals (100.00%)
100.00%
Source: MapLight analysis of data from the California Secretary of State.

Political Beliefs

Political Philosophy

“I’m running for election for State Assembly 10th District to create and strengthen Safe, Healthy, and Thriving Communities throughout our area and California! I would love to have your support!” 

Issues Affecting Us:  Information on these topics and more can be found at RoniJacobi.com



 

Veronica's: California Good Jobs & Climate Plan

 

Responsive and Transparent Government

 

 

Protecting Our Coast

 

 

Protecting Our Environment & Encouraging Local Agriculture

 

Saving Our Parks & Increasing Open Spaces

 

Infrastructure Maintenance

 

Reforming Pensions & Open Bidding 

Position Papers

Our Future Is Being Shaped Now

Summary

It is time to "Hug the Monster"

It is 1:39 AM and an email comes in: "April breaks global temperature record, marking seven months of new high temperatures (May 16, 2016, London Guardian)"


Again I am hit by the urgent importance.  All of the evidence from peer-reviewed science tells us we need to do more ASAP. In the US military, policy affirms that leadership must face serious issues before they take place. The Pentagon sees climate change as an urgent threat to stable society. For us, climate disruption increases risks of : wildfires, droughts, storm intensities, dangerous temperatures, coastal displacement and more..

In the words of author Naomi Klein, "Do not look away."  

 

Please "Hug the Monster" with me. In the US Air Force, training to face risks is mandatory because it improves outcomes. I am determined, motivated and prepared to lead us into optimal solutions. I’m a mechanical engineer specializing in energy management and environmental solutions. Engineers solve problems. I have the heart, brains and guts for us to work together in every optimally effective way to make changes at the speed and scale needed!


I know we want to believe somehow it is all going to work out, even if we continue with life and business as usual. We need a massive mobilization for change. Please see RoniJacobi.com and OurGreenChallenge.org.


I am ready to lead us, but I cannot do it alone. 


Please help me help our state. Vote for me for Assembly in the June 7th primary. Also, please spread the word.  This really is a grassroots campaign and YOU can make THE difference.  Thank you very much for every positive thing you do.

 

Veronica "Roni" Jacobi, PE

Democratic candidate for Assembly, 10th District

Former Santa Rosa Councilwoman 

 

Endorsement Testimomials

Summary

Supporting Veronica "Roni" Jacobi for Assembly - 10th District

 

"I've worked with Roni since 1998, know her, trust her, value her intellect, leadership skills, persistence and compassion. She cares deeply about the human condition and our Earth." - Marsha Vas Dupre, Fmr. Santa Rosa Councilwoman

"I have worked with Veronica Jacobi on issues in Sonoma County. I respect her honesty and integrity. She will hear her constituents. Not only will she hear them, but will work hard to protect their rights and what is right for California." - Karen Hudson

"Veronica inspired us to create the Sonoma County Water Coalition in 2004. She has always taken the lead on the ‘big issues’ before they become the political issues of the day, and she keeps working on these issues behind the scenes. She also pays close attention to the way political decisions affect real people and works tirelessly to help those who feel disenfranchised."  - Stephen Fuller-Rowell

"I support Veronica Jacobi for State Assembly. Other candidates talk about the environment and job, but Roni doesn't just talk the talk, she lives the talk. As a Santa Rosa City Councilmember, Roni gave the most consistent support for environmental programs to: improve public transportation options, including safe bicycling routes, to support water and energy conservation, enhance recycling, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ALL of these programs were and are job creators." - Jane Nielson

"For her sustained commitment to working on solutions for environmental issues and building community, I support Roni Jacobi. 50+yrs working to save and protect California native plants, wetlands, and coastal access. The only candidate I can support in this election with no qualms or regrets." - Linda Curry

"Veronica is concerned and knowledgable about (and very active around) environmental issues. She's also strong on issues of social justice and peace. And she isn't beholden to powerful and monied interests. And she's intelligent." - Susan Lamont

"Roni has shown time and again that she cares about acting on public concerns with policies that build a sustainable economy that's reliable." - Maria Lewytzkyj

"...Veronica Jacobi is a strong environmentalist and is not answerable to special interests..." - Omar Eljumaily

"Smart. Driven. Educated. Working for others. Getting things done. Future driven. Earth Driven. Children driven. Environment driven." - Jerry Ludwig

"Roni is focused on solutions and tackles tough issues. She makes decisions based on what is best for ALL of us and not special interests." - Becky Como

"I support Veronica because I believe she will do the job in the best possible way. She cares deeply about the community that she serves." - Stefanie Auld

I support Veronica Jacobi because I believe that she will be the best for our district." - Jan Bauman

"I support Veronica Jacobi because I know that she is committed to sustainability in Sonoma County and beyond." - Lindsay Dyson

"The rate of global warming requires an urgent response if we are to try and prevent climate catastrophe. Roni understands this." - Jane Vosburg

"Veronica is very knowledgeable, believes in direct action, and believes one can make a difference politically, all for the greater good." - David Gougler

 

Partial list. Please see "Friends of Veronica Jacobi" for additional endorsements. Thank you! 

...

 

Note: * Titles for identification purposes only.

 

 

 

Videos (1)

— October 29, 2016 Candidate's campaign volunteers. Huge thanks to Jim and to Colleen.

Clarification - The Upstream Swimmers Award and A report cards were from Sonoma County Conservation Action (not the Council).  I did serve on the Sonoma County Conservation Council executive committee for a number of years.  I apologize for the error.  

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