I just read the commentary posted by Roy Reed (“Know before you vote,” March 12), mostly about the 5th District supervisors election coming in June. However, what struck me most was his misinformed, or rather non-informed, view about local community organizations. Let me educate everyone.
Indivisible Santa Maria: “Our vision is a democracy that delivers for everyone. … We are committed to nonviolent action, multiracial democracy, and a government that is accountable to the people it serves.”
CAUSE (Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy): “A base-building organization committed to social, economic, and environmental justice for working-class and immigrant communities in California’s Central Coast. We build grassroots power through community organizing, leadership development, coalition building, and civic engagement.”
The Fund for Santa Barbara: Its mission is “advancing progressive change by strengthening movements for economic, environmental, political, racial, and social justice.”
MICOP (Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project): Its mission is to “support, organize, and empower the Indigenous migrant communities in California’s Central Coast.”
To understand the mission is the heart of these organizations—no statement about dividing our community is pledged. Instead, they are the most inclusive, open, democratic-minded, and law-abiding organizations I know. They serve in our community made up of 70 percent minority population, which is 80 percent of the farmworkers in Santa Barbara County. They stand with the farmworker employees of this $2 billion industry in Santa Barbara County.
These organizations stand against injustices while also promoting family safety and support. Thank goodness for them!
Lastly, many of us support Ricardo Valencia for 5th District supervisor. While you make light of his “mission,” it is what drives his work. Lack of a clear mission is what got us where we are now.
Shirlee Heitman
Orcutt
This article appears in March 26 – April 2, 2026.