During a California Forever press conference on Wednesday, Sophia Han looks over new artwork and a map of the proposed Solano County Community location. (Chris Riley/The Reporter)
California Forever, its campaign for the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative on the November ballot in full swing, has filed a statement of organization.
Any organization that fundraises more than $2000 for campaign expenditures in California elections must file a 410 form to officially organize within 10 days of meeting the $2000 threshold, according to the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
California Forever CEO Jan Sramek is listed as the Principal Officer, and election lawyer Thomas W. Hiltachk of Sacramento-based firm Bell, McAndrews & Hiltachk LLP is listed as the Treasurer. The filing indicates that California Forever is based out of Fairfield.
Asked at California Forever’s initiative release press conference how much he was willing to spend on the ballot initiative campaign, Sramek said, “We’re going to spend as much as we need to win.” He declined to provide more specific numbers, but said it will disclose that spending in accord with election law.
“I am going to make this happen no matter what,” Sramek said.
California Forever, says Sramek, has hired “a few dozen” staff members working in the offices spread throughout the county’s major existing cities and knocking doors around the county. The company is canvassing to ensure it can engage all voters, Sramek said, not just the ones who might be interested in coming to events. California Forever will need to gather about 13,500 signatures to get this measure on the ballot.
“I don’t think this campaign is going to be about just money,” he said.
But opponents of California Forever are organizing opposition. Solano Together, a coalition of local groups and individuals opposed to the East Solano Homes, Jobs, and Clean Energy Initiative will host a launch event on Feb. 4 at noon at the Joseph A Nelson Community Center in Suisun City. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi, Mayor Pro-Tem of Suisun City, Princess Washington and Solano Farm Bureau President Will Brazelton “will address the audience and share their concerns about California Forever’s sprawl development plans and their vision for Solano County,” according to a press release from the organization.
“At the heart of California Forever’s upcoming ballot initiative is the question of how Solano will address its pressing needs for community investment, affordable housing, and economic empowerment. While so much hangs on the line, we see this event as a first opportunity to come together to ensure that the path ahead can lift up all residents,” said Sadie Wilson, Director of Planning and Research at Greenbelt Alliance.
