News ★ Greg Pettis ★ Pettis for Assembly

The Democratic candidates for the 80th Assembly District don't differ widely on the issues, but Cathedral City Councilman Greg Pettis stands out because of his ties to the Coachella Valley.

Pettis, 52, is a strong political tactician. His strong suit is organization. He communicates well with his constituents. Navigating the state capitol scene will be critical to his - and the valley's - success, but we believe he understands Sacramento and can hit the ground running there and that is what we need.

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Desert Sun, April 16, 2008

A former Democratic rival endorsed Greg Pettis in his bid for the 80th Assembly District seat, his campaign announced today.

Coachella City Councilman Gilbert Ramirez Jr., who was knocked out of the race for the Democratic nomination in March, threw his support behind the Cathedral City Councilman vying to replace outgoing Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City.

With our economy in recession and our kids facing budget cuts from Sacramento, we want leaders with a successful track record of showing up day in an day out and protecting vital services," Ramirez said

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Desert Sun, April 11, 2008

A recent poll surveying likely voters in the 80th Assembly District showed Democratic contenders Manuel Perez and Greg Pettis leading in a competitive race for the top spot in their party's upcoming primary.

As reported Thursday on mydesert.com, Pettis, a Cathedral City councilman, held the early lead over his fellow Democrats in the race to replace Republican Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, according to the poll.

Of the people polled, 22 percent said they would vote for Pettis; 15 percent for Perez.

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Desert Sun Editorial, April 10, 2008

The anti-Greg Pettis Web site known as "The Pettis Files" has been discontinued and that is good because it is unfair to anonymously attack a candidate.

The creator of the site, "Sam Scoop," has not been identified, but his or her site caused quite a stir.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the type of Web site that stimulated a healthy political debate, based on local and regional issues. It also wasn't factual…

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Desert Sun, April 4, 2008

"(This) website has respectfully been disabled," the thepettisfiles.com said after tweaking earlier language.

Previously it read: "Due to recent requests from campaigns and/or agents from the campaigns…"

"It means one of the campaigns knows who’s behind it," said Michael Grossman, a political consultant for Greg Pettis, a Democrat running for 80th Assembly District.

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Desert Sun, March 25, 2008

Democratic candidate Greg Pettis raised the most money in the 80th assembly district race this filing period, according to California Secretary of State’s office.

Pettis raised $54,980.43 this filing period, which ended March 17th

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Desert Sun, March 14, 2008

The California State Democratic Party endorsed Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis for the 80th Assembly District State Party endorsement, according to a campaign press release.

At the Thursday night show of support at the Region Pre Endorsement Conference Pettis won more than 70 percent of the delegates at the event, the press release said.

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According to Richard Oberhaus, Campaign Director for the Greg Pettis for 80th Assembly District Campaign, as of yesterday, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 440 has now endorsed Pettis in his race to replace Bonnie Garcia. IBEW Local 440 has long been active in Coachella Valley politics and Progressive Democratic circles.

Greg Pettis elbowed his way into an already-crowded race for state Assembly on Tuesday by formally announcing he's running.

Pettis is one of five Democrats vying for the seat occupied by Bonnie Garcia, R-Cathedral City, who cannot run again because of term limits.

"The next Assembly member representing this district will have numerous questions to ask but only three terms to find the answers," said Pettis, touting his 13 years as a Cathedral City councilman.

Pettis, who is making accessible health care one of his campaign platforms, made his announcement in front of Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis picked up four critical endorsements in the last week from labor and a Latino group key to winning the 80th Assembly District.

Earlier today, the California AFL-CIO Committee on Public Education endorsed Pettis for the 80th Assembly District. They join the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) who represent 179,000 workers in California and the California State Council of Laborers, who had previously endorsed one of Pettis’s primary election opponents.

Pettis also won the endorsement of HONOR PAC, a statewide Latino group representing Latino and Latina LGBT communities.

The four endorsements cemented Pettis’s position as frontrunner in the Democratic primary in the race to replace Bonnie Garcia, who is prohibited by term limits from serving another term in the 80th Assembly District.

Pettis has previously won endorsements from all the Central Labor Councils representing the 80th Assembly District as well as the California League of Conservation Voters, Cathedral City Professional Firefighters, Progressive Majority, Democracy for America and the Victory Fund.

Pettis has raised more money than any Democrat running for the 80th Assembly District and has more individual donors than any other candidate.

“We are building a broad-based grassroots coalition that will continue to build momentum through November. Residents of the 80th are coming together behind the need to bring experience to Sacramento to change the way Sacramento works and create a healthier California for all of us,” Pettis said.

The California State Democratic Party Thursday night gave its support to Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis at the Region Pre Endorsement Conference, recommending him for the 80th Assembly District State Party endorsement.

Pettis won over 70 percent of the delegates at the event, putting him on the consent calendar of the Democratic Party Convention in two weeks.

Shirley Walton, the Chair of the 80th AD said, “While Democrats are fortunate to have so many compelling candidates running to replace Bonnie Garcia in the Assembly, it was clear to the delegates that Greg Pettis is the standout who has the experience to be successful in Sacramento in a term-limited legislature.”

“Not only does Greg have a proven track record working to create good paying jobs and protecting our environment, but he has a roadmap to reform our health care system and improve our public schools: the four corners to creating a healthier California,” Walton added.

Pettis put together a diverse coalition to win the endorsement, including delegates from both Riverside and Imperial Counties, younger and older voters as well as support from Anglos, Latinos and LGBT supporters, all considered keys for a Democrat to win the 80th AD.

Pettis thanked the Party delegates for their support, saying, “I want to go to Sacramento to deliver on our shared values of creating a California where everyone can thrive.”

The 80th Assembly District Democratic Central Committee joins a long list of organizations supporting Pettis including the California League of Conservation Voters; Cathedral City Professional Firefighters; Progressive Majority; Democracy for America; the Victory Fund; the Building Trades of California; and the Central Labor Councils of San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Imperial Counties.

Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, the highest-ranking Democratic official in state government, has endorsed Greg Pettis in the open 80th Assembly District race.

“While Democrats in the 80th AD are fortunate to have a wealth of choices this year, I’m getting behind Greg Pettis because he has a long record of results that matter to families throughout the Coachella and Imperial Valleys, and the experience to deliver on the promise of creating a healthier California,” Garamendi said.

“We need to put this seat in the hands of someone who will be ready from the first day in office to make our health care system more affordable and accessible, to improve our economy by reducing the achievement gap in our schools and keeping college affordable for more students and to take the lead in combating global climate change,” Garamendi added.

Garamendi specifically lauded Pettis for his work expanding CSUSB campus in Palm Desert to accommodate more students, negotiating the Multi-Species Habitat Act to manage growth and conserve water and for creating over 1,000 new jobs in Cathedral City through the downtown revitalization project.

Pettis welcomed Garamendi’s endorsement and said he looked forward to working with him on a host of issues including creating a universal health care system, growing CSU’s branch campus in the Imperial Valley and increasing the use of renewable fuels to reduce carbon emissions.

Garamendi joins a long list of elected officials supporting Pettis including State Controller John Chiang; former State Controller Steve Westly; State Board of Equalization Member Judy Chu; incoming State Senate pro-tem Darrell Steinberg; State Senators Carol Migden, Christine Kehoe and Sheila Kuehl; and State Assemblymembers Mike Eng, John Laird, Lloyd Levine, Mark Leno and Ted Lieu.

Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis scored the endorsement of local and national progressive leaders last week, picking up the support of Progressive Majority and the Palm Springs Democratic Club in his race for the 80th Assembly District.

This is Pettis’ third major endorsement in the last week, having just secured the recommendation of the San Diego/Imperial County Central Labor Council as well.

Christopher Honey, California political director for Progressive Majority, said, “Greg Pettis has a fourteen year record of putting progressive principles into action. He doesn’t just say what he will do for local communities; he can point to real accomplishments for people living in the Valley. Accomplishments like bringing the first union hotel to Riverside County – meaning good jobs that provide healthcare and a living wage.”

“We appreciated hearing from some very good candidates,” said PSDC Co-Chair David Pye. “The majority of our Club members felt that Greg Pettis was the best prepared and most experienced candidate. Greg has a long history of public service in Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley, and we feel that he has excellent prospects for winning in November.”

Pettis touted his Plan for Progress as one of the key reasons for the groups’ support. “While my 14-years of experience as a City Councilmember has given me the ability to be effective from my first day in office, having a roadmap is key to accomplishing the goals of universal, affordable and accessible health care, a healthier long-term job market thanks to quality schools and a healthier environment,” he said.

The Executive Board of the San Diego/Imperial Counties Central Labor Council voted last night to recommend Greg Pettis for the sole endorsement in the 80th Assembly District last night.

The recommendation required the votes from at least two-thirds of the local unions in Imperial County. Because Pettis had earlier won the recommendation of the San Bernardino/Riverside County Central Labor Council, it means Pettis will be the only candidate under consideration for support by the statewide California Labor Federation.

The federation, which represents over two million members and 1,200 affiliates, has a long history of providing hundreds of volunteers and thousands of dollars in contributions to their supported candidates throughout the state.

"Of the many excellent candidates, Greg Pettis stands out because of his long record fighting for working families throughout the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. In a term-limited legislature, he has the right set of skills to have an immediate impact on our local economy, creating good paying jobs and opportunities in California's sometimes forgotten rural communities,” said Mickey Kasparian, President of the San Diego/Imperial County Central Labor Council.

Pettis said he was gratified by the support of those who represent so many Imperial Valley working families. “Whether in Cathedral City or across the two valleys that make up the 80th AD, I’ve been working to create a healthier economy. I’m going to take that experience to Sacramento to be a champion for our corner of the state.”

The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) announced today that they are endorsing Greg Pettis (D-Cathedral City) for the open 80th Assembly District seat.

“While there are many good candidates running for this seat, Greg Pettis’ long history of involvement on improving air and water quality, forward-looking smart growth planning and commitment to combating global climate change is what earned him our Board’s trust,” said David Allgood, CLCV Southern California Director.

“We were particularly impressed with forward-looking legislation Greg has implemented like Cathedral City’s Green Building Standards which require new construction in Cathedral City to be 10-15 percent above state efficiency standards to help reduce water use, his tireless work negotiating the Multi-Species Habitat Plan to manage growth in the desert and his vote to install solar panels to provide all electricity needs for City Hall.”

“Additionally, his Pettis Plan for Progress takes a thoughtful look about how Sacramento can act locally while leading globally.”

Pettis said he was honored by CLCV’s endorsement because “it validates my campaign theme that we need experienced leadership in Sacramento if we are going to create a healthier California, and that includes a healthier environment.”

Pettis is serving his 14th year on the City Council of Cathedral City. He has also served on the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Salton Sea Authority and Riverside County Transportation Commission.

End of the year campaign finance filings with the Secretary of State show that Cathedral City City Councilmember Greg Pettis (D) has raised more money than any of the four other Democratic candidates in the 80th Assembly District.

“The support I’m receiving is a reflection of the hard work I’ve put into improving the lives of families in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys over the last two decades. Whether it’s helping to clean up the Salton Sea to creating 1,000 new jobs to creating a first-time homebuyer program to instituting green building standards to reduce energy usage, my track record is a clear indicator that I’ll be able to create a healthier California if voters choose me to represent them,” Pettis said.

In addition to Pettis’ lead in fundraising, he’s also recently picked up the endorsements of State Senator Darrell Steinberg and Assemblymember Mike Eng, who joins colleagues Ted Lieu, Mark Leno, John Laird and Lloyd Levine who have previously endorsed Pettis.

Pettis has also recently received endorsements from Equality California and the California State Building Trades.

I would like to applaud the California Assembly for taking this step to expand health coverage to the millions of Californians who currently are unable to afford it.

Estimates are that ABX 1 1 will bring medical coverage to 800,000 children who currently don’t have it, and 3.6 million Californians overall.

As Assembly Speaker Nunez said yesterday, “Health care reform is hard. Otherwise in the last 90 years you would have seen a successful attempt at fundamentally reforming our healthcare system.”

This bill brings some much needed accountability to the health insurance system, prohibiting insurers from refusing to cover people with pre-existing conditions, and requiring insurers to spend at least 85% of the premiums they collect on medical care.

There are still issues to be worked out in this legislation, including financing mechanisms, and the bill still falls short of my goal of covering every child in the state. Still, it is a very positive first step to meet the needs of families, especially those who are now forced to choose between medical care and other basic necessities.

By providing coverage, we can save health care dollars by focusing on preventative medicine, a key component of my Pettis Plan for Progress and a personal motivator for me to engage in my own diet and exercise program.

We all benefit from a healthier California. That’s why I want to take my track record of success and my detailed plan for health care reform to Sacramento to serve the working families of the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.

I call on my fellow candidates for the 80th Assembly District seat to join with me in putting partisanship aside and moving forward with this important legislation.

October 30, 2007
PETTIS WINS SUPPORT OF LABOR!

In a significant boost to his surging campaign for the Democratic nomination for the 80th Assembly District, Cathedral City City Councilmember Greg Pettis wins support of labor.

The Riverside/San Bernardino Labor Council, AFL-CIO voted unanimously to strongly recommend to the State Labor Federation Greg Pettis for endorsement in the 80th Assembly District.

"Greg Pettis received the enthusiastic support of our members because of his long and successful record working on behalf of working families," said Riverside/San Bernardino Central Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer, Laurie Stalnaker.

"We believe he will bring that successful track record to Sacramento to advocate for healthy families, a healthy economy and a healthy environment," she said.

The Riverside/San Bernardino CLC represents 108 union locals and over 200,000 members. It has traditionally been one of the most prized endorsements in local and state races because of the organization's ability to generate hundreds of volunteers and financial resources it provides to its endorsed candidates.

Pettis, who is serving his 14th year on the City Council in Cathedral City, has a long list of accomplishments including making homes more affordable for first-time homebuyers, creating safer routes to school for children, negotiating the Multi-Species Habitat Program and standing up to Wal-Mart's unfair labor practices.

Pettis has already raised more money and has more donors than all other Democratic candidates combined. He also has the endorsements of local elected officials like Riverside Mayor Ronald Loveridge, Palm Springs City Councilmember Ginny Foat, Desert Hot Springs Mayor Alex Bias, Cathedral City Councilmember Paul Marchand, El Centro City Councilmember Sedalia Sanders and former Coachella Mayor Juan DeLara.

October 16, 2007
PETTIS ENDORSED BY DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA

Democratic candidate for Assembly Greg Pettis received the sole endorsement of the national group Democracy for America yesterday.

The organization, which was started by former Vermont Governor Howard Dean in 2004, is a grassroots network dedicated to supporting fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates at all levels of government.

"Greg Pettis has been building Cathedral City one block at a time. His sound financial management has led to thousands of new jobs and increased revenue for the city. His conscience has led to progressive solutions like a first-time homebuyer program, cleaning up Salton Sea and protecting open space for generations to come," said DFA Executive Director Thomas Hughes. "We are confident he will continue this record of success in Sacramento to find solutions to improve California's health care system and combat global warming."

Pettis said he was thrilled to have DFA's support. "DFA is a group that not only supports fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates, but they do so from the ground up. Like me, DFA believes you win elections one vote at a time, sharing your ideas and committing your neighbors to help. That's been my record on the City Council and that's how I'm going to win this election."

DFA joins a long list of endorsements for Pettis including the California Building Trades Council, Riverside/San Bernardino Labor Council, Victory Fund, Riverside Mayor Ronald Loveridge, Palm Springs City Councilmember Ginny Foat, Desert Hot Springs Mayor Alex Bias, Cathedral City Councilmember Paul Marchand, El Centro City Councilmember Sedalia Sanders and former Coachella Mayor Juan DeLara.

Pettis is considered the Democratic frontrunner in the race to replace Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, who will be stepping down due to term limits. He has raised more money hand has more donors than all the other Democratic candidates combined based on the last filings with California's Secretary of State.

October 4, 2007
PETTIS ENDORSED BY VICTORY FUND

Democratic candidate for the 80th Assembly District, Greg Pettis, pulled in a national endorsement today with the announcement that The Victory Fund is supporting his campaign.

The Victory Fund is the only national organization that is dedicated to increasing the number of openly LGBT elected officials at all levels of government. In 2006, 67 Victory Fund endorsed candidates were elected to office.

"As someone who has stood up for the rights of all people and against discrimination in all forms, I couldn't be happier to have this endorsement," said Pettis.

Pettis, who is serving his 13th year on the City Council of Cathedral City, has rung up a string of impressive endorsements recently including the San Diego Democratic Club, the California Building Trades and the San Bernardino/Riverside County Labor Council.

"We're building a strong base of support throughout California because my track record over the last 13 years is a good indicator that I'll be able to help break the logjam in Sacramento on crucial issues like health care, economic development and protecting our environment," Pettis said.

"With the support of groups like The Victory Fund, I'll be able to take my message for a healthy California to all corners of this district."

July 31, 2007
PETTIS RAISES MORE THAN ALL OTHER DEMOCRATS COMBINED IN FIRST HALF OF 2007

Cathedral City?inancial reports released today from Assembly candidate Greg Pettis' campaign show the Cathedral City Councilmember raising more money than all the other Democrats combined in the first half of 2007.

Pettis collected in excess of $72,000 from over 100 donors from across the Coachella and Imperial Valleys. Not only did Pettis collect more than all other candidates combined, but he also has more individual donors than all the other candidates combined.

"I'm grateful for the outpouring of support from so many people," Pettis said. "My goal is not just to win this district, but win for the district."

"My theme is that I'm running for a healthy California because we need an advocate in Sacramento who will fight for the health of our families, the health of our schools, the health of our economy and the health of our environment," Pettis said.

In addition to raising more money than all the other Democrats combined, Pettis has compiled a long list of supporters from throughout the district and the state including State Controller John Chiang, former State Controller Steve Westly, Senators Carol Migden, Kuehl and Kehoe, Assemblyman Mark Leno, Palm Springs City Councilmember Ginny Foat and El Centro City Councilmember Sedalia Sanders.

April 8, 2007
PETTIS LEADS IN PASSAGE OF GREEN BUILDING LEGISLATION

Cathedral City?he City Council of Cathedral City announced its support for the California Green Builder Program, directing city staff to incorporate Green Builder resource-efficient construction practices.

Under the ordinance introduced by Councilmember Greg Pettis, Cathedral City has set an April 1, 2008 timeline to develop a city-wide program that recommends construction techniques, a landscape ordinance and construction waste recycling methods for all home builders.

Additionally, the ordinance will provide promotional materials to help homebuilders and home owners meet the goals of the California Green Builder Program by reducing water usage and emissions of carbon dioxide.

"Global warming doesn't stop at the city's borders," Councilmember Pettis said. "With over 50,000 residents, we need to realize that the decisions we make at City Hall have long term impacts not just in our city, but throughout our entire region."

Pettis commended his colleagues for their support of the ordinance. "I'm hoping the unanimous vote sends a message to Cathedral City residents that their leaders at City Hall aren't interested in playing political games with the future of our planet. We are all in this together," he said.