CAUSE's mission is to build grassroots power to invoke social, economic and environmental justice for the people of California's Central Coast Region through policy research, leadership development, organizing, and advocacy. CAUSE defines the Central Coast Region as the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Moneterey and San Benito. CAUSE's vision is that together we can create a global community where we all contribute to, and benefit from, a sustainable economy that is just, prosperous and environmentally healthy. Through community organizing and policy advocacy, we have: Passed five living wage ordinances benefiting thousands of workers Prevented service cuts and fee hikes and expanded public transportation in the region Increased funding for education by turning out the vote for state and local ballot initiatives Influenced redistricting to ensure fair political representation for immigrant and working-class communities Supported the unionization of in-home support service workers resulting in wage increases and health coverage Protected our communities from being exposed to environmental hazards like a liquid natural gas terminal in Oxnard and metal scrapyard in Santa Maria Helped create a free and low-cost health access program for uninsured children in Ventura County Passed a local ordinance protecting tenants from eviction by landlords in Santa Barbara County Defended immigrant rights by stopping car impoundments for unlicensed drivers in Santa Barbara Promoted health equity by convincing the city of Ventura to purchase land for a park in the low-income Westside neighborhood (We are in the process of setting up a scholarship fund in honor of Ellen and all the wonderful kids she has loved and taught through the years. )

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Offline donations include cash, cheques and any other donations paid directly to the fundraising organisation. This offline donation total is updated periodically by the Tribute Guardian in conjunction with the fundraising organisation.