Our Mission
Susan Rose & Hannah-Beth Jackson at a Kitchen Cabinet Fundraiser
The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee is dedicated to furthering gender equality and other feminist values through political and social action, and educational activities.
As a political action committee, we endorse the candidacies of women and men who actively support our goals and promote a feminist agenda. We are also committed to taking social action against discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age or disability.
To promote and fund our goals, we hold Candidate Skills Workshops, Endorsement Meetings, Annual Dinners, Presidents’ Circle Luncheons, Community Outreach Events and Educational Forums.
Our History
Gayle Binion, Co-Founder & First SBWPC President
The SBWPC was organized in October of 1987 by UCSB political science professor Gayle Binion, Antioch College Associate Dean Lois Phillips and Susan Rose, then Executive Director of the L.A. City Commission on the Status of Women.
As the News-Press reported, “They each called people they thought might be interested, those people called other people, and Santa Barbara may never be the same again.”
Starting with a bang, the SBWPC’s first event was a reception for feminist icon and National Organization for Women co-founder, Betty Friedan, held at Zelo’s restaurant on State Street.
The following years have seen equally impressive guests including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
Naomi Schwartz, Roses Award 2005
who helped celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage at the Santa Barbara Courthouse…Sarah Weddington, the attorney who at age 26 successfully argued Roe v Wade in the Supreme Court… and our very popular U.S. Congresswoman, Lois Capps, who has spoken at several SBWPC events.
Throughout our history, our committee has helped scores of feminist candidates win city council seats, mayoral races, and become members of the state assembly, congress and the senate. We have campaigned against policies aimed at dismantling reproductive rights and welfare. And we’ve promoted issues ranging from Latino and gay rights to child care and equal pay.
Past SBWPC Presidents
| Gayle Binion | Hannah-Beth Jackson | Sharon Hoshida | |
| Barbara Lindemann | Margaret Connell | Lisa Guravitz | |
| Lois Phillips | Helene Schneider | Mary O’Gorman | |
| Susan Rose | Alissa Hummer | Beth Schneider | |
| Carole Piceno | Janet Barron |
Previous Speakers at SBWPC Events
| Barbara Boxer U.S. Senator, California |
Kathleen Brown California State Treasurer |
Delaine Eastin California State Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| Maria Eschaveste White House Deputy Chief of Staff for President Clinton |
Anna Eshoo U.S. Congresswoman from San Mateo |
Diane Feinstein U.S. Senator, California |
| Betty Friedan Founder, National Organization for Women |
Jackie Goldberg Member of the California State Assembly |
Aileen Hernandez Union Organizer and Civil Rights Activist |
| Kathryn Joosten Actress from NBC’s “West Wing” |
Sonali Kolhatkar Co-Director of the Afghan Women’s Mission |
Sheila James Kuehl Member of the California State Assembly |
| Stephanie Miller Progressive Talk Radio Show Host |
Patt Morrison Los Angeles Times Columnist |
Angela Oh Attorney and member of the President’s Initiative on Race |
| Jackie Speier U.S. Congresswoman from San Francisco |
Neera Tanden Health Reform Advisor for the Obama Administration |
Sarah Weddington Attorney who successfully argued Roe v Wade |