SYDNEY FOR EAVP

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VOTE NOW at election.asuc.org

2.5 hours until the polls close! VOTE at election.asuc.org.

Sydney Fang for EAVP

Andy Albright for President

Anthony Galace for EVP

Naomi Wilson for AAVP

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My name is Sydney Fang and I am running to be your next External Affairs Vice President. Next year, we will have a new chancellor, a new admissions director, a newly realigned ASUC auxiliary, and new student spaces. It is important for our campus to have effective and thoughtful leadership in the ASUC in such a critical year. To me, it is a sign that I do need to continue my work in the ASUC, given everything that will change next year. As a 4th year student activist and ASUC Senator, I’ve developed an understanding of grassroots mobilizing. While I recognize the importance of direct action, I have seen the University consistently fail students. I have had the pleasure of organizing with students statewide to fight for our education. Not only have I built working relationships students within UC Student Association, I have also built coalition with CSU and community college students to bring light to the effects of the Governor’s Budget on our education. I have had many opportunities to advocate for students. I represented students at a rally of 10,000 students,workers, and community members at the state capitol. This spring break, I testified in front of the state legislature to fight for legislation that would have capped executive pay in years when our tuition goes up. I have fought for tangible solutions to our problems. I have worked to advocate for the Middle Class Scholarship Act. As the first in my family to go to college, I am in touch with the needs of students on this campus and I will bring a perspective to the ASUC that will amplify our voices at the local, state, and national levels. As a current city health commissioner, I have built sustainable relationships with Berkeley city officials and advocated for students by pushing Council to include students as a community of interest in their charter amendment. I know that student representation is more than electing a student to the Council. We as students have diverse needs and we need to have the agency to voice these needs ourselves. We cannot rely on one voice in Council to speak for us. We have many voices and we need to be represented at all levels of city government. I have already done the work for more students to fill the 58 current vacancies in city commissions. My approach to the city is sustainable and holistic versus the end-all-be-all solutions that my opponents offer. As the only candidate who has been active at both the local and the state level, I am the most qualified and most experienced for the EAVP position. As ASUC senator, I have already done the work that the EAVP office should be doing and will continue to do so with more leverage and power in the EAVP office. I know the players in the game and they know me. In this critical year, it is important that we have someone in office that has the foundational knowledge and networks to effectively amplify students’ voices at all levels of government. I have the passion and the drive to ensure that the EAVP will effectively empower students’ next year in the ASUC. The community has been so supportive and it means so much me. I want Cal to serve you as your next EAVP, but I absolutely cannot make it on my own. I need your support today at elections.asuc.org!

Sydney Fang for EAVP: I want to make Cal SERVE you

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Sydney Fang is with Andy Albright for ASUC President! He is an amazing friend, leader, and will make Cal SERVE you next year as your President. VOTE Andy Albright for ASUC President, Anthony Galace for ASUC EVP, and Naomi Wilson for Academic Affairs Vice President at election.asuc.org!

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Help us with our social media outreach!

Hi Sydney Fang supporter!

We need your help to maintain Sydney's presence on facebook, tumblr, and twitter, especially in this critical period of voting. Here are some ways that you can help Sydney:

1. Reblog and share the UCLA letter to the Daily Cal (and tag your friends)

2. Reblog and share Sydney's new video

3. Recruit your friends to actively share Sydney's media on their facebook.

We want to ensure that Sydney's social media reaches many students as possible! 

Thank you!

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Daily Californian, We are writing to this newspaper as students who have spent the last year working in the Office of the External Affairs Vice President, sat on the UC Student Association Board of Directors and ran an office that dealt with National, State and Local issues pertinent to our campus, UCLA. The job of an EAVP is extensive, demanding and attracts more criticisms than praises. Because of this, we are always highly critical of individuals who run for this position at any campus. And, because of this, we are incredibly dismayed at your paper’s decision to endorse Shahryar Abbasi for EAVP. We watched the debates and read the platforms because we have a deep investment in who continues to do the work that student leaders across the state have done this year. We are also deeply invested because we had the pleasure to work with EAVP Joey Freeman on the UCSA Board of Directors this year. While both Joey and Shahryar are from the same political slate, we do not think their capabilities and qualifications to do this job are comparable. There are several reasons as to why. One concern we have is regarding Mr. Abbasi’s knowledge and familiarity with the bodies he is to serve and make decisions in on behalf of his peers. We have sat on the UC Student Association Board of Directors this past year and been involved with them for the past four years at UCLA. Not once have we seen Mr. Abbasi at a conference or board meeting, not even the Student Lobby Conference this past March. For someone who is being elevated for his knowledge of lobbying, he has not done much physical engagement with it. However, Ms. Fang has been to several UCSA board meetings and spoke to a crowd of over 5,000 students at the Student Lobby Conference last March. Another concern is in regards to lobbying is Mr. Abbasi’s plan to “create” a student Political Action Committee. We cannot see him starting such an initiative because one already exists! This is something that students at UCLA (including people in the UCLA EAVP office), Cal and UC Riverside are working diligently on. The California Coalition for Higher Education, from which the initiative began, has existed for this entire past academic year. It is not a new idea. It is something that students, alumni and business leaders have been working on. It concerns us that someone would purport to be a leader of an initiative that others have been working hard to create throughout this past academic year. Should a progressive tax initiative fail to pass in the November elections, the University of California will face a cut of approximately 400 million dollars. This year is a pivotal year for higher education in California and the External Affairs Vice President of the ASUC must be prepared to be a strong advocate for students across the entire state. They must have a real knowledge of the issues, beyond what is rehearsed for an election process. That being said there is a better alternative for EAVP, Sydney Fang. Beyond regularly being engaged in the UCSA space, well before the elections process began, Ms. Fang has represented students in the State Capitol on numerous issues. During our Spring Break, she testified before California State Legislature on capping executive pay in years when the fees increase or the University’s finances are not in order, also known as AB 1561. She has an understanding of UC issues beyond a simple fund or don’t fund mindset. Ms. Fang sees the operations of the entire UC as relevant to students and can articulately advocate on these issues. Based on our work at a statewide level, which is a critical component to UC students and UCSA, we believe that Sydney Fang is the best candidate for ASUC EAVP. We cannot make decisions on behalf of UC Berkeley students, of course. But, we think it is of the utmost importance that our opinions be heard as the EAVP deals with external entities and must relate with other UC campuses. Sydney Fang has demonstrated her commitment to engaging students around the quality and affordability of education. We have seen her work first hand and have seen her make a concerted effort to engage with students across the state on a consistent basis. Signed, Joelle Gamble ASUCLA, External Affairs Vice President UCSA, Board of Directors John Joanino ASUCLA Co-Campus Organizing Director UCSA, Board of Directors Kelly Osajima ASUCLA Co-Campus Organizing Director UCSA, Board of Directors Gilberto Soria Mendoza ASUCLA Legislative Liaison UCSA, Board of Directors

https://www.facebook.com/notes/gilberto-soria-mendoza/response-to-daily-cal-endorsement-for-asuc-eavp-ucla-ucsa-board-members-proudly-/10151511764335393

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Student and community leaders share why they think Sydney Fang is the best candidate for EAVP. *Titles are for identification purposes only To learn more about Sydney's qualifications and experience visit:http://tinyurl.com/whathassydneyfangdone VOTE ON APRIL 10, 11, and 12 at election.asuc.org. Andy Albright for President - https://www.facebook.com/AlbrightForPresident Anthony Galace for EVP - https://www.facebook.com/anthonygalaceforevp Sydney Fang for EAVP - http://www.facebook.com/sydneyforeavp Naomi for AAVP - https://www.facebook.com/NaomiForAAVP We would like to thank all of Sydney's mentors, colleagues, and supporters for taking the time to interview with us.

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"For the first time in his 15 years as a Berkeley City Council member, Kriss Worthington has endorsed student candidates for the ASUC elections at UC Berkeley.

Worthington, whose district includes the UC Berkeley campus and surrounding Southside neighborhoods, endorsed Andrew Albright, Sydney Fang and Anthony Galace, three CalSERVE executive slate candidates who have worked on city and campus issues such as redistricting, affordable student housing and the city’s second response ordinance over the course of the past year." -- The Daily Cal

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"UC Berkeley students, Berkeley City Council members and commissioners met on the steps of city hall Monday evening to discuss the findings of a Student Diversity Study conducted by members of the ASUC.

The study, conducted by ASUC Senator Sydney Fang and members of her staff, outlines the disproportionate ratio of ethnic representation on city commissions which they say undermines Berkeley’s purported values, and includes an action plan for how to address these disparities." -- The Daily Cal

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Make Cal SERVE you. Vote CalSERVE today through April 12th at election.asuc.org.

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Voting begins today until April 12th. Vote at election.asuc.org. Vote Sydney Fang for EAVP, Andy Albright for President, Anthony Galace for EVP, and Naomi Wilson for AAVP. 

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CalSERVE community members are activists and organizers. CalSERVE operates through the medium of the ASUC to make honest, dedicated progress for this campus all year long, every year. While the other parties exist solely to win elections, or to shout down the Chancellor while he's addressing students, CalSERVE is on the ground lobbying on behalf of minority students in Sacramento, promoting tolerance and multiculturalism alongside MEMSA and the Peace Not Prejudice coalition, building community infrastructure and unity and working with the administration to address the needs of our communities and the student body as a whole. Other parties talk about progress and change; CalSERVE builds it from the ground up. CalSERVE - Cal Students for Equal Rights and a Valid Education 2012! Andy Albright for ASUC President Anthony Galace for ASUC EVP Sydney Fang for ASUC EAVP Naomi Wilson for Academic Affairs Vice President

Matthew William Enger, Intern in the Office of ASUC Senator Andy Albright

*Title for identification purpose only

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“There is a huge disparity and under-representation of people of color and students,” said Sydney Fang, a fourth-year student at UC Berkeley and the co-author of the study. She is also running for vice-president of external affairs at UC Berkeley’s student senate. “It’s really a shame.” -- Berkeleyside

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Sydney Fang shows underrepresentation of students and people of color in a study on Berkeley City Commissions

Berkeley’s Biggest Secret? Every Ethnic Group Left Behind

STUDENT STUDY SHOWS SHOCKING STATISTICS!

Preliminary findings of a recent UC Berkeley student study of racial and age diversity in Berkeley commissions revealed that African Americans, Latinos, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and students are severely underrepresented in Berkeley City Commissions. 4 Councilmembers had zero Latino appointees and 3 Councilmembers had zero Black appointees.  Several others had only one Black and one Latina appointee. Each gets to appoint 34 commissioners!

Even in Berkeley, a city renowned for diversity and progressive ideas, the politicians don’t always live up to their rhetoric. Even if each Councilmember had one person from each group, that would not come close to fair representation for 45% of the city residents.

(2010 Census counts 19% API, 11 Latino, 10% African American, 5% Bi-Racial).

“As a Chinese and Vietnamese American woman, I know that the Asian/Pacific Islander and Latino communities have grown to 30% of Berkeley.  We demand a seat at the table. We stand in solidarity with the African American community which even today still does not have a fair share of appointments,” said study co-author Sydney Fang. “Our work to fight injustice and underrepresentation must start here in the City of Berkeley.”

Study authors Sydney Fang and Alice Lin also wrote an action plan to address these disparities:

1.      Educating the Council and the public on these shocking numbers.

2.      Lobbying the Council to meet with the community and commit to improvements.

3.      Recruiting neighborhood, student, religious and Civil Rights leaders to identify talented potential applicants and help them to apply.

4.      Flooding the City Council with applications for all 58 current vacancies.

5.      Outreaching and providing assistance to student applicants to increase student representation as well as racial diversity.

6.      Demanding the City Clerk better publicize vacancies and provide Council with a biennial report on the diversity breakdown of commissions by Councilmember.

"We must strive to empower students of color to fight against historical marginalization and represent their communities and their needs, said Stefan Monmouth, the Operations Director of the bridges Multicultural Resource Center at UC Berkeley. “While we are conscious everyday of our privilege in being a student at UC Berkeley, we are also reminded of how much more work there is to be done."

The Student Diversity Study was compiled by students at UC Berkeley in Sydney's office using information from the City Clerk and correspondence with Berkeley City Council Members and their staff.

The full report can be found here: http://is.gd/studentdiversitystudy

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Three for History:  Andy, Anthony and Sydney

In fifteen years as a City Council member, I have never seen three ASUC Senators do so much work on so many issues that affect so many people. I have never endorsed a team of candidates in ASUC elections. Other City Council members have endorsed but I have stayed neutral. This year is a very unique chance to get three officers who have been effective advocates all year long, not just at election time. I expect this talented team to make history as one of the most successful student governments in history.

I hereby ENDORSE Andy Albright, Anthony Galace, and Sydney Fang. 

Many people already seem to know their involvement on campus as senators, and in state and national issues. I am writing this message because it seems less visible for folks to know their exemplary record of involvement and achievement on dozens of local issues. A few examples: 

1. Pushing landlords to refund security deposits. First email in Summer alerting us to these problems. After months of work some tenants received refunds. Still working on others. 

2. Berkeley Inn site foreclosure: For 25 years this vacant site has been blighted. Successfully pushed City to take action from August until Sept 6 vote. (Now the owner has a new architect who says they will submit a complete proposal very soon.)

3. Pedestrian Safety: Did research, community organizing and events to improve dangerous intersections in September and October. 

4. Telegraph Livability Coalition: helped create coalition working with businesses, long term residents, activists and students from October to December. Created consensus list of 21 things to do to make Telegraph cleaner, greener and safer. Encouraged communication & cooperation between folks advocating for their own groups. 

5. Public Works: Lobbied Public Works Department head on nuts & bolts of services getting done in November. 

6. Second Response Ordinance expansion: Wrote first Senator letter opposing proposed additional restrictions in January.

7. TAP/Walk the beat: lobbied Berkeley Police Chief in February and March for reinstating foot patrol for safety in Northside and Southside. 

8. B.R.E.A.K. Berkeley Researching Educating Advocating Knowledgeable solutions. Recruited students to work on spring break projects advocating for student empowerment.

9. Student Pledge. Requested Mayor and City Council members at Student Working Group to sign student pledge in March. Protested City council making a finding of blight in student apartment buildings without consulting with student leaders and students affected. Also advocated for more affordable student housing by supporting BSC to build a new student coop.

10. Student Commissioner Study: Contacted city staff and elected officials to compile numbers of students and people of different races serving on city commissions in March and April. Informed City Council on underrepresentation of API , Latino and Black residents, as well as drastic underrepresentation of students. 

INNOVATION: These students have earnest ideas, work hard, and are willing to try new ways of doing things. Their creative efforts motivated more students to do more for the community and helped make Berkeley a better city. 

INSPIRATION: The conventional wisdom about both the Berkeley Inn site and the Walk the Beat program has been that nothing would be done. Residents and businesses had begged the city to take action. I had written multiple Council items and got study but not action. Andy Albright’s timely advocacy from his personal experiences helped get actual results. 

INDEPENDENCE: Over the years some student leaders just side with Wozniak and the moderate side of City politics. 

Other students just work with the more liberal (Arreguin, Anderson, Worthington) side of City Council. Sydney Fang has written criticisms of BOTH sides of the City Council and proposed improvements to both sides. By proposing solutions, her passionate criticism was seen as polite and more powerful. 

Given their track record of intelligent activism and effective advocacy on so many issues, I hereby ENDORSE Andy 

Albright, Anthony Galace, and Sydney Fang.  I also endorse YES on the V.O.I.C.E initiative.

Sincerely, Kriss Worthington, Berkeley City Council 

***My City Council title is for identification purposes. This is my personal opinion, and does not claim to represent the whole City of Berkeley.

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Berkeley Councilmember Kriss Worthington endorses Andy, Anthony, and Sydney!

"In fifteen years as a City Council member, I have never seen three ASUC Senators do so much work on so many issues  that affect so many people. I have never endorsed a team of candidates in ASUC elections... This year is a very unique chance to get three officers who have been effective  advocates all year long, not just at election time. I expect this talented team to make history as one of the most  successful student governments in history. I hereby ENDORSE Andy Albright, Anthony Galace, and Sydney Fang."  -City Councilmember Kriss Worthington* *Titles for Identification Purposes Only

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Sydney supports the Labor Justice Project and workers' rights!