Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee: Women's Voices

Trump is Trying to Reverse Crucial Strides in Women’s Rights Movement

SB Women's Political Committee — Sun, 03 May 2026 23:51:31 GMT

Photo Credit: ej Borah, for SBWPC. Feminist political action committees (PACs), such as the SBWPC, play a crucial role in safeguarding access and equality for all women. Their presence is particularly vital in today’s political landscape.

The article by Ming-Qi Chu, she/her, Deputy Director, Women’s Rights Project, ACLU, makes clear how the Trump administration- thanks to the Heritage Foundation and Project 2025 – are dismantling women’s rights, keep women at home, and dismantle marriage equality laws. She writes:

“On the campaign trail in 2024, President Donald Trump claimed that “whether the women like it or not, I’m going to protect them.” Now, that claim is proving to be more a threat than a promise. His administration is undermining women’s economic freedom and security, strictly enforcing archaic gender roles, gutting reproductive freedom and women’s health, and pushing women back into the home…. Today, 77 percent of women, ages 25-54, in America work outside the home, whether by choice or necessity, but Trump and his allies are trying to reverse that progress. In his first year in office, Trump has already implemented a significant portion of Project 2025, the administration’s playbook for enacting its most extreme policies which undermine women’s economic security, weaken their civil rights protections, and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs.”—Ming-Qi Chu, sh
e/her, Deputy Director, Women’s Rights Project, ACLU

THE 12TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S VOICES NOW ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL

SB Women's Political Committee — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:23:16 GMT

THE 12TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S VOICES NOW ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL

APRIL 15 – MAY 20, 2026

Schedule

Get Your Pass

2026 THEME | Forward, In Her Footsteps.

Drawing strength from those who inspire us.

“ We’ve come so far. Yet, we are in a time where progress is under threat — when funding for the arts is being cut, when generational and ideological divides are deepening, when girls’ and women’s rights face renewed challenges worldwide.

We won’t go backward. We draw strength from those who came before us, from those who refuse to give up, and from each other. Decades of voices amplified, stories told, lives changed — progress built by those who showed us the way. Now we continue the work they started.

The films in this year’s selection are proof that resilience is our superpower. Women and girls have always found ways to move forward — through solidarity, through storytelling, through the refusal to retreat. These filmmakers showcase this legacy and implore us to keep moving forward, in her footsteps. The work continues.” —Women’s Voices Now

39 films selected, representing 26 countries.

Get Your Pass

Explore all 39 Films | Official Selection

39 Films Selected

26 Countries Represented

$13K+ in Prizes

2,000+ Passes Sold

THE 12TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S VOICES NOW ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL

Official Selection 2026

Explore the curated films of 2026 Women’s Voices Now Online Film Festival

“You’ve felt it. The sense that progress is fragile right now. That the ground has shifted. These 39 films are proof that women have always found a way forward, and they will again.”

Heidi Basch-Harod

Executive Director, Women’s Voices Now

Women’s Voices: A Curated Selection of Feminist Media

SB Women's Political Committee — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 06:40:13 GMT

Dear Members,

As we move further into this pivotal year, our mission to achieve political Access, Voice, and Power remains more critical than ever. Our efforts are rooted in the intersectional feminist values that drive our strategies: demanding representation that reflects our community’s diversity and influencing policy at every level.

This month, I want to draw your attention to a powerful story of resilience and workplace justice currently featured on Netflix: Lilly (the story of Lilly Ledbetter). Her decades-long fight for equal pay is not just a historical footnote; it is a direct reflection of our core value that women of all races must have equitable and equal pay and protection in all aspects of employment.

Lilly Ledbetter’s journey reminds us that the “missing rung” on the corporate ladder is often held in place by systemic secrecy. Just as she fought for the Fair Pay Act, we must continue to advocate for transparency and equity in our local Santa Barbara industries. Whether it is writing Op-Eds on the status of women’s employment or recruiting younger women to join our committees, every action ripples outward.

As Professor Georgene Vairo recently reminded us, “Courage is contagious. When you see people getting out there... you throw the pebble in the lake, and it ripples out”. Let this film be your pebble this month.

In Solidarity,

Christina Pizarro
President, Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee

Women’s Voices: A Curated Selection of Feminist Media

Our “Women’s Voices” section is designed to provide resources for continuous learning and collective action. We encourage you to explore these free films and series that highlight the ongoing struggle for equity and justice.

Lilly

The story of Lilly Ledbetter.

Makers: Women Who Make America

This documentary series examines how women have helped shape America over the past 150 years, striving for a full and fair share of political power and economic opportunity.

Not Done: Women Remaking America

Chart the last 5 years of the women’s movement and its intersectional fight for equality. (54m 37s)

Status Quo? The Unfinished Business of Feminism

An in-depth look at universal childcare, violence against women, and abortion access.

From Women’s Suffrage to the ERA | Retro Report

A comprehensive history of the women’s movement in the U.S.

The Ascent of Woman

A documentary series charting the role of women in society from the Dawn of Civilization to the modern day.

Books for Women’s History Month

An amazing collection of fiction and non-fiction about women’s status available locally

International Movies

Breaking the Silence: Sexual Abuse, Accountability, and Action

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:40:42 GMT

By MARIA HINOJOSA, FERNANDA ECHAVARRI, MONICA MORALES-GARCIA, ADREANNA RODRIGUEZ and PENILEY RAMÍREZ MAR 19, 2026. Interview begins at 4min 05secs.

Trigger Warning: We should mention that parts of this story might be disturbing for some of our listeners.

Abuse Exposed

Sexual abuse is not a relic of the past; it is a persistent crisis that affects every community, movement, and institution. When survivors speak, we must listen carefully. When abusers are shielded by their legacies, we must take decisive action. This article advocates for accountability, solidarity, and local action.

The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) firmly stands in solidarity with civil rights icon Dolores Huerta. Her courageous revelations about the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Cesar Chavez serve as a powerful catalyst for the broader reckoning that our community and nation must undertake.

“Rape and sexual abuse must be unequivocally condemned in all their forms, irrespective of the perpetrators’ status or their societal standing.”— Christina Pizarro, President, Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee

Historical Context

A History of Silence: Sexual Abuse Through the Ages

Sexual abuse has been a persistent issue throughout recorded history, yet it has been systematically minimized, ignored, or actively concealed for most of that time. This deliberate and ruthless construction of silence around sexual violence can be traced back to ancient legal codes that treated women as property and medieval institutions that shielded powerful men from consequences.

In the 20th century, the rise of social movements like labor rights, civil rights, and women’s liberation ignited hope that oppressive power structures would be dismantled. However, even within these movements, abuse persisted behind closed doors. Charismatic leaders, wielding their moral authority and organizational power, exploited those they trusted most. Ironically, the very institutions designed to liberate people became, for some, sites of profound harm.

The #MeToo movement, which gained global attention in 2017, shattered decades of institutional silence. Survivors from diverse industries, including entertainment, politics, academia, and labor organizing, came forward in unprecedented numbers. What emerged was not a new epidemic, but the long-overdue revelation of one that had always existed. History teaches us that silence is not neutrality; it is complicity.

Ancient Codes

Women are often treated as property, and abuse is rarely prosecuted.

20th Century

Abuse hidden within liberation movements and institutions

2017: #MeToo

Survivors are speaking out in unprecedented numbers, bringing global reckoning to the forefront.

Today

The ongoing struggle for accountability persists, even among long revered individuals.

The Crisis Today

Sexual Abuse in the Present: Scope and Reality

Sexual violence, one of the most underreported and underaddressed crimes in the United States, continues to have a profound impact on individuals and communities. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Shockingly, only 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators are incarcerated, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and action to combat this pervasive issue. These statistics are not mere abstractions; they represent real individuals in every city, including Santa Barbara.

Survivors encounter significant obstacles in coming forward, including fear of retaliation, disbelief from institutions, social stigma, and the unique challenge of speaking out against influential or revered figures. When an abuser wields moral authority, such as a civil rights leader, religious figure, or community pillar, the pressure to remain silent becomes even more pronounced. Survivors are frequently advised that speaking out will “damage the movement” or “dishonor a legacy,” which constitutes a form of secondary abuse.

Sexual Assault in Numbers

Women Affected

1 in 6 American women has been the victim of attempted or completed rape

Frequency

A sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds in the United States

Perpetrators Jailed

Only 25 out of 1,000 perpetrators will ever be incarcerated

Source: RAINN National Statistics

Survivor Spotlight

Dolores Huerta Speaks: Courage in the Face of Legacy

Dolores Huerta, a pivotal labor and civil rights organizer in American history, co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez. For decades, she tirelessly fought for the dignity and rights of farmworkers, who are among the most vulnerable and exploited members of society. Her life’s work serves as a testament to her moral courage and unwavering advocacy.

Her recent revelations hold immense weight precisely because of this. Huerta has courageously disclosed that she endured sexual abuse at the hands of Cesar Chavez, a man whose name graces streets, schools, and public spaces nationwide, including right here in Santa Barbara. Despite the significant personal cost, her decision to come forward compels us to take her seriously and respond with the full force of our collective conscience.

“The immense courage required to bring such truths to light is essential for achieving true justice. We express our deepest gratitude to Dolores for her bravery in speaking her truth. Her strength serves as an inspiration to other survivors, empowering them to share their experiences and forcing us to confront the persistent systemic issues of abuse and power that plague our society.” — Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee

Huerta’s revelations are not isolated accusations; they are part of a broader pattern that demands a thorough examination. No legacy, regardless of its significance, should shield an individual from accountability. To honor Dolores Huerta’s life’s work, we must honor her truth.

Sign the Petition

SBWPC Statement

SBWPC Stands in Solidarity: An Official Statement

The Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee (SBWPC) unequivocally supports Dolores Huerta, following her courageous revelations about the sexual abuse she endured at the hands of Cesar Chavez. The SBWPC firmly believes that no individual, regardless of their historical significance or contributions, is immune to accountability for acts of violence and exploitation.

Our Core Belief

True security can only be achieved when every individual is free from violence in all aspects of life, including within the movements that advocate for human rights.

Our Commitment

Stand with survivors of sexual abuse
Hold individuals accountable, regardless of their legacy.
Advocate for the strengthening of safety and equity principles.
Ensure no movement’s legacy shields abuse

The SBWPC strongly urges community and elected leaders to actively support survivors and ensure that the legacy of any movement is not exploited to conceal the reality of sexual abuse. We unequivocally condemn this behavior. Rape and sexual abuse must be openly and unequivocally condemned in all their forms.

Local Action

Santa Barbara Must Act: Remove Cesar Chavez’s Name from Our Street

Across the nation, communities are grappling with the challenge of honoring history authentically. This involves acknowledging the contributions of individuals while refraining from glorifying those who caused harm. Santa Barbara is now confronted with this very dilemma. A street named after Cesar Chavez serves as a public declaration of the community’s values. However, in light of Dolores Huerta’s revelations, it is imperative to reevaluate this statement.

Local leaders and advocates are urging the City of Santa Barbara to initiate the process of renaming Cesar Chavez Street. This is not an attempt to erase history, but rather a refusal to honor an abuser in public spaces. We can acknowledge the complexities of the labor movement’s history while clearly stating that our streets honor individuals who lived with integrity.

Contact Your City Council

Reach out to Santa Barbara City Council members and urge them to place the renaming on the public agenda. Email the Santa Barbara City Council,

Sign & Share the Petition

Add your voice to the growing community call for renaming. Share widely on social media to amplify the message and demonstrate broad public support.

Attend Public Meetings

Show up to City Council meetings (in person or online), send a public comment, or attend public community meetings. Survivor advocates and community members speaking in person carry significant weight in local decision-making.

Support the SBWPC

Join or donate to the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee to sustain ongoing advocacy for survivors and gender equity in our community.

Sign the Petition

Prevention

What We Can Do: Prevention at Every Level

Preventing sexual abuse demands action at every societal level—individual, institutional, and systemic. Awareness is crucial, but it must be complemented by structural change. Communities that prioritize prevention invest in education, establish robust reporting mechanisms, and hold institutions accountable when they fail survivors.

Education & Awareness

Implement comprehensive consent education in schools and workplaces. Normalize conversations about boundaries, power dynamics, and healthy relationships from an early age.

Amplify Survivor Voices

Create safe, accessible channels for survivors to report abuse without fear of retaliation. Believe survivors first. Ensure confidentiality and institutional support throughout any process.

Demand Accountability

Advocate for policies that remove statues, street names, and honors from confirmed abusers. Support legislation that strengthens protections for survivors and closes statute of limitations gaps.

Community Coalitions

Build cross-sector coalitions — between women’s organizations, labor groups, faith communities, and local government — to create a unified, community-wide response to sexual violence.

In Santa Barbara, residents have access to local resources, such as the STESA, which offers free, confidential services to survivors and their families while advocating for systemic change at the local level.

Resources, References & Primary Sources

Accountability starts with information. Here are some key resources for survivors, advocates, and community members who want to learn more, take action, or access support. These primary and secondary sources provide the foundation for our advocacy, grounded in documented facts.

RAINN — National Sexual Violence Statistics

The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Provides statistics, policy resources, and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE).
rainn.org/statistics

Standing Together to end Sexual Assault

Provides free, confidential support to survivors in the Santa Barbara community, including counseling, legal advocacy, and community education.
https://sbstesa.org

Santa Barbara City Council

Reach out to elected officials directly to advocate for renaming Cesar Chavez Street and implementing stronger survivor protections in city policy.

Sign Our Petition
Email your representatives here.

Dolores Huerta Foundation

The official foundation of Dolores Huerta, continuing her life’s work in community organizing, civic engagement, and social justice.
doloreshuerta.org

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Provides research, policy analysis, and prevention resources for communities and organizations working to end sexual violence.
nsvrc.org

Sources & References

Organizations & Support

Government & Policy

News & Primary Sources

If you or someone you know needs support:

Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA) provides counseling and prevention services to sexual assault survivors in the Santa Barbara community. 24-Hour Hotline: 805-564-3696

Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org. Confidential help is available 24/7.

Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee: Women's Voices

Trump is Trying to Reverse Crucial Strides in Women’s Rights Movement

THE 12TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S VOICES NOW ONLINE FILM FESTIVAL

2026 THEME | Forward, In Her Footsteps.

Drawing strength from those who inspire us.

Official Selection 2026

Women’s Voices: A Curated Selection of Feminist Media

Women’s Voices: A Curated Selection of Feminist Media

Lilly

Makers: Women Who Make America

Not Done: Women Remaking America

Status Quo? The Unfinished Business of Feminism

From Women’s Suffrage to the ERA | Retro Report

The Ascent of Woman

Books for Women’s History Month

International Movies

Breaking the Silence: Sexual Abuse, Accountability, and Action

“It Was Time”: Dolores Huerta’s First Interview After “Devastating” Cesar Chavez Expose

By MARIA HINOJOSA, FERNANDA ECHAVARRI, MONICA MORALES-GARCIA, ADREANNA RODRIGUEZ and PENILEY RAMÍREZ MAR 19, 2026. Interview begins at 4min 05secs.

Trigger Warning: We should mention that parts of this story might be disturbing for some of our listeners.

Abuse Exposed

Historical Context

A History of Silence: Sexual Abuse Through the Ages

Ancient Codes

20th Century

2017: #MeToo

Today

The Crisis Today

Sexual Abuse in the Present: Scope and Reality

Sexual Assault in Numbers

Women Affected

Frequency

Perpetrators Jailed

Survivor Spotlight

Dolores Huerta Speaks: Courage in the Face of Legacy

SBWPC Statement

SBWPC Stands in Solidarity: An Official Statement

Our Core Belief

Our Commitment

Local Action

Santa Barbara Must Act: Remove Cesar Chavez’s Name from Our Street

Contact Your City Council

Sign & Share the Petition

Attend Public Meetings

Support the SBWPC

Prevention

What We Can Do: Prevention at Every Level

Education & Awareness

Amplify Survivor Voices

Demand Accountability

Community Coalitions

Resources, References & Primary Sources

RAINN — National Sexual Violence Statistics

Standing Together to end Sexual Assault

Santa Barbara City Council

Dolores Huerta Foundation

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Sources & References

Organizations & Support

Government & Policy

News & Primary Sources

If you or someone you know needs support: