Fliers were distributed and classrooms addressed and, “the next thing I knew, we surpassed what we had to provide the City of Santa Paula,” on Election Day, Salas noted. Due to the high turnout of poll workers – which reflected the interest in the presidential election – Salas said he wanted to recognize the students for their activism on behalf of democracy.“This is your next voting class of Santa Paula; they took the time out of their schedule, had homework but still made the effort to sign up.”Salas noted his regret at the late notice given the participating students of the council meeting recognition: “Yesterday I started calling people, the fax I sent to the high school didn’t make it,” but he placed phone calls to student volunteers up until 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.“Thank you mayor and council for recognizing our students for their efforts,” said Gaitan. “I’m sure this will be a lifelong experience for them, our future leaders.”
SPUHS seniors recognized for Election Day volunteerism
December 08, 2004
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula Union High School students with an interest in democracy were recognized for their election season efforts by the City Clerk at the December 2 special City Council meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Paula Union High School students with an interest in democracy were recognized for their election season efforts by the City Clerk at the December 2 special City Council meeting. Student poll workers were poised to save the day on November 2, said City Clerk Steve Salas who recruited dozens of high school seniors to meet a poll worker shortage.Ventura County was under the gun of the U.S. Department of Justice to have more bilingual election materials as well as poll workers. Salas said he tried to help fill the gap.“I asked for help on Channel 10,” during televised council meetings, “went to churches and the Las Piedras Park Police Substation and thought I would have no problem, people would answer the call,” to work the polls on Election Day. “They did not,” and after some research, Salas approached SPUHS Principal Tony Gaitan who agreed to the senior class recruitment.
