Blase Bonpane

Candidate for City Council (At-Large), Arcata

Blase Bonpane works as a Political Science Lecturer at Cal Poly Humboldt, a teacher at College of the Redwoods, a nonprofit administrator, a world history teacher, and a permaculture designer. He holds a degree with honors from UC Berkeley and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington. His background includes work with the California Clean Energy Fund, Lost Coast Camp's Medallion Program, the Mattole Restoration Council, the Global Alliance for Global Justice, UC Collective Bargaining, and the Office of the Americas Board. He has taught in schools from Hoopa to Petrolia and has kept a booth at Arcata's farmers market.

In his official candidate statement, Bonpane frames his campaign around Arcata's "environmental, artistic and progressive legacy," pointing to the city's farmers market as an example of what he calls economic democracy. He highlights Arcata's sanctuary city policies as a way to resist federal immigration enforcement and protect due-process rights, citing partnerships with groups such as Centro Del Pueblo and Justice for Josiah. He also says the city should not let denial of climate science and related issues shape its governing culture, and calls for the city to be more responsive to local indigenous tribes.

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