I was born and raised in Hayward, went to schools Cherryland, San Lorenzo, and Hayward, and now live with my family of four in Castro Valley.

After living away for some time, I returned in the 90's to Cherryland where I had extended family. I was working as a city planner in San Francisco and saw how importand government decisions were at the local level. By comparison, I was shocked by the lack of services and general neglect our neighborhoods by our own local government, - so I got involved. Together with childhood friends and dear neighbors, I helped form the Cherryland Community Association and was its first president. That experience taught me a lot about how local government operates and what communities need to do to influence decisions. 

I was elected to HARD in 1994 to provide more and better park and recreation services through out the district, and especially its underserved areas. The park district had a lot of heart but a limited budget. However, over the years, it has constanly grown and improved its services. A major breakthrough has come with the passage of a bond measure in 2016, and the District now well underway in renewing and updateing its most long deficient parks. 

I am honored to serve the community as your HARD Board Member.

H.A.R.D. has been a constant presence throughout my life.   I grew up using the community centers and recreational facilities as a child, teenager, and young adult.  My wife Amy uses them, and now our daughter Adell is using them.  I am running  for the H.A.R.D. Board because I have first-hand knowledge of how important the H.A.R.D. programs and facilities are for residents, I have the leadership experience to work collaboratively and forge successful partnerships, and I want to increase community access to the H.A.R.D. facilities and programs.

I have a history of deep engagement and advocacy in our community.  For over a decade, I have been in a variety of leadership roles within the landscape industry as well as within the Eden Area.  For the last 6 years, I have been highly active in the Eden Area Livability Initiative (EALI).  I am currently a Vice-President of the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, where I am chair of the Economic Committee.  I have served two terms on the H.A.R.D. Citizen Advisory Committee and I am currently the chair of the H.A.R.D. Bond Oversight Committee.  I believe that my experiences and passion have given me a unique set of skills that I can apply to be a force for positive good throughout the entire H.A.R.D. District.

If elected, my leadership background and history of engagement will strengthen community partnerships.  I will be an active neighborhood voice on the Board who can bring people together to make a difference.  My decades of using H.A.R.D. facilities and my local advocacy experiences have taught me how to collaborate with other local agencies and create successful partnerships.  This is why I have so much support and so many endorsements from local organizations and leaders.  I have been fortunate to receive endorsements from The Alameda County Democratic Party, multiple local elected officials, and many neighbors from all over the District.  I would be honored to have the opportunity to work with the other Board members and H.A.R.D. staff to make H.A.R.D. as successful as it can be.