California State AssemblyCandidate for District 13

I support development and expansion of ACE and the San Joaquins commuter rail and Valley Link, connection to BART, and would support all legislation providing funding for this critical commuter transit.  It is imperative that we get automobiles off the roads and promote all forms of transit.  As a COG Director and Regional Rail Commissioner for many years, I have extensive experience and knowledge of our transportation and transit issues which will enable me to advocate effectively for our needs and achieve real results.  Addressing subsidence in the Delta has the potential to sequester huge amounts of carbon while keeping prime farmland in production.  I will support and advocate for strengthening Delta levees and addressing all Delta issues, such as subsidence, through the lense of climate change and sea level rise. 

There is a need for housing at every level of the housing continuum - permanent, supportive housing for high needs homeless individuals; higher densite housing for low income families, college students or those just entering the workforce; entry level, market rate housing; urban dwellings for all ages who do not seek a suburban lifestyle; low maintenance and universal designed dwellings for seniors who want to age in place; and traditional, single-family homes. State leadership will be critical to finding a  long term solution to this problem, which is decades in the making.  Increasing tax credits can help low income/affordable housing "pencil out" and would eliminate the current ability of regions to advance only one project at a time to prevent competing against each other.  Additional, meaningful incentives must be developed to jump start private development.  Streamlining, or eliminating in some cases, regulations that increase project costs would greenlight many of these projects.  Time equals money in development, so I would look to making time-saving changes in regulations and processes.  In addition, it is unacceptable that some local jurisdictions have abdicated their responsibility to provide affordable housing for their residents and workforce.  While I am a strong supporter of local control, my support does not extend to the practice of burdening a neighboring city or county with a jurisdiction's housing needs.  In that case, penalties are appropriate and may be used to develop a statewide Housing Mitigation Fund to support projects in the unfairly burdened communities.  The State can also provide assistance in addressing the jobs/housing imbalance by creating targeted incentives - such as tax credits - to encourage employers to locate or expand into regions with affordable housing for their workforce.

SB 678, a five year pilot in San Joaquin County, is a good example of the kind of restorative justice program which can provide a good alternative to incarceration.  for offenders of any age. It will pair victims and offenders before they are convicted, and offenders who complete the program can avoid having a criminal record.The state-funded program is targeting offenders who do not have extensive criminal records, but who have committed serious crimes that have a high potential for violence such as robbery, assault, home burglary or making criminal threats. Those charged with murder and sex crimes are not eligible. The offender, victim and members of community groups, along with law enforcement and defense attorneys, must agree on a plan that will satisfy the survivor and community while helping the criminal avoid commit future crimes. That can include substance abuse treatment, counseling, education and job preparation. Far from "coddling" offenders, this type of program is victim centric. Traditionally, there are limited opportunities for victims to engage in the criminal justice system other than at the end, when they make a victim impact statement, this type of program puts the power and tools in the hands of the victims and provides an opportunity to heal. Victims can demand restitution for expenses like medical bills or time lost from work, or a letter or statement of apology from the offender. The offender will face a suspended prison or jail sentence that can be reinstated unless they complete the program. Offenders successfully completing the program, can avoid having a criminal record. An independent evaluation will track how many graduates commit new crimes and whether the program satisfies victims. San Joaquin County has demonstrated much success with specialty courts aimed at helping former prisoners transition back to the community, with the goal of them becoming employed and positive contributors to their families and community. 

I am opposed to any isolated conveyance (tunnel) in the Delta, until a thorough and honest analysis has been done to determine the true amount of water available for export while protecting the health of our great estuary.  Following that analysis, an inventory of proposed regional projects must be completed to ascertain how much additional new water will be added to California's supply if they are built.  Only after these critical facts have been verified can any conveyance be considered or properly sized and sited.  Even then, a benefits/cost analysis must be completed before we can make a decision if this is a wise investment. In the Assemby I will support water infrastructure funding, with a high priority on projects which lead to regional self-sufficiency.  Projects may include conservation programs, stormwater capture, groundwater recharge, wastewater treatment and reuse, "purple pipe" projects, above and below ground storage and desalination, where appropriate. A statewide solution to California's long term water supply and quality needs must achieved without pitting North vs. South and must be comprehensive.