I will be an advocate for affordable housing and smart growth. This is a critical issue touching each of us as everyone should have the opportunity to live in the community in which they work. This includes students, young families, teachers, nurses, firefighters, and business owners who contribute directly to the quality of life in this district. The reality for many is the median income in the county is not enough to afford a home and rents are increasingly unaffordable. The average sale price of a home in recent months is $460,000 and the average rent for apartments is $1600 per month.

One of the solutions would be to eliminate 'in lieu' fees. The process with "In Lieu" fees for builder's  that they are encouraged to follow through with the 10% requirements of affordable housing units during construction Eliminating these fees with no loopholes will address a facet of the problem.

Rent control and HOA fees can be addressed with income variables.

I believe the model of civility behavior is necessary to your constituents, audiences and colleagues.

It is encouraging that this survey "Civility in America" in the workplace is leading in increased civility ratings. This is important as most working adults spend a great portion of their day and life at work.  The report finds that when management sets a tone of civility, their workforce is more relaxed and productive.

We should look at the methods used in high civility workplace models and determine whether these methods can be introduced in other venues, such as education.  Teaching simple skills in treating others in a civil manner could result in teacher and student productivity increases and a less stressful environment especially if you begin teaching these methods in the early years.

In the end, civility equals civility.

Climate change is a very real issue, not only in California, but for everyone sharing this planet.  The difficulties in addressing the water needs of residents and business and how to deliver water in a manner that minimizes the environmental impact will continue to be a challenge that we must address.

As our State grows in population, the issue of balancing water needs with environmental protections grows as well.  In the past, our leaders and water agencies strongly advocate for smart water use and water conservation during years with lower rainfall.  However, in years which the water is plentiful, there is little discussion or encouragement to conserve water.  Over the last few years, I believe the conversation has changed and we understand the need to continue water conservation and storage; however, much more work needs to be done in this area.

I would initiate an effort to bring more attention to water needs and environmental challenges associated with the deliver of water to the forefront and bring people (water experts, scientists, business leaders, consumers, Department of Water Resources, Department of Fish and Wildlife, and CalEPA) together to address a multi-pronged approach to the water delivery in California and the environmental impact. We can better address these issues if you have open and straightforward conversations that consider everyone's concerns.

I believe that every child in our district deserves a quality education, regardless of background, race, ethnicity, immigration status or zip code.  Rapidly changing demographics, affordable housing, and increased attacks on California's public education have created a new set of challenges for communities in District 6 and I am determined to meet these challenges head-on.  

The local control funding model which was enacted in 2013 has delivered more money to schools in low income areas of California.  The challenge is making sure the funding gets to the students that most need it.  It is too early to measure changes attributed to the new funding model.  However, as an Assembly member, I will work to make sure the funding is used in the manner it was intended.

Homelessness creates anxiety and stress in school aged children which can lead to poor concentration skills and academic achievement.  It is imperative that we address the homeless

Not enough or nutritional foods can affect a child education experience.  The California Department of Education administers the State Meal Program.  The State Meal Program is a child nutrition program funded by the State of California. The program provides money to public school districts and county superintendents of schools that serve nutritious meals, free or at a reduced price, to needy children, in compliance with state law.

The local control funding model which was enacted in 2013 has delivered more money to schools in low income areas of California.  The challenge is making sure the funding gets to the students that most need it.  It is too early to measure changes attributed to the new funding model.  However, as an Assembly member, I will work to make sure the funding is used in the manner it was intended.

Homelessness creates anxiety and stress in school aged children which can lead to poor concentration skills and academic achievement.  It is imperative that we address the homeless

Not enough or nutritional foods can affect a child education experience.  The California Department of Education administers the State Meal Program.  The State Meal Program is a child nutrition program funded by the State of California. The program provides money to public school districts and county superintendents of schools that serve nutritious meals, free or at a reduced price, to needy children, in compliance with state law.