Issues

Education

I believe that California’s public education system should be number one in our country. Every child should be taught the basic skills necessary to hold down a job that supplies a middle-class living. I support early childhood education, advanced technology in the classroom, and vocational education training. I will work to ensure that our schools are funded and all children have the opportunity to succeed.

Public Safety

Our children deserve to live in safe neighborhoods. Children who drop out of school drop into street gangs, and prisons are expensive alternatives to decent schools. In Salinas, I head a non-profit agency dedicated to violence prevention among teens. While I am a supporter of tough sentence guidelines for violent criminals, I also believe in crime prevention–especially among young people.

Affordable Housing

Working families should have the opportunity to own their own home. Home ownership is an essential element in family stability–but also one beyond the means of many working families. If we work together we can create solutions. As Mayor of Salinas, I worked with home builders and families to implement a plan that put families in homes and gave them savings in future equity. It’s working to build strong families and safe, stable neighborhoods.

Quality Health Care

Every Californian deserves access to quality health care. Nearly one million children lack basic health insurance in our state. California should be a leader in providing basic health care coverage. In the State Assembly, I will bring people together to ensure that our children, working families, and senior citizens are protected and health care is a priority. I believe that medical professionals should drive health policy in California–not insurance profits.