Thank you to all my supporters and everyone who voted for me!

Election Issues

Platform Principles

Fiscal Responsibility-- Firm and Fair Budget Decisions
Livability for All-- Public Safety, Housing Opportunities, Healthy Environment
Vision for the Future-- Support Youth, Parks, and Libraries

Policy Positions

I want passage of a General Plan Update that maintains the City’s livability. I support carefully designed affordable housing in targeted downtown areas, supported by a range of transportation choices for residents and commuters.
I support restoration and preservation of City creeks with local funds and grants. City residents will benefit from healthy habitats for plants, birds, and aquatic life, in particular steelhead trout in Mission Creek.
I want strong police and fire services that provide effective emergency response. I support emergency preparedness in the event of natural disaster. I believe in community policing and crime prevention, but support tough-on-crime action when warranted.
I support the activities of neighborhood groups in maintaining public safety, healthy businesses, and clean spaces.
I support fair wages and benefits for all city workers and contractors, but I believe reform of the public pension system is necessary to maintain its fiscal sustainability.
I support land-use decisions that accommodate the special needs of community health clinics and child-care facilities.
I believe in open competition for City contracts.
I believe in cooperation and strengthening relationships with the County of Santa Barbara, neighboring cities, SBCC, UCSB, and special district agencies to address regional issues and needs.

Qualifications & Experience

Local Government. Extensive knowledge of government and politics after 15 years experience as a news media professional. Specialized in issues of land-use, environment, housing, human/civil rights, water supply, immigration, animal welfare, performing arts.
Youth Development. Experience teaching college students broadcast journalism. Founded a newspaper for at-risk teens, worked as an artist-in-the-classroom in elementary schools.
Community. Through production of a public access TV show (Off-Leash Public Affairs), introduced and connected the community to important issues, news, and events. Topics include health care for all, capital campaign for Santa Barbara City College, Girls Inc. Divas for a Cause, rail transportation and Train Day, local business, and urban creeks restoration, and other issues.
Non-Profit Organizations. Served on board of directors of Santa Barbara Children’s Theater, Shape of Voiceyouth newspaper, and Santa Barbara Channels. Volunteered for Community Recovery Network, a group that successfully advocated for a public detox facility.
Social & Political Activism. Organized and participated in various social justice projects promoting women’s rights, gay rights, and workers rights. Volunteered for several local political campaigns, including work in voter outreach, publicity, and volunteer coordination.