ISSUES
Public Safety
All La Mesans regardless of their socio-economic status, race, or ethnicity should feel safe in our city. We need policies, practices, and programs that are sensitive, effective, and fit our city’s needs. I’m proud of the work I’m doing as the Vice-Chair of the Community Police Oversight Board (CPOB) but there is more work to be done to build trust between the police and the community. As your Councilmember, I will continue to support the CPOB in its efforts to address this public need.
Homelessness
As with all of San Diego, many of our fellow residents are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. The City of La Mesa voted to approve the Homeless Action Plan earlier this year. This is a 5 year plan to address homelessness and housing insecurity. As your Councilmember, I will push for continued implementation of the 5 year plan but will continue to assess its impact and success. We can solve homelessness and housing insecurity in our community.
Economy
As La Mesa transitions to this post COVID-19 economy, we need to ensure that our policies protect and support the workers and communities left behind or impacted. I will work with La Mesa businesses, leaders, and our communities to build pathways to good paying middle-class jobs through training programs, apprenticeships, continuing education, and other programs. This includes working towards ensuring that our local working families have access to well-paying local jobs.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is one of the biggest issues impacting La Mesans and the City needs to invest more time in solving this crisis. As our City has been changing over the last 25 years, housing prices have skyrocketed in La Mesa. Young families are not able to afford a starter home and seniors are being pushed out of their homes. Home ownership is one of the best ways to build generational wealth, but while working as an independent loan officer, I’ve seen how difficult it is for some families to buy a home. As your Councilmember, I will work to preserve our community and keep La Mesa affordable for all La Mesa families by stopping messy development.
Education
High quality education is the best way to ensure people can improve their lives. I want to make sure that all students can access high quality education regardless of their socio-economic background. Many students fell behind during a year of remote learning and we need to work hard to ensure that they catch up. The City of La Mesa can and should play a role in filling the gap between school and home. Through our library, park services, and support for non-profits, our City can provide opportunities for kids to get the help they need to get back on track. We will also need to ensure a permanent home for our library. We can’t accept a temporary space as a permanent solution.