About
My Story
I am the granddaughter of a farmworker and a grandmother who worked as a housekeeper before ultimately becoming a small business owner. My father is a retired US Postal Service employee, and my mother worked for over 25 years as a public employee. Their sacrifices and determination made it possible for me to have greater education and career opportunities.
I am the product of public K-12 schools and a graduate of Stanford University and the University of Southern California (USC). I began my professional career supporting economic development and community programs at the city level. Later in my career, I developed expertise in communications and community building as the Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Santa Barbara City College. I have extensive local experience conducting bilingual community outreach and working with residents to develop community-based solutions. To further serve my community, I completed comprehensive training as a Public Information Officer (PIO) through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and FEMA. I have used this training as a volunteer PIO alongside Santa Barbara County’s first responders, providing critical information to our community during local emergencies like the Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow.
For the past four years, I have been honored to serve as your Councilmember for District 1. I am running for re-election in 2026 to continue building a safe, welcoming, and high-functioning city. My record reflects a steadfast commitment to the essential services that our residents rely on every day. With Masters Degrees in land use planning and in public administration, I have a deep understanding of how city government should work, how it should be accountable to the community, and how essential thoughtful planning is to sustainable communities.
I know that by focusing on the fundamentals of local government, we can preserve the character of our neighborhoods, safeguard our treasured parks and open spaces, and support a thriving local economy. My priority remains delivering essential city services that strengthen community trust and ensure Goleta remains a wonderful place to live, work, and play.
I am committed to maintaining a balanced city budget, with strong reserves, while advocating for the continued modernization of our city facilities, public streets, and parks. I will continue to work hard to ensure our City is accountable, responsive, and focused on the services that affect your daily life.
I have a balanced and pragmatic approach to decision-making and take pride in working with residents to achieve shared goals.
MY COMMUNITY SERVICE
Over the years, I have volunteered with numerous Boards and Community Groups. Some examples include:
- Goleta Union School District, Trustee
- CALM, Board of Directors
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara - Board of Directors
Santa Barbara Sierra Club, Chair - California School Boards Association, Assembly Delegate
- Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management, Volunteer Bilingual Public Information Officer
- Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee, President
- Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County, Board of Directors
