Guide to New Legislators - California Alliance of Child and Family

Transcription

Guide to New Legislators
2013 Edition
Contents
Locating Your Senate and Assembly Districts ............................................................................................... 3
New Senator Biographies.............................................................................................................................. 4
District 4, Vacant – Special Election 1/8/12 .............................................................................................. 4
District 5, Cathleen Galgiani (D) ................................................................................................................ 4
District 13, Jerry Hill (D) ............................................................................................................................ 5
District 15, Jim Beall (D)* .......................................................................................................................... 6
District 17, Bill Monning (D)* .................................................................................................................... 7
District 19, Hannah Beth Jackson (D) ........................................................................................................ 8
District 21, Steve Knight (R) ...................................................................................................................... 9
District 31, General Richard Roth (D) ........................................................................................................ 9
District 32, Vacant – Special Election TBD .............................................................................................. 10
District 33, Ricardo Lara (D)* .................................................................................................................. 10
District 39, Marty Block (D) ..................................................................................................................... 11
District 40, Vacant – Special Election TBD .............................................................................................. 12
New Assembly Member Biographies .......................................................................................................... 13
District 1, Brain Dahle ............................................................................................................................. 13
District 5, Frank Bigelow (R)* .................................................................................................................. 14
District 8, Ken Cooley (D) ........................................................................................................................ 15
District 10, Marc Levine (D) .................................................................................................................... 15
District 11, Jim Frazier (D) ....................................................................................................................... 16
District 13, Susan Talamantes Eggman (D) ............................................................................................. 17
District 18, Rob Bonta (D) ....................................................................................................................... 19
District 19, Phil Ting (D)........................................................................................................................... 20
District 20, Bill Quirk (D).......................................................................................................................... 21
District 21, Adam Gray (R)....................................................................................................................... 22
District 22, Kevin Mullin (D) .................................................................................................................... 23
District 23, Jim Patterson (R) .................................................................................................................. 23
District 29, Mark Stone (D) *................................................................................................................... 24
District 32, Rudy Salas (D) ....................................................................................................................... 25
District 36, Steve Fox (D) ......................................................................................................................... 26
District 38, Scott Thomas Wilk (R) .......................................................................................................... 27
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District 39, Raul Bocanegra (D) ............................................................................................................... 28
District 41, Chris Holden (D).................................................................................................................... 29
District 46, Adrin Nazarian (D) ................................................................................................................ 29
District 47, Cheryl Brown (D) .................................................................................................................. 30
District 49, Edwin “Ed” Chau (D) ............................................................................................................. 31
District 50, Richard Bloom (D)................................................................................................................. 32
District 51, Jimmy Gomez (D) .................................................................................................................. 33
District 57, Ian Calderon (D) .................................................................................................................... 34
District 58, Christina Garcia (D)............................................................................................................... 35
District 59, Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D)....................................................................................................... 35
District 60, Eric Linder (R)........................................................................................................................ 36
District 61, Jose Medina (D) .................................................................................................................... 36
District 63, Anthony Rendon (D)* ........................................................................................................... 37
District 65, Sharon Quirk-Silva (D) .......................................................................................................... 38
District 66, Al Muratsuchi (D).................................................................................................................. 39
District 67, Melissa Melendez (R) ........................................................................................................... 40
District 69, Tom Daly (D) ......................................................................................................................... 41
District 72, Travis Allen (R) ...................................................................................................................... 41
District 75, Marie Waldron (R) ................................................................................................................ 42
District 76, Rocky Chavez (R)................................................................................................................... 43
District 77, Brian Maienschein (R)........................................................................................................... 43
District 79, Shirley Weber (D) ................................................................................................................. 44
Conducting Meet and Greet Meetings ....................................................................................................... 46
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Locating Your Senate and Assembly Districts
1. Go to http://www.legislature.ca.gov/
2. Look for the Blue Box on the right side of the screen titled “Find My District”
3. Click on Search by Address. (This web page will be updated on December 3, 2012 to reflect new
Districts. If you have this tool saved in your web browser it will have a new URL after this date.)
4. Enter your Street, City and Zip into the fields and click Find.
Please note, as a result of redistricting, your area may be represented by two Senators, or may not be
represented by any Senator, during the 2013-14 legislative session. If your area is unrepresented as a
result of redistricting, the Senate Rules Committee has assigned a Senator to provide constituent
services to your area during the 2013-14 legislative session. The maps and information shown on the
site provided may not reflect these unique circumstances and may use the term "representative" to
describe either your elected Senate representative or the Senate representative assigned to provide
constituent services to your area.
The California Senate is structured so that Senators serve in four-year terms that are staggered. Half of
the Districts are up for reelection every two years depending on whether they are odd or even Districts.
The 2012 election was the year for odd numbered districts.
Redistricting:
 Voters in odd-numbered districts elected Senators into a 4-year term in 2008.
 Voters in even-numbered districts elected Senators into a 4-year term in 2010.
 Redistricting changed boundaries of Districts. As a result, some residents and businesses will
change Districts. Locations who fell into odd-numbered Districts under the old system, but are
now in even-numbered Districts in the new system will lack a Senator for in the 2013-14
Legislative Session.
This is not a new phenomenon! This issue happens every time California has redrawn Districts and has
been held legal by the Courts. If you fall into this category you have been assigned a Senator which will
be reflected in the website listed above. You also maintain an Assembly Member during this time
period. You may contact your local Registrar office for questions related to your specific location.
** All photos and bio’s in this document are from the candidate’s individual campaign websites and
materials.
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New Senator Biographies
District 4, Vacant – Special Election 1/8/12
District 5, Cathleen Galgiani (D)
Since her election to the State Assembly in 2006, Assemblymember Galgiani has
worked to facilitate the fast-moving development of the nation’s first High-Speed
Rail project which will create 600,000 new jobs, and put California’s economy on
a fast-track to recovery. Assemblymember Galgiani has worked to facilitate the
creation and development of California’s newest University of California Campus,
UC Merced, and is continuing her work to bring a “School of Medicine” to the
campus. As Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, she has sought to
promote and protect California’s vibrant agricultural region — the breadbasket to
the world.
Prior to her election to the State Assembly, Assemblymember Galgiani served as the consultant to the
Legislative Committee on the Development of UC Merced to help secure funding and support for the
establishment of California’s 10th University of California Campus, UC Merced. UC Merced’s initial
application was filed in 2002, and the first class of students was admitted in 2005. UC Merced is now
home to more than 5,000 students, providing opportunities for the highest number of students from
low-income families, and the highest number of students who are the first in their family to attend a UC
campus.
Upon her election, Assemblymember Galgiani began working to persuade UC officials to start the
planning stages for creating a “School of Medicine” at UC Merced. California is expected to have a
shortage of 17,000 physicians by the year 2015. In the Fall of 2011, the first class of six medical students
will enter the “UC Merced San Joaquin Valley Program in Medical Education (PRIME)” program. This first
class will begin their medical education at UC Davis in August 2011, and clinical rotations in the Valley at
partner institutions as early as 2013.
As a member of the Legislature, Assemblymember Galgiani has also focused her attention on:
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Protecting the San Joaquin Delta and Water Rights for farmers. In 2008, she Co-Authored SB 59
(The Reliable Water Supply Bond Act) to help protect the San Joaquin Delta, which supplies
more than 25 million people with water. As Chair of the Agriculture Committee, she worked
with the Farm Bureau and Western Growers Association to negotiate amendments relative to
protecting farmers water rights in the 2010 Water Bond package.
Providing mental health care services for California’s youth, including our youth in the LGBT
community: Assemblymember Galgiani authored AB 1780 (2008) to develop the administrative
structure for the operations and fiscal management of the Early and Periodic Screening,
Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program, which provides mental health services for our
children & youth.
Developing the “Court Appointed Special Advocates of Merced County” (CASA), whose goal is to
provide a safe haven for all foster care children of Merced County: CASA provides highly trained
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advocates to assist foster children by uniting the court system with agencies serving children in
need of protection from further abuse and neglect.
Establishing a “Family Justice Center” to bring a team of professionals together under one roof
to provide multiple services for victims of domestic violence, and their children: In 2010, she
authored AB 1770 to allow Stanislaus County to establish a Family Justice Center, similar to the
model that has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice. As a former member of the
Auxiliary for the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin County, Assemblymember
Galgiani recognizes the important role prevention plays in addressing child abuse and neglect.
Creating the Small Business Enterprise program for California’s High Speed Rail Project: The High
Speed Rail Authority has assembled teams of the best minds throughout the world to guide our
scientists and engineers in the newest technologies for high-speed rail systems. Opportunities to
benefit from revolutions in new technology should be shared with California’s small business
enterprises during the engineering, design, and construction phases of the project.
Cathleen Galgiani was elected to represent the 17th Assembly District of the California State Legislature
in November, 2006. The 17th Assembly District, home to some of the richest agricultural land in the
world, includes Merced County, and portions of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.
Assemblymember Galgiani previously worked for former First Lady Sharon Davis, Congressmember John
Garamendi during his tenure as Insurance Commissioner, former State Senator Patrick Johnston, former
Assemblymember Barbara Matthews, and former Stockton City Councilmember Loralee McGaughey.
Prior to working in the Legislature, she spent eight years as a physical therapy aide at San Joaquin
General Hospital and Dameron Hospital in San Joaquin County where she worked with patients
recovering from strokes, and other debilitating injuries and diseases.
Assemblymember Galgiani Chairs the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, the Select Committee on
High-Speed Rail for California and the Select Committee on Continued Expansion of the 10th University
of California Campus, Merced. She serves on the Committee on Higher Education, the Committee on
Transportation, the Committee on Governmental Organization, and the Select Committee on
Biotechnology.
Office: (916) 651-4005
Scheduling Contact: Kaitlyn Johnson
District 13, Jerry Hill (D)
Jerry Hill was born in San Francisco and spent the past forty-two years on the
Peninsula dedicating the last twenty years of his life to public service. He led the
successful effort to expand health insurance to every child in San Mateo County
without raising taxes, he fought to preserve thousands of acres of parks, open space
and coastal areas for future generations, and he enacted laws to set tough limits on air
pollution and global warming emissions.
His service began as a member of his neighborhood homeowners association and led
to an election to the San Mateo City Council during a successful effort to prevent massive high-rises
from being built in San Mateo. He later served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors and the
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California Air Resources Board before being elected to the State Assembly where he has served since
2008.
Since arriving in the Legislature, Jerry has focused on creating jobs, protecting consumers, saving
taxpayer dollars, improving environmental and public health, and helping schools create the workforce
of tomorrow.
Office: (916) 651-4013
Scheduling Contact: Marina Gonzales
District 15, Jim Beall (D)*
Jim Beall's (pronounced “Bell”) vision and experience has provided Silicon Valley
with 30 years of leadership, making a difference in the lives of working families,
seniors, foster care children, and people with disabilities.
Jims roots in Santa Clara County run deep. Born in San Jose, he has lived his
entire life in the city. As one of ten children, raised in a loving home where
money was tight, Jim learned values like responsibility, hard work, self-reliance
and the importance of giving back to the community to improve people’s lives.
Working in the fields picking crops as a teenager, Jim learned the true value of
hard work, a day’s labor and the value of every dollar.
Jimʼs parents always stressed the importance of a quality education and Jim took that lesson to heart,
graduating from Bellarmine College Preparatory and earning a degree from San Jose State University in
Political Science. At the age of 24, Jim went on to serve on the San Jose City Planning Commission before
becoming the youngest person ever to be elected to the San Jose City Council, at age 28. After 14 years
on the city council, Jim was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in 1994.
As a supervisor, Jim Beall balanced budgets in an era of dwindling revenue while managing to pass
break-through programs that have been copied across the nation. He launched the county's Children's
Health Initiative, resulting in affordable and comprehensive health coverage for 154,000 low-income
children and saving taxpayers millions in public medical costs. He brought relief to Santa Clara County
commuters by championing major traffic improvement projects like Highways 85 and 87 and then
getting them built on time and under budget. Jim also laid the foundation for bringing BART to the South
Bay.
As an Assemblyman, Jim has maximized state dollars by working to make state programs more efficient
and effective. He partnered with food banks to pry $1 million in forgotten funds from an overlooked
state emergency account to buy thousands of pounds of food to feed the hungry. He also helped find
jobs and transitional housing for emancipated foster care youth and made it easier for financially
beleaguered foster care parents to keep their homes open for California's neglected and abused
children. And Jim secured millions in funding over the past two decades for day care centers, parks, and
hospitals, as well as to preserve our open space.
Jim has been married to his wife, Pat, for 28 years. They have two stepsons, Greg and Mark.
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Office: (916) 319-4015
Scheduling Contact: Gillian Eppinette
District 17, Bill Monning (D)*
Prior to his service in the State Assembly, Assemblymember Monning was a
professor at the Monterey College of Law and a professor of International
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution at the Monterey Institute of International
Studies. He is the former president and co-founder of Global Majority, Inc., an
organization committed to education, training and advocacy in the field of nonviolent conflict resolution.
Assemblymember Monning served as a Senior Fulbright Specialist, receiving
Fulbright scholarships to teach and research in Peru and Chile. Additionally, he was a member of the
Monterey County Court-directed mediation panel and served for four years as Executive Director of the
Nobel Peace Prize winning organization, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.
The Assemblymember received a B.A. at the University of California at Berkeley and a law degree from
the University of San Francisco, School of Law. He and his wife, Dana T. Kent, a family physician, reside in
Carmel, California and have two daughters: Laura, husband Kevin; and Alexandra.
Since being sworn into office, Assemblymember Monning has gained several key appointments. He is
Chair of the Assembly Committee on Health, which has primary jurisdiction over health care policy
issues such as Medi-Cal, mental health, licensing of health and health-related professionals, and long
term health care facilities. Assemblymember Monning is also a member of the Assembly Committee on
Judiciary, and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. He also serves on the Assembly Committee on
Budget, Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human
Services, and Assembly Committee on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media.
During his first term in office, Assemblymember Monning distinguished himself by being appointed to
the California Coastal Conservancy and by enacting a number of key pieces of legislation.
Assembly Bill (AB) 1217 requires the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) to establish a statewide standard
for the certification of sustainable seafood. Additionally, the bill authorizes the OPC to implement a
marketing and labeling program in cooperation with a qualified marketing association to promote the
consumption of seafood caught or raised within the state that fall under the certification criteria.
The Assemblymember was also instrumental in establishing the California Health Benefits Exchange
(Exchange), a key component for the State of California to implement federal health care reform. The
primary function of the Exchange is to be California’s "active purchaser" of health care coverage for
individuals and small businesses that generally do not have access to affordable health care.
In addition to legislation, Assemblymember Monning has been active in bringing together a diverse
group of stakeholders and developing a strategy to develop the Coastal Trail in the Big Sur area. He has
also worked to convene meetings of stakeholders on environmental, ocean, water and agricultural
issues.
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Office: (916) 651-4017
Scheduling Contact: Trevor Taylor
District 19, Hannah Beth Jackson (D)
Hannah-Beth Jackson is an educator, former State Assemblymember,
and former Deputy District Attorney. She was elected to represent the
35th Assembly District, encompassing large portions of Ventura and
Santa Barbara Counties, from 1998 to 2004.
Hannah-Beth also co-founded two non-profit organizations, has served
as policy-maker in residence at UC Santa Barbara and currently serves as
adjunct professor at Antioch University.
During the six years she served in the California Legislature, Hannah-Beth was an effective advocate for
improving public education, increasing public safety, improving access to health care, promoting job
growth in green industries and others, protecting the environment and protecting the privacy and rights
of consumers. Hannah-Beth authored a number of significant bills on these and other issues, including
financial privacy, crime victims, reproductive rights, domestic violence and childcare. Jackson worked
with Democratic and Republican Governors and authored more than 60 bills that they signed into law.
Hannah-Beth served as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and Chair of the
Assembly Select Committee on Coastal Protection. She served as Chair of the bipartisan Legislative
Women’s Caucus and was Chair of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee
from 1999-2002. She served on a number of standing committees including the Budget Committee,
Judiciary Committee and the Higher Education Committee.
She was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Consumer Federation of California for her strong
advocacy on behalf of consumers, particularly in the areas of health care and privacy rights. Jackson was
also named “Legislator of the Year” by the Congress of California Seniors for advocacy against elder
abuse and health care issues and “Environmental Hero” by the California League of Conservation Voters
for her unwavering protection of our natural resources and public health. The California Teachers
Association named her “Outstanding Public Official” for her leadership in improving our schools. She
was named “Legislator of the Year” by the National Organization for Women for advancing women’s
health issues and equal opportunity and by the Junior League of California for her work on domestic
violence and issues effecting children. Californians Against Waste named her legislator of the year after
the passage of her bills to do with pesticide use and the recycling of electronic- waste. Hannah-Beth
earned other awards including “Guardian of the Coast” by Vote the Coast, the “Outstanding Public
Service Award” by the California School Employees Association, and Planned Parenthood’s “Giraffe
Award” for sticking her neck out to do what is right.
Hannah-Beth is married to Superior Court Judge George Eskin. She has a daughter, two stepchildren and
four grandchildren. The family has resided in the district for more than 35 years.
Office: (916) 651-4019
Scheduling Contact: Christina Chavez
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District 21, Steve Knight (R)
Shortly after graduating from Palmdale High School, Knight served in the U.S.
Army completing his training in Fort Knox, Kentucky and was later stationed in
Friedberg, Germany.
After completing his military service, Knight became a police officer with the
LAPD, where he has served on the front lines for over 18 years. In 1995, Knight
was hand-selected to join the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums
(CRASH) team to combat street gangs.
In 2005, Knight sent a conservative shockwave through the Palmdale
community with his election to the City Council. Knight received the most
votes of the nine candidates in the election.
During his tenure on the city council, Knight kept a strict policy against tax increases and wasteful
spending in local government. A strong advocate for Jessica’s Law, Steve has been instrumental in the
development of many innovative crime-fighting programs for the City of Palmdale.
Knight was elected to the State Assembly in 2008, succeeding Sharon Runner, who stepped aside under
term limits. As a member of the Assembly, Knight has served on the committees for Local Government,
Utilities and Commerce, Rules and is Vice Chair on both the Natural Resources and Public Safety
Committees.
Knight lives in Palmdale with his wife, Lily, and their two sons, Christopher and Michael.
Office: (916) 651-4021
Scheduling Contact: Alicia French
District 31, General Richard Roth (D)
Richard was born in 1950 in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Ada High
School (Ada, Ohio) in 1968, where he played in the band and was elected
president of his junior class and the Student Council. He went on to Miami
University (Ohio), majored in political science, minored in chemistry and
enlisted in the ROTC program. After a less than perfect eye exam kept him
from flight school, Richard set his sights on the Air Force Judge Advocate
General’s Corps (JAG) and earned his law degree from Emory University in
1974.
After earning admission into the JAG Corps, Richard entered active duty in
the US Air Force in 1975. He served various postings with the Strategic Air
Command and Pacific Air Forces units in Arizona, Okinawa, Japan and
California. In 1978, he was assigned to Riverside’s 22nd Bomb Wing at March Air Force Base. Transferring
from active duty to the Air Force Reserves in 1979, he served at March AFB over the next 13 years with
Strategic Air Command and Military Airlift Command units. During this period, he was named Air Force
Judge Advocate of the Year (1986) and California Air Force Reserve Officer of the Year (1992). Through
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the ‘90s, Richard worked as a reserve judge advocate at Air Force bases in Georgia, California and
Illinois. He also served at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command and in the Pentagon. By 2004, he
had risen to the rank of major general and served in the Pentagon as Mobilization Assistant to The Judge
Advocate General of the U.S. Air Force where he oversaw more than 900 Reserve judge advocates and
paralegals assigned to more than 200 offices at every level of command and helped to manage the
recruitment, training, utilization and deployment of Reserve legal forces worldwide. He retired from the
Air Force in 2007 after 32 years of service. Over the course of his career, he received numerous awards
and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service
Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal, among others.
Richard has been engaged in the practice of labor and employment law with Riverside-based firms for
over 30 years. As the managing partner of several of those firms, Richard was in charge of running the
business and meeting the payroll. Prior to establishing his law practice, Richard worked as an attorney
with the National Labor Relations Board. He has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of
California at Riverside’s Anderson School of Management and in the University’s extension division. He
is a member of the State Bars of Georgia and California.
A Riverside resident since 1978, Richard is a Past Chairman of the Board for the Greater Riverside
Chambers of Commerce and is President of The Monday Morning Group. He is a member of The
Raincross Club, the Riverside Community Hospital Advisory Board, The Thomas W. Wathen Foundation
Board (Flabob Airport), the Riverside County Bar Association Board of Directors, the Path of Life
Ministries Advisory Board, the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School Foundation Board, and the La
Sierra University Foundation Board. Richard is past Vice Chairman of the Parkview Community Hospital
Board, past member of the Riverside Public Library Foundation Board and the Riverside Art Museum
Board, and a past Trustee of the March Field Museum. He currently serves as Legal Advisor to the
Airlift/Tanker Association as well as serving as a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeals Judicial Conference.
Richard is married to his wife Cindy.
Office: (916) 651-4031
Scheduling Contact: Josh Walters
District 32, Vacant – Special Election TBD
District 33, Ricardo Lara (D)*
The son of a factory worker and a seamstress, Former Assembly Member
Ricardo Lara was born and raised in East Los Angeles and the communities of
Southeast LA County. As a graduate of LAUSD schools and a lifelong resident of
the Southeast, he knows first-hand the challenges facing all the cities and
communities he represents in the 50th Assembly District and the ones he will
have the honor of serving in the Senate’s 33rd District.
Ricardo has dedicated his entire career to public service. From serving as Associated Student Inc. (ASI)
Vice President while studying at San Diego State, to working with the late Assembly Member Marco
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Antonio Firebaugh on the landmark AB540 legislation that opened the doors for undocumented
students to pursue a higher education, his dedication to serving the most vulnerable in the state has not
wavered.
In his first term in office, Ricardo was appointed Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, where
he has focused on strong ethical oversight over public funds and programs by ensuring the effective and
efficient management of taxpayer monies. Ricardo also serves on: the Appropriations Committee, the
committees on Banking and Finance, Higher Education, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife. In addition, he
created and chairs the Select Committee on Financial Empowerment, which examines traditional
strategies for wealth-building and promotes long-term financial stability and asset building.
Ricardo was also elected with a super-majority vote to chair the 23-member Latino Legislative Caucus.
Representing diverse geographical regions throughout the State, the caucus draws on the unique
background and experience of its 8 Senators and 15 Assembly Members to address issues affecting
California’s working families.
He is also a member of the LGBT Caucus and is the first openly gay person of color in the State Senate. In
addition, he is a member of the Assembly Select Committee on California Mexico Binational Affairs, the
California Border Legislative Conference, Assembly Select Committee on Foster Care and the Select
Committee on Post-Secondary Access and Matriculation.
Ricardo's commitment to his community is reflected in his ongoing volunteer work with local, statewide
and international service organizations, including the Downey Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis International; the
Bellflower Noon Lions Club; Optimist International; and the Rotary Club in the city of South Gate.
Ricardo also serves on the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Board, where he continues to protect
and expand the quality and affordability of healthcare services for working families.
Office: (916) 651-4033
Scheduling Contact: Elaine Sandoval
District 39, Marty Block (D)
For 30 years, Marty Block has lived in our neighborhoods and as an active
community volunteer, respected elected official, and experienced professional,
he is uniquely qualified to tackle the issues that are important to the
communities of the 39th Senate District. As the Senator for the 39th Senate
District, Marty will build upon his legislative accomplishments in the Assembly
and reflect upon his years of service in our communities to improve our
education systems, economic activity, environmental health, and our quality of
life.
"I have worked tirelessly for my community at the local level, and I will
continue to be an effective advocate in Sacramento on behalf of everyone in
San Diego to improve our most critical services," commented Block.
Marty was elected to represent the 78th Assembly District (San Diego) in November 2008, and shortly
thereafter was appointed by Speaker Bass to the Assembly Leadership as the Assistant Majority Whip
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and subsequently by Speaker Pérez as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Higher Education. His
passion on education issues, both at the K-12 levels and collegiate levels shows a strong regard for those
who have little or no voice in the political process. He utilizes this same results-oriented approach to
state government that served him so well in his prior roles.
His other legislative priorities include protecting public safety, providing jobs and economic
development, seeking fiscal accountability, offering quality district services, fighting for veterans' rights,
and ensuring that everyone in the district has access to affordable, quality healthcare. His resume is rich
in community service and civic involvement and Marty has always had a keen grasp of so many issues
that face our community.
Office: (916) 651-4039
Scheduling Contact: Monica Hatley
District 40, Vacant – Special Election TBD
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New Assembly Member Biographies
District 1, Brain Dahle
Brian Dahle is a third-generation farmer, business owner, and four term
Lassen County Supervisor.
Brian’s family history dates back to the original homestead farm in the 1930s
in the Tule Lake area of Siskiyou County. The present Lassen County farm was
purchased in the 1940s by Brian’s grandparents and has remained in the
family since that time. When his parents retired, Brian and his wife Megan
purchased the farm, which is now operates over 2,000 acres.
“I’ve lived my life taking responsibility for my family and business, treating
people with respect, and paying all of my bills.”
In addition, Brian and Megan Dahle operate and manage Big Valley Seed and Big Valley Nursery.
Elected to the Lassen County Board of Supervisors in 1996, Brian has helped ensure that budget is
balanced and that County is completely debt free. Lassen is one of just a handful of Counties without
any debt.
Brian has taken a leadership role in helping strengthen rural counties. He is the past Chair and current
Board Member for the Regional Council of Rural Counties, where he has been a leading defender of the
North State’s private property and water rights.
Brian has earned other leadership opportunities, including:
 Past president, Western Interstate Region (National Association of Counties, NACO)
 Chair, Energy Environment Land Use Committee (NACO)
 Chair, California Housing & Finance Corporation
 Chair, National Housing & Finance Corporation
 Circle of Service Award (California State Association of Counties)
 Dale Sowards Award, public service award from Western Interstate Region (NACO)
Brian and Megan are raising their two sons, Chase, and Reagan, and two-year-old daughter, Roslyn. They
live in Bieber in Big Valley, where Megan serves on the Big Valley Joint Unified School Board.
Brian enjoys hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and family activities.
Office: (916) 319-2001
Scheduling Contact: Nadine Bailey
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District 5, Frank Bigelow (R)*
The first thing you’ll notice about rancher Frank Bigelow is his hat. To Frank’s
way of thinking, he wears it as a symbol of respect for the sacrifice of those
who settled our region and it serves as a commitment to continue to preserve
our way of life.
With family roots that date to the late 1800’s, Frank’s great grandparents,
Harmon and Leota Bigelow, settled in the O’Neals area of Madera County and
established a cattle and sheep ranch along with a wagon and stage line that
served the high country of the Sierra Nevada.
Later, Harmon strung two wires through the trees so that his wife could talk to
her friend a half-mile away with a telephone. In 1908, after requests for service
from other settlers and a subsequent request by the Forest Service to take over its phone lines, the
Bigelow Telephone Company became Ponderosa Telephone Company.
An employee of the Ponderosa Telephone Company since 1973, Frank worked his way up through the
ranks of the company, learning all facets of the business and currently serves as Vice President. Frank
remains active in the operation of his family’s cattle ranch Bigelow Farms.
Elected by his neighbors to the Madera County Board of Supervisors, Frank has a proven record of
thoughtful leadership. By working to build a budget surplus, Frank helped protect taxpayers from the
tough economic times we are experiencing now. His votes to reduce government spending and
economic reforms have forced government to live within its means. Frank fought to restore
accountability to local agencies and voted to keep and attract jobs to our community.
One of the realities of our region is the threat of fire. Although an official firefighter on his 18th birthday,
Frank’s commitment to fire safety was born on the ranch as a young boy. 39 years later, Frank continues
serve as a volunteer with his local fire department. Frank lists jobs, illegal immigration, Government
Accountability and child safety as priorities.
Frank has served on a variety of local organizations and committees, most notably his service on the
Madera District Fair Board, the Madera Ag Boosters Board of Directors, California Shorthorn Breeder’s
Association Board of Directors and the Madera County Cattleman’s Association Board of Directors. He
served as a leader in the Spring Valley 4-H Club and is a strong supporter of the Future Farmers of
America. In keeping with family tradition, he has continued to raise champion registered Shorthorn
cattle and champion registered Columbia Sheep, and is a member of the Yosemite Lakes Community
Church and Madera County Farm Bureau.
Frank resides in O’Neals, with his wife of 34 years, Barbara.
Office: (916) 319-2005
Scheduling Contact: Kirk Kimmelshue
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District 8, Ken Cooley (D)
Ken was elected to Rancho Cordova's first City Council upon its formation in
2002. He was re-elected in 2004 and 2008, running citywide, and has
repeatedly been his community's top vote-getter. He also served as mayor in
2005 and again in 2010 when his city was recognized as an All America City.
Rancho Cordova's incorporation helped turn the community around. It allowed
the city to focus on reducing crime and creating local jobs after Mather Air
Force Base's traumatic 1996 closure. 10 years of cityhood have established a
vibrant community. Since 2003, an estimated 10,000 new jobs have been
added. One million square feet of new commercial buildings have been built.
Ken's commitment to fiscal conservatism, refined over an 18-year private sector
career with State Farm Insurance, helped Rancho Cordova to thrive despite the economic recession. Ken
is the only candidate in the 8th Assembly district with experience balancing a government budget yearly
and maintaining surpluses each year as an elected official. While fiscal strength is difficult for all levels of
government today, Ken is very proud that his city received a two-level credit rating increase in 2009,
despite the recession.
The two-notch boost was an outstanding accomplishment, a reward for the city's "Good Management".
As his community has grown its financial health, the result is marked improvement citywide: fifty-one
miles of city streets repaved, six miles of new walking trails, and twenty miles of new bike lanes added.
Rancho Cordova has grown into Sacramento County's number two jobs center, his city now includes a
wide array of jobs that span professional, business and construction services. Rancho Cordova's
business-friendly attitude was a key factor in bringing Blood Source to the city. Built from the ground up
in 2008, Blood Source Laboratories brought its headquarters to Rancho Cordova in the form of a highcapacity, green technology facility committed to state-of-the art blood products manufacturing. By
2010, during Ken's second term as Mayor, employment at the former Mather Air Force base, including
that added by Blood Source, exceeded the levels it had when the base closed.
Ken and his wife Sydney have been married for 37 years and have lived in the east Sacramento County
community of Rancho Cordova since 1977. It is where their sons were born, grew up in local schools,
sports and Scouting and live with their families.
Office: (916) 319-2008
Scheduling Contact: Erica Sanders
District 10, Marc Levine (D)
Marc Levine is a San Rafael City Councilmember and Democratic candidate for
California State Assembly. Marc is running for the Assembly to get Sacramento
working again for our communities, and to ensure that we have a strong local
voice in the State Capitol.
Marc has held leadership posts throughout his career helping to develop
innovative solutions at the local, state, national and international levels. At the
local level, Marc has helped steer his city through challenging economic times,
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retained jobs, protected the local environment, and encouraged the use of clean alternative energy.
Marc has also been an advisor and consultant to high tech startups and social enterprise. Marc
developed award-winning technology for human rights organizations, in the process raising millions in
funding from the U.S. State Department, the Soros Foundation and other funders to create technology
that is now in use globally. Additionally, Marc has worked to create innovative programs that use
technology to foster learning in under-served classrooms.
He earned his Master’s Degree in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School in
Monterey, CA, and was recognized with a Special Act Award for his work to promote the elite graduate
school around the world. While earning his Political Science Degree at Cal State Northridge, he was
elected Chair of the California State Student Association representing over 450,000 students to the State
Legislature and Board of Trustees.
Marc has a strong record of public service and involvement in the community. In 2011, he was elected
Vice Chair of the Marin Telecommunications Agency. He also serves on the Governance Committee of
MarinKids.org which helps improve education, health and wellbeing for local children.
A few of Marc’s other activities include: Alternate Commissioner of the Bay Conservation and
Development Commission; Alternate Director at the San Rafael Sanitation District and Central Marin
Sanitation Agency; Member of the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party; Vice Chair of
California Democratic Party’s Business and Professional Caucus; Chair of the 6th Assembly District
Democrats (2009 – 2010); Fellow of the ZeroDivide Foundation; and City of San Rafael CERT Graduate
(then called DART).
Marc lives in the Sun Valley neighborhood of San Rafael with his wife Wendy and their two children.
Office: (916) 319-2010
Scheduling Contact: TBD
District 11, Jim Frazier (D)
On December 16, 2000, our two daughters were in a head-on collision due to black
ice on Highway 50 on their way to Tahoe. Our oldest daughter, Stephanie, (20 years
old) died in the accident and Lindsey was hospitalized in critical condition. We were
grief-stricken – more so after learning there had been 143 accidents and many
fatalities on that 2 mile stretch of Highway 50 where our daughter died. After much
work, we succeeded in convincing Caltrans to widen the median and install a new
pavement to prevent black ice. To date, there has not been one cross-over fatality.
The stretch of highway 50 where Stephanie died is now called the “Stephanie Marie
Frazier Memorial Highway”.
After learning of Stephanie’s death, we stood by Lindsey’s hospital bed as the clung to life. When Janet
almost fainted after a day without eating, a caring nurse took out her own lunch and shared her
sandwich with my wife. It was a random act of kindness we never forgot. In 2004, we formed a nonprofit
organization which continues to provide packaged snacks and meals, in purple bags (Stephanie’s favorite
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color), to over 90,000 families of sick and injured children in 50 hospitals throughout Northern
California.
About Jim Frazier
 City Councilmember and Former Mayor of Oakley
 Local Small Business Owner for 21 years
 Member, Chamber of Commerce
 Commissioner, Transit Authority
 Vice Chair, TRANSPLAN
 Chairman, State Rt. 4 Bypass Authority
 Past President, Kiwanis Club
 Recipient of Citizen of the Year Award, Threads of Hope Award and Bay Area Jefferson Award for
Community Service.
 52 years old – married 33 years
Accomplishments that Make Me Proud
 Delivering $83,000,000 for Highway 4 improvements, creating 1,400 new jobs; %50,000,000 to
fund Highway 160, creating 700 new jobs; and $33,000,000 to fund the San Creek Interchange
and widening of Lone Tree Way, creating 600 new jobs.
 Successfully fighting for the opening of a first-of-its-kind medical clinic in Oakley to service
citizens local healthcare needs.
 Balancing our City’s budget and preparing for emergencies by funding a 30% reserve.
 Providing meals and children’s gifts to 300 needy families at Christmas.
 Building our area’s first “all abilities” playground for children with special needs.
My Top Priorities
 Encouraging Job Creation
 Repairing our Roads and Highways
 Maintaining local funds for public safety
 Overhauling education and limiting hikes in college tuition
 Protecting the Delta and providing water storage for droughts
Office: (916) 319-2011
District 13, Susan Talamantes Eggman (D)
Susan Talamantes Eggman is a trailblazer who is not afraid to get her hands dirty.
And she will always stand up for what she believes in. Since her successful
grassroots campaign for the Stockton City Council five years ago, Susan has
proven herself to be an honest and effective leader whose independent voice of
moderation has helped her find solutions to the tough issues facing the city.
During her first run for city council, Susan surprised many by forcing a runoff
against her more established political opponent. Her hard work, strong
leadership, and independence resonated with voters, who rejected a series of
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negative attacks and elected Susan. In 2010 voters reaffirmed their support for Susan when she won
reelection with over 75% of the vote.
Promoting the health and interests of San Joaquin Valley is the guiding principle behind all of Susan’s
policy decisions. From boosting job opportunities for all area residents to fighting to preserve and
restore the Delta, Susan’s goal is always to make San Joaquin County thrive.
Getting San Joaquin residents back to work is one of Susan’s top priorities. She fought to preserve small
businesses by banning future big box stores because they hurt local small businesses and damage local
economies. Susan also joined with community leaders to successfully lobby the Veterans Administration
to build their new facility in San Joaquin County, which creates jobs and provides vital services for San
Joaquin’s many veterans. As a U.S. Army veteran herself, Susan understands the sacrifices made by our
young men and women who serve.
Susan is extremely proud of her role in revitalizing the city’s parks. She spearheaded community efforts
to clean up city parks and organized free family events. Taking back these parks from drug dealers and
gangs give our children a safe place to play.
As a council member, Susan championed groundbreaking initiatives to help establish Stockton as a
leader in green technology. She also played an instrumental role in organizing a recent “sustainability
forums,” which brought together developers, environmentalists, and government officials to discuss
fiscally responsible strategies for achieving sustainable and environmentally-friendly goals.
Susan has a proven track record of standing up for the residents of San Joaquin Valley, even when it
means being the lone voice of opposition. She was the only council member to oppose the General Plan,
which would have increased urban sprawl. She opposed a city plan to buy a local sports team and
opposed raising water rates.
After graduating from high school, Susan served four years as a medic in the U.S. Army. She then
attended California State University, Stanislaus, where she earned a B.A. in psychology and a master's in
social work. Susan worked as a mental health provider and a medical social worker, before receiving her
Ph.D. from Portland State University. Susan is a member of the California Faculty Association.
Susan is the first Latina to serve on the Stockton City Council and she has not forgotten her roots. Today
she serves as the Chairwoman of the board of directors for Stockton's El Concilio, which provides
services to the Spanish-speaking community. Susan has lived in Stockton for over a decade with Renee
Hall, her partner of over 29 years.
Office: (916) 319-2012
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District 18, Rob Bonta (D)
A husband and father of three, Rob Bonta is the Vice Mayor of the City of
Alameda and an Alameda County Transportation Commissioner.
Throughout his career in public service, Vice Mayor Bonta, 41, has
distinguished himself as a strong advocate for public schools. He has fought
for public safety, to foster economic development, exercise fiscal
responsibility, and improve recreation opportunities for families.
Rob recently worked with the Obama administration to acquire nearly
1,000 acres of former Naval Base property at no cost and which will now be used for significant
economic development and job creation for residents of the East Bay.
Prior to being elected to the City Council, Rob was an elected member of the Alameda Health Care
District Board of Directors, where he played a key role in stabilizing the finances of Alameda Hospital. He
also served as the Chair of the Economic Development Commission, where he focused on business
attraction and business retention efforts.
Rob began his public service in Alameda as the board president for both the Social Service Human
Relations Board, where he fought to protect safety net services for the most vulnerable members of the
community, and Alternatives in Action, which oversees high school, preschool and after school programs
serving youth from Oakland, San Leandro, and Alameda.
Rob currently serves as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, where he
represents the City and County and its employees and brings cases to protect California’s residents from
different forms of abuse.
Rob’s legal career has included service as a litigation associate for a major Bay Area law firm and as a law
clerk for Judge Alvin W. Thompson of the United States District Court in Connecticut.
As a young lawyer, Rob was part of a team that worked with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to
successfully implement an a agreement with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to prevent racial
profiling.
A prolific soccer player, Rob played for the San Francisco Bay Seals, a professional minor league team.
He played on two Ivy League Championship teams for Yale College.
Rob is the son of a proud native Filipino mother and a father who taught him the value of public service
to his community. They both worked with the United Farm Workers and were active in the Civil Rights
Movement and the ongoing fight for social, economic, and racial justice.
Rob has served as the board president of the Asian Pacific American Democratic Caucus of Alameda
County, board member of Filipino Advocates for Justice and the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, and is
a founding member of the Filipino-American Democratic Club of Alameda County.
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Rob graduated with honors from Yale College with a degree in History. At Yale, he was awarded the
Roosevelt L. Thompson Prize, given to the student with the greatest dedication to and capacity for
public service. He was also a recipient of the William Neely Mallory Award for the best male athlete at
Yale.
After studying at Oxford University in England, he returned to earn his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law
School.
Rob and his wife Mialisa live in Alameda with their three children.
Office: (916) 319-2018
District 19, Phil Ting (D)
A solutions-focused reformer, Phil Ting was appointed as the
Assessor-Recorder of the City and County of San Francisco in
2005 by then Mayor Gavin Newsom, becoming San Francisco’s
highest ranking Chinese American official at that time.
Ting has transformed one of the city’s worst departments and
made it faster, smarter and fairer. He has worked to close a fiveyear backlog and has generated more than $290 million without
any new taxes by bringing new technology, better management and employing his background in
helping large organizations reform.
As both a local and regional leader, Ting has focused on promoting a strong economy, funding our
schools, promoting innovation in government, building trade ties to Asia, protecting homeowners facing
foreclosures and attracting high-wage green jobs.
He chairs the San Francisco Advisory Board for ChinaSF, a new public-private partnership dedicated to
creating economic development opportunities by making San Francisco the gateway for Chinese
companies looking to establish business operations in the Bay Area. Through ChinaSF, San Francisco has
attracted 13 new employers and created over 150 new jobs.
Ting launched GoSolarSF, San Francisco’s solar energy incentive program, in July 2008. This first-of-itskind local solar program has helped propel San Francisco from laggard to leader in rooftop solar
installations. The program has quadrupled the number of solar roofs in the city, created over 450 new
green jobs and has increased the number of solar companies from two to 30, helping to solidify our
status as an emerging capital of the green economy.
In 2010, Phil Ting launched Reset San Francisco to empower San Franciscans to make their voices heard
at City Hall. As an online community, Reset crowdsources creative ideas and innovative solutions from
city residents and policy experts to make the city's government more efficient and effective.
He spearheaded efforts to help homeowners and tenants facing foreclosure, including launching Don’t
Borrow Trouble, an education and outreach program; convening city officials and advocates to find local
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solutions to the foreclosure crisis; and creating a first-of-its-kind program that sends a letter providing
resource information to at-risk homeowners and tenants once a Notice of Default has been recorded for
the home. And he introduced groundbreaking “Real Estate Watchdog” legislation that is aimed at
capturing unreported changes of ownership.
Ting began his career as a real estate financial advisor, gaining practical and hands-on experience in
fiscal management and property assessments while working at Arthur Andersen and CB Richard Ellis.
Prior to serving as Assessor-Recorder, Ting had a long history of civil rights advocacy. He was the
Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus, an organization founded in 1972 to advance and promote
the legal and civil rights of the Asian Pacific Islander community. He is a member of the San Francisco
Bay Restoration Authority and the Governing Board of the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, was
President of the Bay Area Assessors Association, was president of the Organization of Chinese
Americans SF Bay Chapter and served on the boards of the Equality California Institute and the California
Alumni Association (Go Bears!).
Ting is a graduate of UC Berkeley and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He
lives in San Francisco’s Sunset District with his wife, Susan Sun and their two children.
Office: (916) 319-2019
District 20, Bill Quirk (D)
Bill Quirk worked as a climate change scientist at NASA before settling into a
career at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab, where he played a key role in
the negotiations for the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Teaching physics at Columbia,
Caltech and UC Davis as well as playing an active role in his children’s education
as a PTA President helped Bill formulate his lifelong interest in education.
In addition to the PTA, Bill Quirk served as a leader for more than 30 years in
many local organizations including: the local Democratic Party, Hayward
Rotary, the Friends of the Library, the Hayward Library Commission, the Board of Communication
Workers of America Local 9119, and the Board of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency.
Bill Quirk won a seat on the Hayward City Council in 2004. While on the city council, Bill brought the
same in-depth, analytical perspective to city decisions that he developed as a scientist. He worked with
his colleagues to: prioritize neighborhood safety, revitalize downtown by attracting a movie theatre,
improve traffic in the Mission-Foothill corridor, and create more jobs and housing around South
Hayward BART.
Bill will prioritize education, energy, job creation and public safety in the Assembly.
Bill and his wife Laurel moved to the Hayward area in 1978 and have been married for 40 years. They
raised two children who attended California public schools and the UC system.
Office: (916) 319-2020
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District 21, Adam Gray (R)
Adam Gray learned common sense values like hard work and responsibility while
growing up in Merced, in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Adam’s strong roots
in the agricultural community began with his grandparents. His grandfather, Ernest
Denault, established a local business, Merced Dairy Supply, serving the Valley’s
growing dairy industry. The business continued to thrive under Adam’s father,
Robert Gray. Adam’s first job at the dairy supply store was washing storage barrels
and loading feed bags, an experience that helped him learn about the local
economy from the ground up.
Adam attended public schools in Merced and was a member of Golden Valley High School’s first
graduating class. He worked his way through college, splitting time between the dairy supply store and
Merced Community College, before furthering his education at UC Santa Barbara.
Inspired to serve his community, Adam returned home to work with then Assemblyman, now
Congressman, Dennis Cardoza, working to promote the Valley’s agricultural heritage and protect its
economy. At the time, farmers were plagued with soaring energy prices, rolling blackouts, low rainfall
and low-cost imports flooding the market. Adam helped exempt fuel and farm equipment from the state
sales tax, otherwise known as the “Tractor Tax,” which encouraged farmers to upgrade their equipment
and save jobs. He also worked on legislation to provide tax incentives to small businesses, and to protect
family farms from scrap metal theft. Most recently, Adam helped pass a law that provides tax credits to
first-time homebuyers and protects homeowners against fraudulent loan modifications.
As a member of the State Assembly, Adam will fight for the issues that matter to Valley residents.
 Creating Jobs – Supporting policies that help employers create good-paying jobs and invest in
Valley communities.
 Preserving Agriculture – Fighting to support local farming and the Valley’s agricultural heritage,
enabling farmers to compete globally.
 Ensuring Safe and Reliable Water – Supporting approaches to the Delta that ensure a safe and
reliable water supply for consumers and farmers.
 Improving Our Schools – Working to improving public schools by making sure that students have
the necessary tools and environment to learn.
 Sound Transportation – Supporting approaches to transportation and infrastructure that will
create local jobs and best serve the needs of all Valley communities.
Adam lives in Merced, where he manages a small public affairs and communications firm and serves as a
course assistant/lecturer on the state legislature at UC Merced.
Office: (916) 319-2021
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District 22, Kevin Mullin (D)
Kevin is a candidate for the California State Assembly in the newly-created Assembly
District 22 in San Mateo County. He is running to succeed Assemblymember Jerry Hill
who is a candidate for the State Senate. The primary election is this June 5 and the
general election is November 6. Kevin is campaigning based upon a strong record of
leadership during very challenging times in South San Francisco, where he served as
mayor and is currently in his second term on the City Council. Kevin’s leadership
contributed to the city’s track record as a countywide leader in sustainable planning,
fiscal responsibility, and economic development.
Kevin’s roots run deep in San Mateo County. He attended public and Catholic elementary schools,
graduated from Junipero Serra High School, received a B.A. in Communications from the University of
San Francisco, and a master’s degree in public administration (M.P.A.) from San Francisco State
University. Additionally, Kevin completed an executive leadership program at Harvard University’s
Kennedy School of Government.
He served as District Director for then-State Senator Jackie Speier (now our Congresswoman) and as
Political Director for his father, former State Assemblymember Gene Mullin (both endorsed his
candidacy). As an entrepreneur, Kevin created KM2 Communications—a multimedia production
business in South San Francisco. He produced public affairs programming seen on local television and
hosted various programs seen on Peninsula-TV Channel 26. He represents the cities of San Mateo
County on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and has served for nearly 10 years on
the Workforce Investment Board of San Mateo County.
Kevin’s priorities at the State Capitol will be to:
 Promote job creation and the innovation economy
 Enhance education and workforce development systems
 Encourage environmentally sustainable regional planning
 Balance the state budget in a fiscally-responsible manner
 Work in a bi-partisan way to reform state governance
Office: (916) 319-2022
District 23, Jim Patterson (R)
Jim is a 30-year business and broadcast executive, owning and operating radio
stations in California and Idaho. He has been a frequent talk show host on KMJ
News/Talk 580 and was a political analyst for the 10 O’Clock News on KMPH-FOX26.
Jim is the former General Managing Partner of Compass Broadcasting, Inc. which
operates KGED 1680 AM in Fresno. Compass Broadcasting is a partnership with Jim
Patterson, Jim Franklin, Al Perez and retired Judge Annette LaRue formed in 2011 to
inform, inspire, motivate and transform listeners and help move our communities
forward.
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Jim Patterson is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of California State University, Fresno, and holds a
Bachelors Degree in Political Science. He received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Graduate of the
Political Science Department.
Among his many awards, Jim Patterson is the recipient of the California Commendation Medal, Military
Department of the State of California, an honor normally reserved for military personnel, for leadership
and coordination of special activities with the California Air National Guard. He also received the
International Chiefs of Police Vehicle Theft Award of Merit given to the Fresno Police Department’s
H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) team in recognition of efforts that greatly reduced Fresno’s auto
theft rate.
Jim has been married to his wife Sharon for 45 years. They have three children, BJ (39), Jason (32) and
Lindsay (27) and are the proud grandparents of Noah James (6) and Jenna Brynn (3).
Jim has had a private pilot’s license (single and multi-engine rated) since 1969.
In addition to being the Mayor of Fresno, Jim was a Board Member of the Fresno County Transportation
Authority, Board Member of the Council of Fresno County Governments (COG), Board Member of the
City of Fresno Pension Retirement System, Board Member of the San Joaquin River Conservancy and an
Advisory Board Member of Leadership Fresno Alumni Association.
Office: (916) 319-2023
Scheduling Contact: Ben Bergman
District 29, Mark Stone (D) *
For over twelve years, Mark Stone has served the people of the Central Coast. In
1998, Mark began his time serving as a trustee of his local school district--Scotts
Valley Unified School District. Two years later, Mark's commitment to the students
of SVUSD allowed him to be elected as President of the Board. In the past eight
plus years, Mark Stone has served as County Supervisor for the people of Santa
Cruz County’s Fifth Supervisorial District. Mark has also taken a leadership role by
representing the Board of Supervisors on numerous agencies that include the
Highway 1 Construction Authority, First 5 Commission, Santa Cruz City/County
Library Joint Powers Board and Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation
Commission.
As a county supervisor, Mark has worked on issues including health care, education, youth and the
environment. Mark led an overhaul of the Santa Cruz County child welfare system, allowing
disenfranchised youth of Santa Cruz County to truly have a voice. As a supervisor, Mark is also an
outspoken supporter of the Queer Youth Task Force and has fought to make sure none of our youth face
discrimination because of who they are. Mark is an environmental champion at the local level. By
leading the effort banning plastic bags and creating a Commission on the Environment, Mark has helped
Santa Cruz County earn its reputation as an environmentally conscious county.
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On top of his duties as a County Supervisor, Mark has served the entire Central Coast on the California
Coastal Commission since August 2009 and has been Vice-Chair since June 2011. During his time on the
California Coastal Commission, Mark has earned the reputation as a principled leader who protects the
cherished California coastline for generations to come.
Mark lives in Scotts Valley with his wife Kathy and their two children, Melissa and Byron. Mark is an avid
open water swimmer.
** Assembly Member Marc Stone has been appointed Chair of the Assembly Committee on Human
Services
Office: (916) 319-2029
District 32, Rudy Salas (D)
Rudy Salas Jr, was born and raised in California’s Central Valley. Attending local
schools in Bakersfield and Delano, Rudy was instilled with a hard work ethic. As a
youth, Rudy was shown the values of discipline and hard work by going to work
with his father building boxes for grapes and kiwis picked from the local fields.
These virtues led Rudy to become the first in his family to graduate from college
by graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with dual
degrees in Political Science and History while simultaneously working multiple
jobs to pay his way through college.
Upon graduating from UCLA, Rudy earned a fulltime position at the White House
in the Vice Presidents office working on financial matters. Rudy returned home to
work at California State University, Bakersfield. At CSUB, Rudy served as a
counselor with the Upward Bound program, serving eight of our local high schools. Additionally at CSUB,
Rudy served as the Residential Life Director for the CAMP (College Assistance Migrant Program) program
for incoming college freshman and also served as an instructor for high school juniors at the university.
After several years working at CSUB, Rudy was selected for a highly competitive fellowship at the State
Capitol. While in the State Capitol, Rudy worked for the Assembly Majority Leader on a variety of issues.
Recognized for his hard work and grasp of the issues, our local State Senator hired Rudy where he
worked on state legislation, budget augmentations, coordinated hearings and meetings affecting the
valley. After serving in the State Capitol and as the District Director for the Senate Majority Leader, Rudy
would soon realize his dream of representing and fighting for the community he was raised in.
With the encouragement and support of his family, friends and the organizations in the area he decided
to run for the Bakersfield City Council. Rudy became the first Hispanic in the 138 year history of the city
to serve on the Bakersfield City Council. As a current Bakersfield City Council member, Rudy places a
strong emphasis on community involvement, education, public safety, community services and
economic development. Rudy has developed a reputation as a “hands-on,” tenacious advocate for his
City Council district and the region. Rudy can often be seen in the community, hosting a variety of public
meetings, neighborhood graffiti and trash clean-ups, and participating in many local events encouraging
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others to become civically engaged. Rudy continues to be a staunch advocate for increasing public safety
in our neighborhoods.
Rudy also works in his family business, a local licensed General Contractor established in 1972, as a
construction supervisor managing work crews on a variety of commercial and residential projects.
Office: (916) 319-2032
Scheduling Contact: Carlos Villagaren
District 36, Steve Fox (D)
A father of two children (as well as a grandfather with two grandchildren) and a public
school teacher for ten years, Steve knows the devastating impact of the budget crisis
on our children and our schools. The most important investment we can make is in our
children's education because investing in education ensures a stronger economic
future for all of us. As a member of the Assembly, he will fight for our students and
dedicated teachers, making sure that our schools- from elementary schools to A.V.
College, California State Bakersfield and Northridge - are the very last thing to be cut in
a budget crisis, not the fist!
Steve believes that the solution to AV College and California State Bakersfield’s budget crisis begins in
Sacramento. For too long, our representatives in Sacramento have ignored the interests of its students,
staff and faculty. AV College and California State Bakersfield is very important to all of us. It is also one of
the largest employers. They help local economic growth, development and innovation. Cutting funding
for our colleges will have a potentially devastating impact on the economic well being of our
community.
As the husband of a teacher, Steve knows the crucial role of our colleges in creating jobs, stimulating
local business growth and ensuring a brighter future for Los Angeles, California. As a member of the
Assembly, Steve will fight for the students, staff and faculty at our colleges.
As a middle class homeowner and businessman, Steve knows the financial burden that California’s
unfair tax system (including hidden taxes such as increased vehicle fees, tolls and college tuition)
imposes on middle class families and small business. As a member of the Assembly, he will fight for tax
fairness, making sure that our economy is stimulated by tax cuts for the middle class and that giant
corporations pay their fair share.
As a past Director of the Conservation Board, Steve will advocate for new green jobs and new sources of
energy. Steve knows that the need for responsible stewardship of our land, water and air – not only for
all the recreational opportunities we enjoy, but also for our economic well-being now and in the future.
As a member of the Assembly, Steve will fight for new and local green jobs, development of new,
cleaner and American sources of energy and responsible
Office: (916) 319-2036
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District 38, Scott Thomas Wilk (R)
Scott’s career has spanned both the private and public sector. He served
as Chief of Staff for California Assembly Members Tom McClintock and
Paula Boland, as well as District Director for Representative Howard P.
“Buck” McKeon. Recently, Scott began serving his second term on the
Santa Clarita Community College Board of Trustees.
Balancing public service with private enterprise, Scott managed the
California New Car Dealers Association and was vice president of
legislative and regulatory affairs for an assisted living company. He and his wife, Vanessa, owned a
vending company in the 1980’s. Currently Scott heads his own public affairs firm.
Scott’s public affairs work has greatly enhanced the quality of life in his community. Some of his recent
projects included “The Patios” development at the Westfield Valencia Town Center, establishment of
the City of Santa Clarita’s Open Space District, and the successful approval of Henry Mayo Newhall
Memorial Hospital’s 15-Year Master Plan.
While working as Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Tom McClintock and Assemblywoman Paula Boland,
Scott was the architect of successful legislation on a variety of important issues. Some examples include
AB 62, the Valley Secession Bill and AB 107, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Breakup Bill.
Both efforts forced government agencies to seek reforms to better address their citizens’ concerns.
The Signal newspaper has named Scott one of “The 51 Most Influential People in the Santa Clarita
Valley” and the SCV Press Club honored him with the 2006 Newsmaker of the Year “Behind the Scenes”
award.
Scott's values are forged through faith and his life experiences. These core beliefs will guide him as he
represents us in the 38th Assembly District:
 Like Ronald Reagan, Scott believes in the power of the individual.
 The private sector, not government, creates wealth.
 The government should balance its budget just like hard working families do.
 Government’s highest priority should be to protect our communities from criminals.
 Scott believes in the sanctity of life.
 Scott believes in the 2nd Amendment.
 Government’s limited resources should not go toward illegal aliens.
 Every citizen deserves a first-rate education.
 Schools should not undermine the values parents teach.
 Strong families are the core of our society.
Scott graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from California State University, Bakersfield. He just
completed a four-year term on the Board of Directors of the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital
Foundation and he serves on the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee
and is a member of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past member of the Granada
Hills Rotary Club. Scott and Vanessa reside in Santa Clarita and they have two adult children - Scott, Jr.
and Alison Grace.
Office: (916) 319-2039
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District 39, Raul Bocanegra (D)
As an educator, community leader, legislative advocate, and board member of
various non-profit organizations, I have spent the past two decades working to
improve the quality of life for Valley families. I have helped local small business grow
and create jobs, improved public safety, protected after-school programs, and
pushed for more accountability and transparency in government.
I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and attended local public schools
before earning a Master’s Degree in urban Planning from UCLA. Shortly after college,
I started a career of service to the families of Northeast San Fernando Valley.
While serving as a top aide to former Los Angeles City Council President Alex Padilla, I helped implement
numerous successful projects and initiatives resulting in new job creation and generating much needed
economic investment in the Valley. I helped oversee the creation of the San Fernando Valley Financial
Development Corporation and the Pacoima Development Federal Credit Union – both organizations are
dedicated to helping small businesses succeed. Thousands of local Valley jobs have been created or
protected and millions of dollars in low-interest business loans have given local small businesses
financial security to grow. I have also been instrumental in creating business assistance programs that
cut through government bureaucracy and red tape to help being new businesses to the Valley.
I have been a leader in local efforts to build safer livable communities for families and seniors, playing a
key role in securing affordable housing for working families and seniors across the Valley. I helped
develop a neighborhood public safety programs such as “block clubs”, and advocated for streetlight and
traffic safety improvements. I also spearheaded the creation of a Neighborhood City Hall in Northeast
San Fernando Valley.
As a former college instructor at Cal State Long Beach, current instructor at Cal State Northridge and
board member of the North Valley YMCA, I have worked to ensure that students are prepared for
college or a career, protected after-school programs, and provided children with new educational
opportunities. I understand the importance of strong neighborhood schools, and I strongly oppose
budget cuts that impact local schools.
I also serve on the board of directors and volunteer with the North Valley YMCA and Pacoima Beautiful
and I’m a former board member of Centro Latino de Educacion Popular.
As a first time candidate with experience in state and local government, I will bring new solutions and be
a strong new voice for the valley in the State Assembly.
Office: (916) 319-2039
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District 41, Chris Holden (D)
Chris Holden is a public servant, small business owner and lifelong resident of
Pasadena. He has dedicated his career to finding local solutions that have created
jobs, preserved vital services and strengthened the economic vitality of the San
Gabriel Valley.
Chris was elected to the Pasadena City Council at age 28, and in 1997 was elected as
Mayor. Under his leadership, the city created its first living wage ordinance, which
ensured that workers could earn decent pay for their hard work and contribute to
the local economy. He also managed deregulation of the city’s public utility in a way
that preserved local jobs while keeping rates lower than in the private marketplace.
Chris was instrumental in expanding the Metro Gold Line connecting the region to Los Angeles, which is
now creating jobs and promoting business activity. He also created the task force that led to the
creation of Paseo Colorado and reconnected the historic civic center and new convention center, a key
project that has helped small businesses and contributed to the revitalization of downtown Pasadena.
Chris’s priorities include job creation, improving education, improving transportation and infrastructure
and preserving our natural resources.
In addition to serving on the Pasadena City Council, Chris is a commissioner on the Burbank-GlendalePasadena Airport Authority and an executive board member for the California Democratic Party. He
owns CHMB Consulting, a real estate firm. Chris attended Pasadena High School and received his
bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Diego State University. He lives in Pasadena with
his wife, Melanie, and his four children: Nicholas, Alexander, Austin, Mariah, and stepson Noah.
Office: (916) 319-2041
District 46, Adrin Nazarian (D)
Adrin Nazarian grew up in the San Fernando Valley, attending high school there before
receiving his degree in Economics from UCLA in 1996. He currently serves as the chiefof-staff to L.A. City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who represents the communities of
Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, North Hollywood and Valley Glen. Previously,
Adrin served as chief-of-staff to then-Assistant Majority Leader Paul Krekorian in the
California State Legislature, representing the communities of North Hollywood, Van
Nuys, Valley Glen, Toluca Lake, and others.
Adrin developed his passion for public service from an early age, volunteering for a plethora of
organizations and institutions while gaining a better understanding of the communities he would one
day work to lead. A life altering experience was in college, when he lent his time to help battered and
abused women at the San Fernando Valley Superior Court Domestic Violence Clinic Unit. There, he saw
first-hand the horrors of domestic violence and helped victims by listening to their stories and helping to
submit restraining orders on their behalf. This experience stayed with Adrin, which years later lead him
to sit on the YWCA Board and has influenced much of his policy making roles in public service.
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Upon graduating UCLA, Adrin participated in the prestigious CORO Fellowship in Public Affairs program.
From 1997 to 1999, Adrin served as an aide to Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), assisting him with
business and labor community issues.
In 1999, former Governor Gray Davis appointed Adrin as a Special Assistant to the California Trade and
Commerce Agency. During his tenure at the agency, he helped establish the Division of Science,
Technology and Innovation, which focused on creating and maintaining technology based jobs in
California.
Adrin believes in civic engagement and the importance of giving back to his community, he has served
on the boards of several community based organizations including the East Valley YMCA and the YWCA.
Adrin was one of the founding members of Generation Next Mentorship program, which worked with
local public schools to give young people alternatives to a life of gangs and drugs.
Adrin is prioritizing education, affordable University education for the middle class, securing clean,
sustainable water, investing an renewable energy and rebuilding California’s economy and jobs. Adrin
and his wife, Diana, will be celebrating their 5th anniversary this year and recently celebrated their son's
first birthday.
Office: (916) 319-2046
Scheduling Contact: Amber Wannel
District 47, Cheryl Brown (D)
For more than three decades, Cheryl Brown has served her community. With her BA
from Cal State San Bernardino, Cheryl went to work for the San Bernardino County
Planning Department. She later served on the County and City Planning
Commissions for 17 years. During her tenure as a commissioner, she was elected
president of the California County Commissioners’ Association.
In 1980, Cheryl and her husband Hardy founded Brown Publishing Company to
produce a local paper, Black Voice News, focusing on community events and points
of view, which has kept its presses running for 31 years. Cheryl and Hardy, married
for 48 years, have been recognized as the only living publishers to be included in the 175th anniversary of
the Black Press in America. Their names were added to such historic publishers as Frederick Douglass,
Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Carlotta Bass – all of whom overcame great obstacles to publish the truth and
to give voice to stories that had gone untold.
Cheryl’s years of experience in the California legislature extends from her posting as district
representative for State Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod to her current work for Assemblywoman
Wilmer Amina Carter.
In addition to her newspaper publishing credentials, Cheryl’s experience as a journalist includes serving
as a television talk-show host for 12 years on local access television, KCSB Channel 3, and appearing as a
guest on Burden of Proof, MSNBC, the Brian Williams’ Show and Channel 11 Fox News.
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As an active community member, Cheryl has worked with such groups as the Inland Empire Urban
League, Arrowhead United Way, YWCA, San Gorgonio Girl Scout Council and her church, the San
Bernardino St. Paul A.M.E. where she serves as trustee. Cheryl also helps spearhead local events
including: Take a Cop to Lunch, Bill Pickett Rodeo, Charles Dickens’ Festival and Footsteps to Freedom,
the Underground Railroad Field Study Program.
With her 30 years of service to her state and community, Cheryl Brown is now running for the California
Assembly to represent her district. She has a very personal stake in the future of her district with four
children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
“What I want for my family, I want for ALL families: a safe community that provides good jobs,
innovative business opportunities, excellent schools and quality, affordable healthcare.”
Office: (916) 319-2047
District 49, Edwin “Ed” Chau (D)
As a School Board Member, local small business owner, Judge Pro Tem, and
community leader, Edwin “Ed” Chau has dedicated his life to fighting for better
schools, new jobs, and more opportunities for San Gabriel Valley families.
Growing up in a working class family, Ed learned the value of hard work and a good
education early on. He attended local public schools and worked his way through
college to become an engineer and now a Montebello School Board Member. Ed
understands that good schools lead to good jobs. That is why he has worked to
deliver millions in funding to build new schools, improve classrooms, and helped
create new educational and workforce training programs to prepare students for
careers in computers, sciences, healthcare, and engineering.
As our state recovers from the toughest economic crisis since Great Depression, revitalizing our
economy and improving our education system will be Ed’s top priority in the State Assembly. In order to
get California back on track, Ed will fight to make investing in education, protecting neighborhood
schools from cuts, and opening up new opportunities so local small businesses can grow his top priority.
As Assembly Member, Ed will stand up for local families; and fight for our values of good jobs, strong
schools, and new opportunities so San Gabriel Valley families flourish and succeed.
As an educator, product of local public schools, and small business owner, Ed Chau understands the
good schools lead to good jobs. On the Montebello School Board, Ed helped spearhead initiatives to
dramatically improve academic standards. Under his tenure, student test scores increased by 160 points
and are now some of the highest in the state. He also helped balance the school district’s $200 million
annual budget for 12 years in a row without any teacher layoffs, and while making new investments to
improve classrooms and build new schools.
Ed delivered over $171 million to reduce school overcrowding, renovate local schools, and create new
educational and job training programs. Under his leadership, the Montebello School District built the
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new cutting-edge Applied Technology Center, one of the state’s most innovative high schools, giving
students the skills to enter career in medicine, engineering, and science.
Ed Chau has been a small business owner for nearly 20 years. As a small business owner, Ed knows what
it is like to balance a budget, meet payroll, create jobs, and do more with less. He understands
importance small business plays in our economy as they are the engine that drives innovation and job
creation in our local communities. As the principal of his law firm, he has stood up to corporations and
millionaires to protect consumers and working families. Additionally, he has helped immigrant families
through his immigration law practice.
Ed Chau served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Los Angeles Superior Court for the past 10 years. Ed is
fighting to protect local small businesses and middle families from big corporations that take advantage
of them. He has helped small businesses keep their doors open during the bad economy and given them
the tools to grow.
Ed Chau worked as an IBM computer engineer in the 1980′s for nearly a decade. Prior to owning his own
business, Ed was an engineer for IBM and a programmer for Unisys Corporation in the 1980′s, where he
helped create cutting-edge technology and focused on finding solutions to tomorrow’s problems. He is
an innovative leader and who approaches problem solving with the mind of an engineer.
Ed Chau has devoted his life to public service. Ed has served the City of Montebello on the Budget
Committee, the Investment Committee, the Traffic and Safety Commission, and the Civil Service
Commission. In high school, he worked for the Department of Social Services assisting working families
and volunteered at the Chinatown Service Center. For 10 years, he volunteered as a news broadcaster
for a radio station.
Ed holds bachelor degrees in Computer Science and Sociology, both from USC, and a Juris Doctorate
degree from Southwestern Law School. Ed is married to Candice and they have one daughter, Caitlyn.
Office: (916) 319-2049
District 50, Richard Bloom (D)
Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom ran for the State Assembly in order to
restore California to a national place of leadership in innovation, education, job
creation, environmentalism and social justice.
Bloom has dedicated his life to family and community while compiling a profound
record of accomplishment and advocacy. An acclaimed civic leader, Bloom has
also operated his own business as a family law attorney for over 30 years. Bloom
is skilled at creating a dialogue between fractious parties and achieving
consensus agreements, he has served as a Family Law Settlement Officer and a
mediator for the Los Angeles Superior Court.
A determined, idealistic and practical Councilmember and Mayor of Santa Monica, he has effectively
promoted the economic vitality of the City, helping to guide and sustain Santa Monica even in current
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times of national and worldwide downturn, and has protected the health of children and the elderly,
providing affordable housing and restoring the environment to the benefit of all. For over a decade,
Bloom has successfully championed the cause of excellence in our public schools. As a California Coastal
Commissioner, Chair of the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, Chair of the Westside Cities
Council of Governments, and board member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Bloom has
represented every corner of the Assembly district by protecting our irreplaceable environment, helping
to find agreement on regional transportation projects and providing leadership on a range of other
important issues.
Office: (916) 319-2050
District 51, Jimmy Gomez (D)
Jimmy Gomez was born and raised in Southern California and is the youngest of six
children. His parents and four of his siblings immigrated to California from Mexico in
the early 1970’s. They brought with them a strong sense of family and a strong work
ethic. To make ends meet, his mother and father often worked multiple jobs. His
mother worked as a domestic worker by day and as a convalescent home laundry
attendant at night and on the weekends. His father worked as a line cook at various
restaurants – driving more than an hour to get to work.
After graduating from high school, like many of his classmates, Jimmy found work where he could – at
Subway and the local Target store as a stocker. But instead of working a 9am to 5pm schedule, he
worked from 5pm to 9am the next day. After several months of working both jobs, and with the
memory of his parents’ struggle to make ends meet…something just clicked! He now clearly understood
the need of a good job with benefits, and most importantly a quality education.
With this newfound clarity, Jimmy enrolled in community college and ultimately transferred to UCLA in
1996, where he graduated magna cum laude and received a BA in Political Science with a minor in urban
planning. Ten years after graduating from high school, he earned a Master in Public Policy degree from
Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Jimmy recognizes that his story today, although not unique, is a lot harder to achieve and out of reach
for far too many people because of the struggling economy and the state budget deficit. He believes this
is unacceptable and our families deserve better.
To help rebuild California, Jimmy will fight to increase access to quality education and good jobs by
providing leadership based on working class values, pragmatic problem solving skills and a dedication to
the empowerment of individuals and communities.
As Political Director for the United Nurses Associations of California, Jimmy has empowered nurses to
better advocate for their patients through the legislative process and community service; including
helping pass legislation to facilitate graduation of community college nursing and allied health students,
and establishing a partnership with Senator Kevin De Leon’s Office to promote healthy living for innercity kids.
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Jimmy’s previous work experiences include the American Federation of State, County and Municipal
Employees (AFSCME), the National League of Cities, the Democratic National Committee, the Office of
former L.A. City Councilman Michael Feuer, and the Office of Former Congresswoman Hilda Solis.
Working at three different levels of government and with various organizations, has taught Jimmy the
necessary skills and knowledge to effectively advocate on behalf of the residents of Los Angeles. He
recognizes that most issues facing our communities – from rising health care costs to a lack of jobs –
take a collaborative problem-solving approach.
Jimmy is a mentor with the Puente Mentorship Program and an adjunct faculty member of the Los
Angeles Community College. He has also served as a member of the California Democratic Party Rules
Committee, the Los Angeles County Commission on Governmental Services, the Board of Directors of
the Liberty Hill Foundation, and Editor-In-Chief of the Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy.
Jimmy lives in Echo Park with his wife Mary, and dog Austin.
Office: (916) 319-2051
District 57, Ian Calderon (D)
Ian Calderon is an entrepreneur and public servant who was elected in November
2012 to represent California’s 57th Assembly District, which includes the
communities of Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, Whittier, La Puente,
Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights and the surrounding unincorporated
communities.
Before joining the legal staff, Calderon worked for the retail clothing company
Hurley, applying his education to his passion for surfing. At Hurley, he was manager
of the marketing department for the Los Angeles and Inland Empire regions, where
he supervised market surveys and research and staged and promoted company events.
After several years with Hurley, Calderon recognized the need for representation of athletes in
contractual agreement, and took the initiative to create his own company overseeing sponsorship
relationships. Calderon also supervised the production of “The Pursuit,” a documentary highlighting the
next generation of surfing athletes as well as pioneered and produced a television show that has drawn
the interest of major news networks.
Calderon has continuously played an active role as a volunteer in campaigns and events throughout the
community. Over the last two years Calderon has worked as a field representative for the State
Assembly in the district. Calderon, who grew up in what is now the 57th Assembly District, earned a
degree in Political Science and Communications from California State University Long Beach.
Calderon will prioritize Education Reform, protecting farmworkers, small business and the
reauthorization of the Stafford Student Loan Program.
Office: (916) 319-2057
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District 58, Christina Garcia (D)
Prior to her election to the Assembly, Cristina Garcia taught statistics at the University of
Southern California (USC), mathematics at Los Angeles City Community College, and has
taught middle school and high school students through the Jaime Escalante Program at
East Los Angeles Community College and Huntington Park High School.
In promoting ethical conduct in local and state government, Garcia firmly believes that
doing the right thing is worth the effort and that hard work pays off. When the Bell
corruption scandal broke and gained national attention, Bell residents turned to Garcia
and asked her to clean up their local government. She worked with them to form BASTA
-the Bell Association to Stop the Abuse, a local advocacy organization. BASTA’s efforts forced out Bell’s
corrupt officials, and ushered in accountability and transparency for the first time in the city’s history. A
new city council was elected and far-reaching reforms are now being implemented in Bell, giving citizens
the good government they deserve.
Garcia was raised in the Southeast Los Angeles community of Bell Gardens and attended local schools.
She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Pomona College, two Masters Degrees from Claremont
Graduate University and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and is a doctoral candidate at
USC.
Last year, Cristina Garcia was recognized by California Forward with the distinguished California Forward
Thinkers Award, Democrat of the Year and earned the Distinguished Woman of the Year Award from the
California State Assembly.
Office: (916) 319-2058
Scheduling Contact: Marcos Alamillo
District 59, Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D)
Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, most recently, the Director of Asset Management for
the City of Los Angeles was elected in November 2012 to represent California’s 59th
Assembly District, all within the county of Los Angeles and including the
communities of South Los Angeles Florence-Firestone, Huntington Park and Walnut
Park
His history of public service includes serving as Chair of the LA County Small
Business Commission, an Assistant Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles, and
Vice President of SEIU Local 721’s LA Professional Managers Association.
Jones-Sawyer’s family was one of the pioneers in the civil rights movement. His
uncle was one of the “Little Rock Nine”--high school students who braved violent mobs to integrate
Little Rock’s Central High School in 1957--one of the most important events in our nation’s history.
Jones-Sawyer earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from USC, and completed the
prestigious Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University’s
Kennedy School of Government.
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While serving as Assistant Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles, the Assemblymember transformed
the bureaucratic quagmire of the City’s permit development process into a more customer friendly
agency that helped create the Magic Johnson Theater and Staples Arena.
Jones-Sawyer also served as Chair of the Baldwin Hills Conservancy, USC Black Alumni, New Frontier
Democratic Club, and the American Society for Public Administration - Los Angeles Chapter.
Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer has three children, Lauren Diane Jones-Sawyer, Reginald Byron JonesSawyer, Jr. and Evan Brendon Jones-Sawyer.
Office: (916) 319-2059
District 60, Eric Linder (R)
Eric Linder is a small business owner, a husband, and a father. For almost twenty
years, Eric has worked in real estate, helping find ways to incorporate technology into
the industry. He has spent years helping people get the home of their dreams. But as
the market turned in the Inland Empire and real estate began struggling, Eric took his
technology background and founded an online communications firm, eMotiv
Marketing. In fact, Eric’s firm built the websites for several Members of the Assembly
Republican Caucus.
Eric previously owned and operated an aircraft rental and chartering company. This wealth of business
experience has given Eric an appreciation for the damage that high taxes and over-regulation can have
on small businesses that struggle enough just to get by.
Eric has also been a longtime champion against government waste. He was one of the Founders of the
Corona Taxpayers Association, and has been part of business groups throughout Southern California for
years.
Eric’s priorities are job creation, no tax increases and a roll back of California’s business regulations.
The son of a Mexican immigrant father, family has always been important to Eric. In fact, Eric is raising
his family in the same area he grew up in. Eric lives in Corona with his wife and three children. He
attended Highland Elementary and Norco High, which are both in the District, while his oldest daughter
now attends Santiago High School. Eric has helped coach his kids’ soccer and softball teams, and is a
regular rodeo attendee.
Office: (916) 319-2060
District 61, Jose Medina (D)
Jose Medina has lived in Riverside for more than three decades, dedicating his
professional life to teaching while working for better schools and stronger
communities throughout Riverside County.
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Jose has established himself as a proven community leader, serving for more than 13 years on the
Riverside Community College District Board of Trustees, where he chaired the Teaching and Learning
Committee. On the Community College Board, Medina’s leadership was instrumental in helping expand
job-training programs, upgrading classrooms and science labs, instituting new measures to help improve
transparency and oversight of how tax dollars are spent to ensure more money goes to classrooms
where it belongs.
A California native, Jose learned from his parents the values of hard work, education and giving back to
your community. That philosophy has guided Jose throughout his life. Says Medina, "It's who I am."
In 1974, Jose graduated from the University of California, Riverside, earned his bachelor's degree in Latin
American Studies, and would later earn his master's degree in History from UCR. He began his teaching
career in 1976 and has been teaching for nearly three decades in the Riverside Unified School District.
Medina is a three-time recipient of the National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship and was
awarded a grant from the Organization of American States for research on Latin America.
His eagerness to help others motivated him to run for public office. In 1989, he was elected to the
Jurupa Unified School District Board of Education. In 1997, Medina defeated a crowded field to win a
seat on the non-partisan Riverside Community College District board. He was re-elected to the RCCD
three times at a time when RCCD greatly expanded educational offerings at its campuses in Riverside,
Moreno Valley and Norco.
Medina lives in Riverside with his wife, Linda and is currently a teacher for the Riverside Unified School
District.
Office: (916) 319-2061
Scheduling Contact: Juan Lopez
District 63, Anthony Rendon (D)*
Dr. Anthony Rendon brings exceptional experience as an educator, children’s nonprofit executive director, and environmental leader who has helped pass some of
the most important laws protecting our water and air quality.
Anthony, a resident of Lakewood, is the former Executive Director of Plaza de la
Raza Child Development Services. “Plaza” provides comprehensive child development and social and
medical services to over 2,100 children and families. These services are offered through Plaza’s 36 child
development centers which are located throughout Los Angeles County but are concentrated in the
Southeastern part of the county.
Anthony served as adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice at
California State University, Fullerton from January 2001 to May 2008. He previously worked with the
California League of Conservation Voters, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; AIDS Walk Los
Angeles; and Refugio Para Niños Foster Family Agency. As a small businessman, Rendon worked on
several public transportation projects, coordinating public input, making sure neighborhood concerns
were addressed and helping build community coalitions.
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Under Anthony’s leadership while he served as the Interim Executive Director of the California League of
Conservation Voters, CLCV enjoyed its greatest legislative victory in its 36-yer history with the
enactments of SB 375. Sponsored by CLCV and the Natural Resources Defense Council, SB 375 was a
first-in-the-nation law that gave local and state officials the tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
making housing and transportation planning decisions that will reduce urban sprawl, long-distance
commutes and vehicle miles traveled per household.
Anthony also led CLCV through the successful passage of the bill which banned substances that contain
cancer-causing perfluorinated compounds and another which allocated $400 million to build and
expand neighborhood parks in communities like those in the 63rd Assembly District. Anthony helped
protect our water quality by working to pass bills that improved regional water and water systems and
expanded the authority of the state’s Oil Spill Prevention and Response Program to inland water.
Anthony attended Cerritos Community College before earning his Bachelors and Masters of Arts
Degrees from California State University, Fullerton. A past recipient of a National Endowment for the
Humanities Fellowship, he earned his PhD from the University of California, Riverside and completed his
post-doctoral work at Boston University.
Office: (916) 319-2063
District 65, Sharon Quirk-Silva (D)
I moved to Fullerton when I was two years old, a city my parents chose because
they wanted to raise their children in a safe community with a good school system.
Like most parents, they understood the importance of giving us a solid foundation.
As the first member of my family to graduate from college, I was able to follow my
dream of becoming a teacher. I was fortunate to attend Fullerton College, UCLA and
Cal State Fullerton at a time when public higher education was still affordable in
California. Now, as a mother of four, with two college graduates and two right
behind, I've seen firsthand how dramatically things have changed. What I was able
to do — put myself through school without the burden of massive debt — seems no longer possible in
California. We cannot build a brighter future if college costs keep higher education out of reach for so
many.
My whole life has been spent here in the 65th Assembly District. I chose to raise my own family in
Fullerton and have taught for more than 25 years in local schools. It was my work as a liaison between
the school district and the community that inspired me to run for Fullerton City Council eight years ago. I
understand how critical it is for the state to be a partner with local communities. Since I joined the City
Council, I have been an advocate for transparency, innovative thinking and collaboration. I have enjoyed
bipartisan support because I treat people with respect and work to advance important community
interests.
In my second term as mayor, I am proud of the work I have done, both locally and regionally, to address
critical issues. Even during these difficult financial times, Fullerton has a balanced budget and a 10%
reserve. I've assumed leadership roles through the Southern California Association of Governments and I
helped to develop the Sustainable Communities Strategy as a blueprint for better planning throughout
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the state.
Office: (916) 319-2065
District 66, Al Muratsuchi (D)
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi served as a prosecutor and a school board member
before he was elected in November of 2012 to represent California's 66th Assembly
District, which includes the cities of Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, the Los
Angeles communities of Harbor City and Harbor Gateway, Manhattan Beach, Palos
Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills
Estates, Torrance and the unincorporated communities of El Camino Village and
West Carson.
Muratsuchi served as a prosecutor and Deputy Attorney General with the California
Department of Justice for over eleven years. Prior to joining the Department of Justice in 2001, he was a
prosecutor with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Santa Ana City Attorney's
Office. As a prosecutor, Muratsuchi has put gang members, sex offenders, and drug dealers behind bars,
as well as cracked down on rogue doctors and other health care providers.
Muratsuchi also served as a Torrance Unified School Board member for over seven years. His fiscally
responsible leadership on the school board helped the district consistently deliver balanced budgets and
a healthy rainy day reserve fund despite huge state budget cuts. At the same time, Muratsuchi helped
maintain Torrance's reputation as a high-achieving school district, with test scores rising every year
during his seven years on the school board. As School Board President, Muratsuchi played a key role in
initiating the largest school repair and modernization program in the district's history.
Regionally, Muratsuchi has been an active volunteer in the South Bay and Los Angeles area for many
years. He has served as Chairman of the Torrance Planning Commission and a member of the Torrance
Environmental Quality and Energy Conservation Commission. He has also served as President of the
Torrance Sister City Association, President of South Bay JACL, and on the board of directors of the
Southern California Regional Occupation Center, Little Tokyo Service Center, and the League of Women
Voters of Torrance.
Assemblymember Muratsuchi lives in Torrance with his wife and daughter. He is a graduate of the
University of California, Berkeley and the UCLA School of Law, and an alumnus of the Coro Foundation
Public Affairs Fellows Program.
Office: (916) 319-2066
39
District 67, Melissa Melendez (R)
In 2008, political outsider Melissa Melendez was elected to the Lake Elsinore City
Council in an upset victory amongst a crowded field of eleven candidates. Melissa
was elected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor in her second year on the Council. A
native of Youngstown, Ohio, Melissa entered the United States Navy upon graduating
high school. She attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., where
she spent a year and a half in a Russian language immersion course, becoming a
fluent Russian language speaker.
Melissa then became one of the first women approved by the U.S. Navy to fly aboard EP-3
reconnaissance aircraft overseas, conducting intelligence-gathering operations in partnership with our
allies. She served her country with honor and distinction as a Russian translator for ten years during the
height of the Cold War, as well as during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. While serving in the
Navy, she received numerous awards for her strategic acumen, operational insight, professionalism and
impeccable leadership skills.
While serving in the Navy full-time, Melissa also attended college full-time in the evenings, and received
her BA in History and Political Studies from Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. After the Navy,
Melissa took an academic advisory position at Chaminade University for two years before deciding to
begin her own business. She then formed her own successful transcription company, contracting with
the Chief of Naval Operations, and providing services to the Secretary of the Navy as well as other toplevel Pentagon officials. Her belief in the importance of being a lifelong learner was the motivation
behind continuing in her education. Melissa attended the Murrieta Campus for the University of Phoenix
for two years, graduating with her MBA in June of 2008.
Melissa has five children with her husband of 15 years, Nico Melendez, who works for the Department
of Homeland Security as the Pacific Region Public Affairs Manager. Nico is also a veteran of the U.S.
Navy, having served 10 years on active duty around the world as a journalist and public affairs officer.
He proudly continues to serve today in an active naval reserve unit.
Melissa’s priorities include no new taxes, reducing spending, securing our border, restoring local control
of education and ending social engineering in our schools, and promoting traditional family structure
and parents’ rights to have full authority in how they raise their children.
Melissa is a former PTA president, a former Home Owners Association president, a member of the Lake
Elsinore Woman’s Club, The American Legion, a Transcription business owner, a member and supporter
of The Lake Elsinore Storm Booster Club and The Lake Elsinore Friends of the Library. Melissa is also a
volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, neighborhood community activities committee, AYSO soccer coach
and team manager.
Office: (916) 319-2067
40
District 69, Tom Daly (D)
Tom Daly was elected in November of 2012 to represent California's 69th Assembly
District, which includes the cities of Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Orange.
Daly was born and raised in the 69th District. He is a graduate of Anaheim High
School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University in 1976.
Daly first sought elective office in 1986, winning election to the Board of Trustees of
the Anaheim Union High School District. Since that victory, he has won eight elections
including ones for City Council (1988), Mayor (1992, 1994 and 1998), and County
Clerk-Recorder (2002, 2006 and 2010).
While Mayor of Anaheim, Daly also served on the Board of Directors of the Orange County
Transportation Authority, where he helped oversee a $3 billion dollar improvement program for road
and transit projects in every community in Orange County.
He was named Orange County's Manager of the Year for 2010 by the Society for the Advancement of
Management. Last year, his department was honored with a Bright Ideas in Government award for
"creative and innovative" customer service by the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Also, for
the first time in his department's history, Daly opened two branch offices for the convenience of the
public. The two branch offices together save the office's customers over one million miles of driving
every year.
Daly has three children and resides in Anaheim with his wife, Debbie.
Office: (916) 319-2069
District 72, Travis Allen (R)
A small business owner in Orange County for more than the past decade, Travis
Allen has a strong record of creating jobs and supporting the business
community in Orange County.
Since opening his company as a Certified Financial Planner, Travis has
concentrated on earning and preserving wealth for working families, retirees,
and local business owners. Despite the challenges that have come with the
tough economy and volatile markets, his expertise and hard work have helped his clients reach their
financial goals.
Prior to setting out on his own and starting his own business, Travis served as Associate Vice President at
AG Edwards and Sons. Every day, Travis sees the damage done to the portfolios of his hard working
clients by Sacramento’s overregulation and big government policies. He has witnessed firsthand
businesses that have been forced to relocate to other states – taking their jobs with them. Seeing this
repeat itself too many times, Travis became active in groups that sought to elect more business friendly
candidates to office, such as the Orange County Business Council, Orange County Lincoln Club and the
New Majority’s Orange County Chapter.
41
In addition to his political involvement, Travis has given his time and resources to many charitable and
community causes, including helping the homeless of Orange County with the Orange County Rescue
Mission. Travis is also active in the Christian and Jewish communities and is a supporter of a number of
Pro-Israel charities.
Travis is a long time resident of Huntington Beach, where he has lived and surfed for almost 20 years
and is well known by the local citizens and community leaders.
Office: (916) 319-2072
District 75, Marie Waldron (R)
The Waldron family has lived in Escondido for 38 years. During the past two decades,
Marie has been involved in the Escondido community. As a local business owner, she
understands the economic impacts of burdensome government regulation and spending
on the taxpayers and small businesses. As an elected official since 1998, she has fought
for fiscal restraint, revitalizing our neighborhoods and is a strong supporter of public
safety.
Having served as Escondido’s Vice Mayor, and as a board member for the North County Transit District,
she is the city’s representative to the League of California Cities, the Regional Solid Waste Association
Board, and Escondido’s Investment subcommittee. Her commitment to her city has been honored by
the Escondido Rotary Club’s with their Outstanding Community Service Award.
Marie and her husband, Steve Waldron have owned and operated Top End Tees Screen printing and
Apparel in Escondido for 15 years. A successful business requires understanding the economic
conditions that face our city and Waldron has been a member of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce
and the Downtown Business Association for many years. She was appointed and served 4 years as
California’s Honorary Chairman of the Business Advisory Council which advocated on behalf of small
businesses to Congress.
Active in the San Diego region, Waldron was a founding member of the San Diego chapter of CWLA
(California Women’s Leadership Association), is a member of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association,
San Diego Tax fighters, the Adam Smith Institute and is an alumni of Leadership 2000, a regional
leadership training program. Her priorities include strengthening penalties for businesses who employ
illegal immigrants and creating a state boarder police, improving highways and supports a one-strike
policy for child predators.
The Waldron’s have a 9-year old son and Steve is the founder of the successful “Cruisin’ Grand” hotrod
event held in downtown Escondido for the past 10 years. Marie has a B.S. degree from St. John’s
University and has done graduate work at UCSD and SDSU.
Office: (916) 319-2075
42
District 76, Rocky Chavez (R)
For Rocky Chavez, success has always meant hard work. Born in Los Angeles, Rocky
grew up in the fields alongside his father, who taught him how to pick grapes – and
also the value of a job well done.
Rocky never left the fields even through college, when he supported himself by
harvesting almonds in order to earn a Bachelor’s degree from California State
University in Chico. Then, Rocky spent more than 28 years as a United States Marine, rising to the rank
of Colonel and being appointed Chief of Staff for the 4th Marine Division.
After serving his country, retirement was not an option for Rocky, who then went on to spend nearly a
decade on the Oceanside City Council. In 2009, Rocky was appointed by then-Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger and made the journey to Sacramento to serve as Undersecretary of the California
Department of Veterans Affairs. Later, Rocky served as Acting Secretary.
Rocky has served on several local boards including the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, KOCT
Oceanside Community Television, Women’s Resource Center. Education matters to Rocky, who coached
varsity wrestling at El Camino High School and was the Chief Education Officer for the School of Business
and Technology Charter High School in Oceanside.
Rocky and his wife Mary live in Oceanside, and have three children and three grandchildren. Mary
studied at the University of New Orleans and also holds an M.B.A. from California State University, San
Marcos. Rocky has passed his lessons of hard work to the next generation. His son Temujin Tom is a
physician in South Carolina. Rocky’s daughter Regina Ann Shepperson and youngest son Sage John are
both college graduates.
Office: (916) 319-2076
District 77, Brian Maienschein (R)
In January 2009, Brian Maienschein was selected as the first Commissioner of the Plan
to End Chronic Homelessness. The program was created by over 100 community
volunteers and was endorsed by the San Diego City Council and 16 other cities within
the County to address the needs of the chronically homeless.
Brian was elected to the San Diego City Council in November 2000 with 63% of the vote,
the most ever received by a non-incumbent, and was re-elected without opposition in
2004 to represent the San Diego City Council’s Fifth District. In the course of both
elections, he received the highest number of votes ever cast for a City Council candidate.
During his tenure, Brian preserved over 11,000 acres in the San Pasqual Valley from development. He
secured the opening of State Route 56 and made numerous infrastructure improvements throughout his
district. He is most well known for his outstanding response to two wildfires that swept through his
district, the Cedar Fire in 2003 and the Witch Creek Fire in 2007. Brian and his staff walked the burnedout neighborhood streets themselves to create a list of the homes that had been destroyed and got this
43
news out to his constituents before they were allowed to return. In the fire’s aftermath, he set up a onestop shop for disaster victims to lead the rebuilding efforts. The plan he created is now viewed as a
national model for disaster response.
Prior to his election, Brian served as Executive Director of Youth Court, an innovative program that has
forged a partnership between law enforcement, schools, and community groups to get first-time
juvenile offenders back on track. For his work with the program, Brian received the District Attorney’s
Crime Victims Rights Award. As a Councilmember, he expanded the program throughout San Diego.
Thousands of San Diego students have now been through the program.
In recognition of his hard work on behalf of our community, Maienschein received the 2003 Legislator of
the Year Award by the American Planning Association. He has also been named one of the Top 50
People to Watch in San Diego by San Diego Magazine and was the recipient of the Top 40 under 40
Leadership Award by San Diego Metropolitan Magazine. Brian was named one of San Diego Magazine’s
50 People to Watch in 2011, receiving this prestigious recognition for a second time. Recently,
Maienschein received the Channel 10 News Leadership Award and was named one of San Diego’s 2012
Top Influentials by The Daily Transcript.
Maienschein teaches a course on Election Law at the University of San Diego Law School and California
Western School of Law. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and California Western
School of Law, Brian’s proudest accomplishments are his two daughters, Taylin and Brenna
Office: (916) 319-2077
District 79, Shirley Weber (D)
Born to sharecroppers of Hope, Arkansas, Shirley Weber has lived in California
since the age of 3. She attended UCLA, where she received her BA, MA and PhD
by the age of 26. Prior to receiving her doctorate, she became a professor at San
Diego State University (SDSU) at the age of 23. Dr. Weber also taught at
California State University at Los Angeles and Los Angeles City College before
coming to SDSU.
Dr. Weber has lived in the 79th Assembly District for over 30 years. Her children
attended public school in the district and she was elected to the school board. As
a board member, and subsequent board president, she became known for her
advocacy for closing the achievement gap and a higher standard of excellence for all children.
From 2005-2006, Dr. Weber hosted a popular weekly radio program weekly entitled, "It's a New Day
with Dr. Shirley Weber," on KURS AM 1040. The program was broadcast live throughout San Diego and
internationally over the internet. In 2006, she aired her program live from Johannesburg, South Africa,
sharing her students' perspectives and those of local South Africans. Dr. Weber has lectured throughout
the United States, Caribbean and Africa.
Prior to being elected to the Assembly, she served as the mayor's appointee and Chair on the Citizens'
Equal Opportunity Commission. Dr. Weber has also served on the Board of the NAACP, YWCA, YMCA
44
Scholarship Committee, Battered Women Services, United Way, San Diego Consortium and Private
Industry Council, and many more.
Dr. Weber is the mother of two children and the widow of the late Honorable Daniel Weber, a California
state judge.
Office: (916) 319-2079
45
Conducting Meet and Greet Meetings
Conducting meet and greet visits with your newly elected officials provides you an important
opportunity to meet with your new official early in their tenure. It is critical to develop relationships
with the officials who represent you. January and February are the best months to conduct these
meetings. Your legislators may be able to help you navigate local issues and will be voting on bills on
budget items that impact your work. Since you are the expert, it is important that you introduce yourself
and let your officials know how you may assist them on key issues. This is also an opportunity to let
them know of any policy priorities you have that they will face in their new position.
Meetings may be conducted in Sacramento or in district offices. New legislators were sworn into office
on December 3, 2012. Many are still hiring staff and setting up offices. Call the Capitol office and ask for
the person handling scheduling to book your appointment. Be sure to identify yourself as a constituent.
Remember, it is also important to get to know the staff! Especially in the District, staff may remain
constant while legislators term out. These staff can be important allies for you and your organization.
Who should attend?
 The Executive Director
 A key staff member who may be able to contribute to the meeting
 A member of your Board of Directors. Ideally, this would be someone who is a donor, elected
official (e.x. member of a school board) or member of your local Chamber of Commerce.
 For meetings in Sacramento you may request an Alliance staff member to attend
What should you bring?
 An organization Fact Sheet
 List of your Board of Directors
 A list of your locations that fall within the District boundaries
 Outcomes and data
 Your economic contribution to the community, how many staff you employ, cost saving data,
etc.
 The California Alliance Fact Sheet located on page 48. Let them know that you are a member!
Organizing your meeting
 Remember that meetings generally last only 15 minutes. Prepare a bit in advance to organize
your thoughts and what each member of the meeting will contribute.
 Introduce yourself and your agency
 State the purpose of the meeting (education)
 Provide a general overview of your expertise
 Welcome any questions
 Offer yourself as a resource
 Send a follow-up thank you letter when you get home
Simple Tips and Reminders
 Know their name pronunciation and gender.
46
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Know which legislator! There are several legislator with the same last names, please be sure to
verify which one you are calling or visiting (Calderon, Quirk, Gaines and Hernandez are all last
names held by two legislators during this session).
Read their biography and identify things you have in common or work you do that relate to their
experience. Remember that parents and grandparents also may identify with children’s issues in
a personal way.
Be prompt. This is important to your credibility.
Congratulate them on their new position. Be positive and open.
Considering conducting the meeting with other providers in the District.
Be a good listener.
Never make up an answer. If they ask a question and you do not know the answer, let them
know you will follow up and identify which staff member you should contact with the
information.
Don’t forget your business cards.
Tell them how you may help them. You are experts!
Do not overstay your welcome. Their schedules are packed tight and the next meeting may
already be waiting in the lobby.
47
About Us
Who We Are
The California Alliance of Child and Family Services is a statewide association
of accredited, private, nonprofit child and family serving agencies committed to
providing the highest quality human services in the most effective and caring manner
possible.
Alliance member agencies work with and through the public child welfare,
children’s mental health, juvenile justice, and education systems.
Formed January 1, 2000, through the merger of the California Association of
Services for Children and the California Association of Children’s Homes, the Alliance
and its parent associations have a combined history of more than 60 years of advocacy
on behalf of Californian’s most vulnerable children and families, and the organizations
that serve them.
What We Do
The California Alliance of Child and Family Services provides budgetary,
legislative and regulatory advocacy influencing a wide range of key policy issues on
behalf of our member agencies and the children and families they serve. Committed to
improving outcomes for children in the public human services systems, the Alliance also
provides members with a wide range of practice improvement tools and opportunities.
About Our
Members
The California Alliance is
composed of a diverse group of member
organizations located throughout
California providing a wide range of
services and support to tens of thousands
of children and their families each year.
All members share a commitment
to excellence and continuously strive to
improve the quality of care and services
they provide to high-risk children and
families. As an indication of that
commitment, all member agencies must
meet rigorous accreditation standards
through a national accrediting
organization.
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Adoptions
Foster family-based care and treatment
Specialty mental health services
Residentially-based services
Special education, non-public school services
Wraparound services and support
Charter schools
Family preservation
Family Resource Centers
Foster care emancipation and transitional housing
In-home intervention and support
Kinship care support
Outpatient therapy and counseling
Post adoption services
Psychiatric services and medication support
School-based mental health services
Shared family care
Substance abuse treatment
Therapeutic behavioral services
Transitional housing and services (THPP & THPPlus)
 Vocational preparation and job readiness
Member agencies participate in the
Alliance’s practice improvement
initiatives including provision of evidencebased practices, utilization of common
elements with demonstrated efficacy, development of practice-based evidence, and
national and state benchmarking.
Contact Us
California Alliance of Child and Family Services: 916/449-2273 or www.cacfs.org.
1

Guide to New Legislators - California Alliance of Child and Family

Transcription

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