Experience in Making a Positive Impact
My public service experience has been a blast. At present, I serve as the Vice-Chair and member of the Environmental Planning Commission, before this, I was appointed to and then re-elected to the Mountain View Whisman School District Board of Trustees. Back in the early 90’s I served as Student Trustee at West Valley College.
As the Vice-Chair and member of the EPC, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to:
- Improve bike and pedestrian safety in suggested developer plans
- Increase inclusion of parks and green space in developments
- Review and approve land use regulations and zoning ordinances
- Advise City Council on issues or questions they should consider for further study
I have conversations with and listened to the concerns of our neighborhood and business communities about housing, zoning, and land use issues. These conversations help me better understand what their ideas and suggestions are for improving our city. I bring these suggestions and concerns into our EPC discussions, striving to always do what is in the best interests of our city and community.
One of our biggest accomplishments so far was helping the City Council create our Housing Element Plan. Every 8 years, since 1969 in the state of California, local governments are required to update their plans. The plan incorporates 8 elements which cover land use, transportation, conservation, noise, open space, safety, environmental justice and housing. Our Housing Element Plan distinguished Mountain View as the first city in Santa Clara County to receive the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) “Prohousing” designation.
Recognition such as this comes from working well with city staff, listening to and understanding community needs and figuring out how the EPC can best work as a team to advise City Council and help shape a better tomorrow for Mountain View.
During my time as a MVWSD Trustee, our team was able to improve student test scores, reclassify a record number of English language learner students to succeed in mainstream classes, create a middle school schedule with elective options for all students, balance multi-million-dollar budgets, maintain a triple-A (AAA) credit rating and improve teacher salaries and benefits. Our board also voted to build the Jose Antonio Vargas Elementary School and new campuses for both Castro and Stevenson schools. Furthermore, our team successfully partnered with the Mountain View City Council and developer Fortbay/Miramar Property Group to create a campus for new teacher housing.
As Student Trustee at West Valley College, I spoke against tuition rate increases and cutting back class offerings, and supported instructor pay raises. This experience helped me better understand the value of working as part of a team and in focusing on what we can change today with an eye towards the future.
This is the type of leadership I have to offer. All these years later, it’s time for change and new voices at the City Council.