Issues

Public health and safety

Laguna Beach is fortunate to have incredible public safety officials who go above and beyond the call of duty, and I will ensure they have what they need to continue to keep us safe. Public health and safety also mean maintaining ocean health and water quality, and managing the strain that tourism and traffic put on our city resources. I will advocate for local residents and businesses as we strive to remain a safe and healthy community while welcoming visitors.

Environmental protection and open space preservation

I’ve been working for decades to protect the environment, first as an activist, then by sponsoring and passing climate bills through my nonprofit, and as Vice-Chair since 2019 of the City of Laguna Beach Environmental Sustainability Committee. I will lead on environmental and climate issues and ensure that we do all we can to protect people, wildlife and marine life in and around our city, while preserving the beloved landscapes, ecosystems and open space that make Laguna Beach so unique.

Good governance and accountability

Anyone who’s worked with me will tell you I am a true believer in transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility. That’s how I live my own life, and it’s how I think the city should conduct its affairs: Doing the public’s business in public and making sure all major investments are not only wise but also understood and supported by residents. Big decisions will be made about Laguna’s future in the coming years, and we must make them together, as a community of informed and engaged citizens.

Livability and affordability

The lack of reasonably priced and affordable housing is putting great pressure on local residents including young people, seniors and artists. The housing that gets built over the coming years must fit with the needs of our community and respect its unique character. Smart growth is the key to avoiding over-intensification and overcrowding. How many of us already plan our schedules around traffic, and miss appointments when it gets too bad? I will work to ensure that development projects do not further compound congestion and make our city less livable.

Infrastructure modernization

As Laguna prepares to turn 100, we owe it to future generations to prepare our infrastructure for the next century. That means addressing the problems that have plagued our city for years. Recurring sewage spills shut down our beaches, which impacts homeowners, local businesses and marine life. The threat of wildfires caused by overhead power lines is leading to high home insurance premiums and cancelled policies. I will work with local and state agencies to find sustainable solutions that will get Laguna Beach ready for the future.

Listen, learn, lead

The nonprofit I founded in 2007 to advocate for animals has always had the same slogan: We are “the voice for the voiceless.” Of course people have a voice and can participate in public life, but when it comes to decisions affecting their city, oftentimes they don’t feel heard. I will approach every issue with an open mind and engage with the community before forming an opinion. And I’ll lead from consensus so that we can all feel proud of Laguna Beach, a city that leads the way on important issues and creates models that others can follow.