Primary Election Date: 06/12/2012
General Election Date: 11/06/2012

Who Am I?

I was elected to the California State Assembly in 2010 and am seeking re-election in the 50th Assembly District. My work has focused on fighting for consumers, advocating for working families and protecting the environment.

Most recently, I achieved one of the goals that motivated me to run for State Assembly. The Toxin-Free Infants and Toddler Act, AB 1319, which will ban the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups, was signed into law by the Governor on October 4, 2011. BPA is widely considered a health hazard linked to early puberty, childhood obesity, break cancer, autism, hyperactivity and other long-term medical problems.

My involvement in environmental issues spans my entire career, which includes the time I spent working for the California League of Conservation Voters and the Environmental Defense Fund. I helped create communities of support for strategic environmental movements, including carbon emission standard changes, water conservation and habitat protection policies.

I am currently a board member of Equality California and previously served as President of the National Women's Political Caucus (LA Westside Chapter), and as the Director of Development for Consumer Attorneys of California. I also served as an appointed member of the California Film Commission, where I worked to keep the film industry as a driver of the state's economy.

During the Clinton Administration, I worked at the Department of Commerce on trade policy priorities including the Uruguay Round and World Trade Organization transformation matters, intellectual property rights, trade development and fair trade practices.

My commitment to public service was solidified during my years in college as an intern for State Assemblymember Lucy Killea, U.S. Senator Alan Cranston and Lt. Governor Leo McCarthy.

As a resident of the coastal Los Angeles area for over twenty years, I have been active in local grassroots organizations promoting green and responsible development in neighborhoods and communities. Born in Sacramento, I graduated from San Diego State University and from the Executive Program in Management at UCLA.

Why Am I Running?

My career has been focused on serving the public and I am committed to advancing the fight for justice and equality and empowering those who do not have a voice. I am seeking re-election to the State Assembly to continue fighting for consumers, advocating for working families and protecting the environment. I am proud to be an accomplished coalition builder and will continue to work with opposing interests to build consensus in Sacramento to ensure equal rights for all.

Hold Me Accountable!

I have recently completed the first year of my two year term in the Assembly. I authored several bills that were signed into law by Governor Brown, including bills focused on senior protection, electric vehicle charging and homeowner protection. I am particularly proud of the landmark law I authored creating the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act, banning the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups. I have also Authored laws to protect our veterans when they return home to California and create environmentally sustainable projects that bring new jobs to Los Angeles.

I currently serve on on the Assembly Budget Committee, the Budget Sub-Committee on Resources and Transportation, Business and Professions Committee; Education; Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media; and Rules. I also serve as a member of the Commission on Economic Development, where job creation is a top priority, particularly in emerging sectors like clean alternative energy and health care.

When I return to the Assembly I will continue to fight for working families, improve education, protect consumers and ensure that our elderly are safe and protected.

My DFA values:

It has been an honor to know Governor Howard Dean for over a decade and believe his vision made a real difference for this country and Democrats, no matter what red state they lived in. I believe that his commitment in getting Democrats involved in all fifty states laid the groundwork for electing people like Senator Mark Begich in Alaska and many others, including President Barack Obama. Without Governor Dean's foresight and understanding that we need to involve Democrats everywhere we would not have had these successes.

In addition, it was my honor to serve as the Governor's temporary "staff member" and committed Deaniac in January, 2004. My unforgettable adventures with the Governor included meetings with Rob Reiner, Merv Griffen and Norm Pattiz as well as being one of his delegates at the 2004 California State Democratic Convention. Because I was able to spend so much time with the Governor, I am forever committed to his causes and strongly favor progressive thinking like his.

I have been involved in organizing at the grassroots level my entire life as an advocate to ensure equality and fairness at all levels and throughout all communities. I am the former President of the National Women's Political Caucus advocating for reproductive choice, I have been on the board of Equality California for six years fighting for LGBT equality, I supported politicians and organizations that are doing work to ensure all people have a voice in the process and equal opportunity.

During my just completed first year in office my legislative agenda has reflected these priorities, as I was able to get bills signed by the Gov protecting seniors, the environment, consumers and the most vulnerable. My legislative agenda will maintain this focus and underscore my dedication to create fairness for all.

My Campaign is People-Powered!

Based on almost three decades of support for the environment, women, the LGBT community, seniors and Democrats, I am honored to have a broad base of support from people who are fighting with me to ensure our government hears those who don't have million dollar lobbyists representing them. I have always been proud to work on behalf of those without a voice and I will continue to do so.