Primary Election Date: 06/05/2012
General Election Date: 11/06/2012

Who Am I?

I was raised in a working-class family in Pico Rivera and Whittier, and I credit my low-income family upbringing with shaping my worldview and keeping me grounded. I attribute my Mexican ancestry with helping me understand the challenges facing minority groups, my mother for instilling me with the virtues of compassion and fiscal responsibility, and my maternal and paternal grandfathers’ lifetimes of civil service for my sense of charity and civic duty.

Coming from a family consisting of military heroes in World War II and the Korean War, a grandfather who worked on Alcatraz Island as a federal prison guard and a mother who serves as my primary inspiration, I was witness to many incredible role models as a child.

I attended El Rancho High School and Whittier College, serving in student government at both institutions. My connection to the community runs deep and this passion becomes evident when you speak with me or listen to me give a speech. I am a passionate advocate for the 57th District, intending to represent my people with honor, integrity and principle.

Prior to running for California State Assembly, I was the chief Grant Writer for Mercy House, a homeless services non-profit organization located in Santa Ana, CA. At Mercy House, I witnessed how important public assistance and social services are to the less fortunate. My resolve to fight for these programs, in order to ensure no family goes hungry and no individual goes without shelter, helped me to make the decision to enter elected politics.

Why Am I Running?

California is in disarray. Ideological bickering, unethical politicians and establishment party machines keep anything from getting done. I am not beholden to anyone but the people I represent. As a lifelong resident of my district, I am best equipped to deal with the problems our residents are experiencing, as I have experienced them myself. The primary focus of an elected official is to put forth legislation that deals with the issues faced by the people they represent, not to get rich off of campaign donations or write legislation that benefits your own financial backers.

Hold Me Accountable!

My first goal is to pass legislation that focuses on providing incentives to small and medium-sized businesses for hiring previously unemployed workers. This approach not only helps to reduce our unemployment ranks, but also facilitates growth for our small business community.

Secondly, the complete repeal of Proposition 8, coupled with legislation legalizing gay marriage must be passed immediately. California has long been the beacon of progressive thought, but we have now been passed by states like Iowa on this very important civil rights issue. We must stop the persecution of and discrimination against the LGBT community.

My DFA values:

I have been involved with grassroots political efforts at many levels, helping to run campaigns for state and national offices, believing in candidates who favor progressive legislation and civil service rather than partisan bickering and furthering their own interests.

I have worked to further equality in all area's including demonstrating against Proposition 8 and working on the FCKH8 Campaign, aimed at promoting equality and fighting bullying of LGBT students. I have served as the head Grant Writer for Mercy House Living Centers, a homeless services non-profit organization that provides life changing programs and housing for a multitude of homeless sub-populations including the chronically homeless, homeless families and children, homeless men and women living with HIV/AIDS and homeless veterans. I have volunteered, advocated and organized on behalf of the least fortunate in our society and will continue to advocate on their behalf in the State Assembly.

My Campaign is People-Powered!

I am a man of the people and for the people. My campaign is based entirely around the endorsement and support of local community leaders, people who live and work in the community. While my opponents tout support from elected officials governing hundreds and thousands of miles away, the people I focus on live within the district borders, understanding the challenges faced on a daily basis and understanding that I am uniquely qualified to deal with these challenges.