Priorities
Public Safety
“America’s firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency response teams are the brave guardians of our communities. They risk their lives so that others may live in safety, and for that, we owe them our deepest gratitude.” – Ronald Reagan
Keeping our residents safe has always been my number one priority. Over my career in the public sector, I have built strong working relationships with Public Safety officials across the District and the State. I fought against Proposition 47, which would have ensured criminals were held accountable for their crimes. I am proactive in supporting our local public safety officials by calling for increased funding and resources for law enforcement, our Fire District, Emergency Services, and other public safety agencies. I voted to increase the Sheriff’s leadership team and acquired surplus a Ventura County Fire Department vehicle for the Simi Valley Police Department’s SWAT team.
My overall goal is to ensure crime is reduced and reduce our risk of catastrophic wildfires through wildfire preparedness. I have spoken with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on multiple occasions about the Public Safety Power Shutoffs and the impact they have on the community, along with being involved in a working group for California State Association of Counties to work through the future of insurance in California.
I was able to get the support of the full Board of Supervisors opposing AT&T’s request to withdraw its Eligible Telecommunication Carrier designation and Carrier of Last Resort obligations, citing public safety concerns for Ventura County residents in remote and high-risk fire areas. With support from all five supervisors and the California Deputy Sheriff’s Association, along with testimony before the CPUC, we successfully convinced the commission to reject AT&T’s request.
I successfully advocated for a weigh station on Highway 118 and collaborated with Caltrans on suicide prevention measures for the 118 bridge. I also supported the Simi Valley Police Department in securing a grant for the Rapid DNA project, while enhancing coordination between municipal cities in Ventura County.
Always Looking to Support our First Responders
Volunteering at Fundraisers:
Battle of the Badges Golf Tournament hosted by the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association (VCDSA) and the Ventura County Professional Firefighters’ Association (VCPFA). All proceeds are donated to the Ventura County Firefighters’ Charity Fund and the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association Benevolent Fund.
Informational Events:
Hosted Wildfire Preparedness Panel to have an open discussion with leaders from Ventura County Fire, Southern California Edison, California Department of Insurance to discuss wind events, Public Safety Power Shut Off events, and overall fire preparedness. I sat on a Fentanyl Panel hosted by the Soroptimist of Simi Valley to discuss the fentanyl epidemic in the County and what we can do as a community to stay safe and informed. Also on the panel was the Sheriff and the District attorney to discuss how their departments are handling these cases.
Attending and Promoting Events:
Annually I participate in the Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for The Blue which supports the Mental Health of the First Responders of Ventura County. First Responders are first on scene when an emergency strikes. They run towards danger when others run away from danger. These individuals go to work every day knowing they may not return home to their families. The Sergeant Ron Helus Ride for The Blue provides resources to help our First Responders be the best that they can be through funding for equipment, wellness training and support. I am also proud to be able to present awards at the First Responders of the Year Awards at the Simi Valley Elks Lodge which honors the outstanding first responders in each department for their amazing work in the field. Every December I attend and promote the Touch-A-Truck Event in Simi Valley where many first responders and local businesses come together to give the community a chance to see and sit in the vehicles while getting to know the first responders that work in the community. This event is also a Spark of Love toy collection event each year. Every year I have the honor to be able to present awards at the Simi Valley Police Department Employee and Volunteer Awards, put on by the Simi Valley Police Foundation. This is an outstanding event where the Simi Valley Police Foundation gets to take a chance to recognize the remarkable men and women that keep us safe day in and day out.
Advocating for the East County:
Bringing a Family Justice Center to the East County has always been one of my top priorities since taking office in 2023. A Family Justice Center is a collaborative team of over 40 public agencies, community organizations, and volunteers who work together to reduce trauma, prevent repeat victimization, and support long-term positive change. Ventura County FJC provides a welcoming community and holistic services to empower and support survivors and their families. I have worked with the District Attorney’s Office, the City of Moorpark, the City of Simi Valley and local nonprofits to help realize this dream. I am excited to have the opportunity to bring a Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) to Simi Valley to help people that are in a crisis get the care they need. Having this facility is going to mean a lot to our first responders because they will be able to take someone to the CSU and drop them off with the professionals to get the help they need while the officers are able to get back out to protect our community.
Since the Arroyo Simi bridge’s completion in 1993, there have been 14 suicides, along with other deaths of unknown causes. In October 2024, I addressed the California Transportation Commission, urging approval for a crucial safety upgrade by adding fencing to one of our region’s most hazardous overpasses. I am pleased to say that the Commission unanimously approved the proposal.
I understand there are other County services that still require residents to make the 40-minute drive to Ventura, and I will continue to work with County staff to bring additional services to our district.
The best way to stay safe and stay up to date with emergency situations in the County is to sign up for VC Alert.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office provides a Law Enforcement Explorer program to educate and involve the youth of the community in police operations and interest them in law enforcement functions whether they aspire to enter police work or not. The Explorer program establishes an awareness of the complexities of police services and broadens an Explorer’s firsthand knowledge of the challenges and job skills that make up our communities’ police services.
The Ventura County Fire Department’s Junior Fire Academy is an entirely free, intensive five-day camp designed for boys and girls ages 13 to 15 to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter—and learn more about fire safety careers. Space is limited to 30 first-time campers per Week.
The Simi Valley Police Department is proud to offer the Citizens Police Academy to members of the community. The Citizens Police Academy program is designed to increase understanding of the operational policies and procedures of the Police Department and the Ventura County Criminal Justice System.
The Simi Valley Police Department Explorer Post, established in the 1970s, has helped develop hundreds of young people. It offers individuals aged 14 to 20 the chance to explore a career in law enforcement by attending a modified academy, assisting the police department, working community events, competing in Explorer Competitions, and participating in patrol ride-alongs.
Simi Valley Office of Emergency Services has created the My Emergency Plan preparedness booklet to help you best plan for an emergency and provide local emergency information before, during, and after an incident. The 3 basic steps to being prepared for any emergency are: Make a plan. Build a kit. Stay informed. Download a booklet in English or Spanish on the My Emergency Plan page.
CERT is a component of the Citizen Corps, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program geared towards harnessing the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.
