About Me

I am a California native, having been born and raised by two inspirational parents in the Peninsula, and since having lived and worked in over a dozen cities in the state before happily settling in Lafayette, 16 years ago. I met my marvelous husband, Michael, when we were both working at internet start-ups in the Peninsula and have had fun and adventure ever since, including raising two wonderful kids who attended 12 years of public schools here (Go Bobcats! Wildcats! Cougars!).

 

At CSU Chico, I double majored in Organizational Communications and Psychology and leveraged that education and honed business and relationship building skills in various industries including publishing, personnel, logistics, technology, wine production, and at various non-profit organizations - the most recent three in Lafayette, which I helped found, prior to gladly, and proudly, serving on City Council. I bring this experience to the Council dias, along with a passion to better this community, keep it safe, protect and add to its charms, especially support the wonderful people that live and work here - making it the special place it is. 

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I would appreciate your vote so I can continue this work.

City Council Contributions - Ongoing:

• Elected in 2020, currently serving as Mayor

• Working on updating the City's General Plan (Plan 2040)

• Voted to adopted the new Housing element that provides opportunities for more affordable, diverse, and inclusive housing

• Adopted a comprehensive Safety Element including utility safety

• Furthered public education and awareness for wildfire prevention, preparedness, and evacuation planning

• Approved numerous traffic and safety improvements around schools and neighborhoods

• Approved safer traffic speeds to reduce risk and accident impact

• Passed a safe gun storage ordinance

• Served on Fiscal Sustainability Ad Hoc​, recommended sales tax measure to maintain level of municipal services

• Voted to place Measure H, a 1/2 cent sales tax increase on the November ballot so residents can decide to maintain standard of service​

• Served on the Council Finance Committee, reviewing proposed budget, assuring transparency

• Served on Council Legislative Committee, advocating for legislation, funding, and regulation that aligns with City goals and policies

• Pursued Council meeting attendance and follow-up with state insurance commissioner's office to address insurance crisis

• Protected local environment and acted to address climate change

  • Passed a gas leaf blower ban

  • Served as Board member for MCE last four years – renewable energy provider

  • Served as Board Member, current Chair, of RecycleSmart for last four years – our solid waste and recycling partner

• Served on ARPA Ad Hoc committee to make recommendations for federal ARPA funds spending

• Invested ARPA funds for community and business recovery from Covid impact

  • Addressed basic food and shelter needs to mental health support for public school children

  • Implemented programs to support and promote downtown businesses

  • Fortified the General Fund to implement planned infrastructure and safety projects

• Adopted a new City vision statement

 

Community Service

• Co-founded Save Lafayette Trees

  • Brought important pipeline safety improvements while preserving many trees along trails and in neighborhoods

  • Worked directly with CPUC, Safety Enforcement Division to gain important compliance audits for PG&E gas operations in Lafayette

  • Conceived and presented “Local Pipeline Integrity” at national pipeline safety conference to federal DOT and PHMSA officials

• Co-founded Gas Safety Task Force in Lafayette, supported by City Council​

  • On behalf of residents, worked with City; CPUC; and PG&E to bring important safety improvements to community and pipeline safety ​

• Founding Member, Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE)

  • Served as Communications Co-Chair; managed branding efforts (name, logo); created communications strategy and materials for transitioning Lafayette Arts & Sciences Foundation (LASF) to LPIE. 

  • Developed "Lafayette-opoly", first community fundraiser working with school parent groups, downtown businesses, and the City

• Founding Member, Lafayette Hillside Memorial

  • Preserving the legacy of the Lafayette Crosses, to honor fallen soldiers and promote peace

  • Developed public website

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Professional Experience​​​​

• Fifteen years professional experience working for companies ranging from internet start-ups, a small winery, a women's history educational non-profit, to international corporations. Besides the fantastic people met and successful implementation of entrusted responsibilities, highlights include:

  • management of diverse teams in sales, marketing, and business development

  • lead responsibility for strategic product initiatives

  • fiscal responsibility for operational budgets, revenue forecasting, product cycle and channel management

  • an appreciation for Carneros region pinot noirs

  • heartfelt gratitude to brave, pioneering women in our nation's history, particularly those who worked to win women's right to vote - and my mom, an inspiration and pioneer in her own way