Affordability & Cost of Living
The cost of living in California has reached a point where too many families feel squeezed from every direction. No one should be forced to decide which basic necessity they can afford in a given week. Yet rapid price increases, higher taxes, and layers of costly regulations have put enormous pressure on residents and small businesses alike.
Decisions made in Sacramento have contributed to this problem. Years of excessive spending have fueled inflation, pushing everyday prices upward. At the same time, state leaders continue to introduce new taxes and fees, including increases to the gas tax, which hits working families hardest.
Now, California faces an 18 billion dollar budget shortfall, a clear sign that the state's spending priorities are unsustainable. Improving affordability means reining in wasteful government spending, stopping unnecessary new taxes, and allowing people to keep more of what they earn. Housing costs also remain a major challenge. Excessive fees and regulations have made building new homes far more expensive, slowing construction and contributing to the shortage of affordable options.
Coastal Protection & Environmental Stewardship
As a lifelong Oceanside resident, I know protecting our coastline is one of the most important issues facing our district. California's coastal communities are experiencing real and visible impacts from erosion, shifting currents, and the loss of beach areas that families rely on for recreation, tourism, and quality of life.
Here at home, these changes have contributed to rocky stretches of shoreline and long-term concerns about the future of our beaches. Communities up and down the state are working with coastal experts, residents, and policymakers to better understand these challenges and explore practical ways to safeguard both public access and the natural environment.
Addressing coastal erosion requires cooperation, science-based planning, and a commitment to preserving our shoreline for the generations that will come after us. Our coastline is a defining part of who we are.
Public Safety & Supporting Law Enforcement
Every community deserves to feel safe, and government's first responsibility is to protect its residents. Families should be able to walk in their neighborhoods, run their businesses, and let their children play outside without fear. That requires a practical, balanced approach to public safety.
Law enforcement officers and prosecutors play a crucial role in maintaining order, and they need clear laws, strong support, and the right tools to respond effectively when crime occurs. Communities also benefit when the justice system is fair, consistent, and focused on reducing repeat offenses.
Voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 to strengthen penalties for serious drug and firearm offenses and ensure repeat offenders face appropriate consequences. Yet Sacramento has failed to fully fund its implementation. Fully funding Proposition 36 is essential to restoring accountability and protecting Californians.