Frequently Asked Questions
People have a lot of questions about how the city works and what this campaign is focused on. Here are clear answers to some of the most common ones.
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I’m running because Southside is changing quickly, and residents deserve a clear role in shaping what comes next.
Decisions about housing, public space, and services are happening now, and they will shape this neighborhood for years. District 7 brings together students, long-time residents, workers, and local businesses. That mix is a strength, but it also requires steady, thoughtful leadership.
I’m running to help make sure those decisions are made clearly, responsibly, and with the people who live here in mind.
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My priorities focus on making sure Southside works as a neighborhood people can rely on day to day.
Housing and land stability. Southside will continue to grow. The goal is to make sure that growth adds housing while preserving and expanding long-term affordability and reducing displacement.
Public land and civic access. Public space is limited here. Once it is lost, it rarely returns. Decisions about civic land should be clear, documented, and protect long-term public use.
Infrastructure and service reliability. More density means more pressure on basic services. Clean streets, lighting, sidewalks, and accessibility should be consistent across the neighborhood.
Accountable governance. City decisions should be understandable and measurable. Residents should be able to see what was decided, why it was decided, and whether it worked.
This comes down to a simple idea: change with structure, so Southside can grow without losing the things people depend on.
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My experience combines the study of political systems with hands-on civic engagement in Berkeley.
I studied political science and communication studies, focusing on how governments make decisions and manage public resources. That background shaped my focus on accountability and clear governance.
I have also been involved in community advocacy around housing, environmental issues, and civic participation. I previously served as Vice Chair of Berkeley’s Homeless Commission, working with commissioners, staff, and community organizations on housing and service challenges.
Over time, I have followed Berkeley’s budgeting, land use decisions, and governance issues closely. That experience has shaped my focus on clear authority, measurable outcomes, and responsible decision-making.
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I understand why people ask that. Many residents feel disconnected from politics or frustrated by how decisions get made.
I see politics differently. It is a tool for improving people’s lives, addressing real problems, and making sure government works for the community it serves.
As Senator Paul Wellstone said, politics is about improving people’s lives, lessening human suffering, and advancing peace and justice. That perspective has guided my approach to public service.
For me, this campaign is not about labels. It is about doing the work responsibly, transparently, and with a clear focus on the needs of Berkeley residents.
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It starts with listening and being present.
District 7 includes students, long-term residents, workers, and small businesses. Each group experiences Southside differently, and those perspectives matter.
My approach is to keep communication open, explain decisions clearly, and make sure people understand how choices are made. Engagement should not be occasional. It should be consistent and part of how decisions happen.
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I’ve been interested in how systems work for a long time.
In school, I participated in Mock Trial and Model United Nations, which introduced me to law, governance, and how decisions are made. That led me to study political science and comparative politics.
Over time, that interest became local. Getting involved in Berkeley issues made it clear how much everyday life is shaped by city decisions, and how important it is for those decisions to be thoughtful and accountable.
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My approach to public service is grounded in a few core ideas.
Dignity. People should be treated with respect in both policy and practice.
Stewardship. Public resources and land should be managed carefully and with a long-term view.
Participation. People should be able to understand and take part in the decisions that affect their lives.
Responsibility. Decisions should be clear, accountable, and based on real outcomes.
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The campaign depends on local involvement.
You can help by volunteering, talking with neighbors, attending events, or helping share information. Conversations at the neighborhood level are often the most effective.
You can sign up through the website to stay updated on ways to participate.
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Yes, within campaign finance rules.
Berkeley also has a public financing system that supports campaigns through small local donations. This helps make local elections more accessible and transparent.
The campaign follows all reporting requirements so contributions and spending remain clear to the public.