Priorities
Together, we can strengthen our economy, protect our environment, and create new opportunities for the next generation.
A Record of Service. A Plan for the Future .
For more than 15 years, I have had the honor of serving our community on the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners. But my commitment to public service started long before I joined the Port.
I spent more than two decades as a firefighter and a large-scale disaster responder across the nation. Those experiences taught me that public service is about showing up, solving problems, and that success is dependent on working together.
I brought those values with me to the Port of Hueneme.
During my time on the Oxnard Harbor Commission, we have demonstrated that economic growth and environmental leadership don’t have to compete with each other. We can create good-paying jobs, invest in modern infrastructure, remain competitive in international trade, and reduce the Port’s environmental footprint at the same time.
I’ve helped bring more than $250 million in grant funding to support Port infrastructure and construction projects. I’ve worked alongside labor, business, environmental and social justice organizations, local governments, and community leaders because I believe the Port succeeds when our entire community succeeds.
I’m running for reelection to continue that work with the following priorities:
Strengthening Our Communities
The Oxnard Harbor District succeeds when Oxnard and Port Hueneme succeed. I will continue building partnerships with local cities, schools, labor organizations, businesses, and community groups to ensure the benefits of Port activity reach residents throughout the Oxnard Harbor District. I believe this is your port. Economic growth should create opportunities that support our neighborhoods, local families, and future generations.
Creating Good-Paying Local Jobs
The Oxnard Harbor District supports more than 25,000 jobs throughout the region and boasts more than 70% locally hired construction workers. As we invest in infrastructure and attract new business, we must ensure those opportunities translate into quality careers for local workers. Expanding workforce development programs and supporting good-paying jobs will remain a top priority.
Environmental Leadership
Protecting our coastline, neighborhoods, wetlands, and marine habitats is critical to our future. During my tenure, the Oxnard Harbor District has become a recognized leader in environmental innovation, being named the greenest port in the nation. I will continue to advance initiatives that reduce emissions, improve air quality, protect our wetlands, and make decisions that respect the natural resources that make our community special.
Zero Emissions by 2030
The Oxnard Harbor District’s historic commitment to achieving zero emissions by 2030 is one of the nation’s most ambitious environmental initiatives. I will continue to push for investments in zero-emission cargo equipment, clean transportation technologies, shore power, and modern infrastructure to help us reach that goal while maintaining the Port's economic competitiveness.
Workforce Development
Education and workforce development are essential to the Oxnard Harbor District’s future. By partnering with local schools, colleges, labor organizations, and community groups, we can introduce young people to careers in maritime trade, logistics, technology, clean energy, and public service. These partnerships help all residents gain the skills and training needed for good-paying local jobs while ensuring the Port has a qualified workforce prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. A strong port should do more than move cargo. It should create opportunity, strengthen families, and provide clear pathways to long-term careers for the communities it serves.
Bringing Investments Home
Securing outside funding allows our community to grow responsibly without any costs to local taxpayers. I have helped to secure more than $250 million in grant funding, dollars that go to support our local economy and move the Oxnard Harbor District forward. I will continue to pursue state and federal investments that support transportation improvements, environmental initiatives, modern infrastructure, and emerging technologies. These dollars go to work locally and support our economy.
Growing the Port
The Oxnard Harbor District must remain competitive while always being a good neighbor. The ports success should always benefit our residents first. Responsible growth means attracting diversified cargo, modernizing facilities, improving efficiency, and creating jobs while minimizing traffic, emissions, and impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. Success should result in stronger economic opportunities, cleaner operations, and greater community investment.
National Security
The Oxnard Harbor District has a strong partnership with Naval Base Ventura County because it strengthens both our national security and our local economy. Port-related activities have generated more than $90 million for the Navy, with that funding staying right here in our community to support the base and its mission. The Oxnard Harbor District has a role in hosting Coastal Trident, which brings together the military, first responders, government agencies, and private industry to strengthen emergency preparedness and operational readiness. As your Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner, I will continue working to expand this partnership, protect critical supply chains, and ensure the Port remains a vital asset to our community and our nation.
Innovation
Innovation is essential to keeping the Port of Hueneme competitive and preparing it for the future. I am proud to support initiatives such as FATHOMWERX, which grew out of our MAST program, as well as investments in electric cargo equipment, shore power, cleaner-energy technology, and modern data systems. Through Coastal Trident, we are also helping test emerging technologies that improve maritime security and emergency readiness. As your Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner, I will continue supporting innovation that creates good-paying jobs, improves safety, protects our environment, strengthens national security, and keeps the Port of Hueneme moving forward.
Looking Ahead
The decisions made over the next several years will shape the future of the Port of Hueneme for generations. We must continue investing in modern infrastructure, competing for new opportunities, creating quality jobs, supporting local businesses, and leading the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
My commitment is simple: keep the Port focused on delivering results for our community.
Together, we can build a stronger economy, a healthier environment, and more opportunities for the people of Oxnard and Port Hueneme while ensuring the Port of Hueneme remains a source of pride for the entire Harbor District.