My Responses to the Lamorinda Weekly

As part of its election coverage, the Lamorinda Weekly includes responses to a candidate questionnaire. Here is the entirety of my questions submitted to the publication for its report to be published in the October 9 issue.

1. What are your reasons for running for city council?

With our rolling hills, idyllic reservoir and regional trails, Lafayette is the dream that I grew up wanting to make a reality. That said, I believe that our city is at a crossroads and must prepare for the future while still maintaining the character of our community, as outlined by our city council-approved mission statement, and our limited-services status. As the mother of a young child and a homeowner, I am emotionally and financially committed to Lafayette and want to be a voice for our city’s future. 

2. What experience do you think qualifies you for the position?

In addition to my continuous civic engagement during the last 10 years, including serving on the Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission, I am a small business owner who knows how to manage tight budgets and prioritize expenses. 

3. What would you say are the good and bad points of past Lafayette City Councils (not individual council members)

I thank the city council for continuing to provide hybrid (in-person and online) participation for its meetings and those of the Planning, Transportation & Circulation, Planning and Design Review Commissions. It allows for increased participation in our public process.

Since we are a limited resources city, we need to have better prioritization and focus on how taxpayer dollars are spent. Past city councils have spent too much on property investment without development and smaller budget line-items that remove the opportunity to invest in projects that can make an actual difference for our citizens.

4. Are there any changes you would like to see in Lafayette? (Priorities and goals)

Currently there is no one on the city council who lives near downtown, an area that comprises many of our city’s population, and is the focus of the majority of housing and transportation initiatives. These citizens should have representation on our city council. As the only candidate living in the downtown area as well as the only one who is a parent of a young school-aged child, my election would provide representation for those citizens.

5. Are you for or against Measure H?

I am against Measure H. We are all required to live within our means, whether as individuals or business owners. Our city should be required to do the same. Unfortunately this sales tax increase is a blank check, and I don’t believe the city has shown prioritization and responsible spending for what it already manages. 

6. What are your opinions on Lafayette’s updated Housing Element, particularly the elements that aim to increase population density? How do you plan to balance these updates with residents’ interests?

I believe in zoning where it makes sense. That said, we need a city council that will push back on Sacramento. One-size-fits-all mandates do not work for every California city, especially those like Lafayette that are confined by narrow (and at times strained) infrastructure dictated by our hillside topography. 

7. How do you feel about significantly increasing affordable housing in Lafayette?

Creating significantly more affordable housing has been a focus in Lafayette for well over a decade and I fully understand the importance. The city’s original housing plan submitted included development at BART. We also had existing zoning in the downtown that would allow for more housing to be built. These areas made sense. To realistically increase affordable housing beyond that requires funding and infrastructure, two things the city of Lafayette does not currently possess. Taking a more measured and thoughtful approach will also allow the community to preserve its charm and grow responsibly.

8. How do you feel about developing the open lot on Moraga Road currently used for parking?

As was discussed by a city task force in 2014, the realities of traffic congestion on Moraga Road needs to be considered, a condition that has only become worse in the last 10 years. In recognizing this, as well as the requirement to maintain parking (the property was purchased with parking funds) and our current budget deficit, the city should look at the site for the highest and best use of the land. 

If development is deemed inevitable, two ideas I’m interested in exploring are a walkable joint downtown community center/city offices that can provide much needed after-school programs for families and seniors, or affordable housing for seniors or disabled residents who would not drive as much as others. 

9. Do you have any plans to combat the loss of fire insurance in the city?

We need to understand from private insurance companies what is the root cause of residents losing their homeowners insurance. Lafayette should join with hundreds of other California cities through the League of California Cities to demand proactive and transparent action by the State Insurance Commission to address this. Based on those findings at the state level, the city can then determine its role in helping to mitigate the problem whether it be more brush removal on public land, lowering permit costs on private property, and/or better communicating homeowner benefits in the CAL FIRE Firewise program depending on available budget funds. 

10. Do you have any plans or ideas for reducing traffic congestion in Lafayette?

I have personally explored carpool technology platforms that would have created a one-year pilot program for Happy Valley area students to get to and from Stanley Middle School during the 2023-2024 school year. I even secured taxpayer funding from 511 Contra Costa to pay for it. Unfortunately the Lafayette School District did not engage in conversation when it was presented. I would like to see initiatives like this implemented as one of the many ways our city and school district can come together to reduce traffic congestion, especially during the busy morning and afternoon commute times.

11. Do you have any plans to increase public oversight of Lafayette’s budget?

Yes. Unfortunately, I have seen hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars spent on initiatives without clearly stated goals or defined metrics of success. This is important to ensuring accountability and transparency to the public.

12. How long have you lived in Lafayette?

We have lived here for 10 years.

13. Have you previously worked or volunteered with the city — planning, enforcement, police, etc?

Yes. I served on the Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission from 2017 to 2021 where I was an integral part of the redevelopment of Brook Street Park. I am proud of the fact that families are able to enjoy updated amenities such as more shaded infant swings in our city because of my involvement. I also am a recent graduate of the Lafayette Citizen Police Academy, an enlightening experience in which I encourage all residents to participate.