A New Era for City Council
Together, we can put Lompoc’s people first and make sure every voice is heard at City Hall.
About Me
Lompoc has always been my home. I grew up facing poverty and instability, but a local family took me in. Betty Brady became my mom and helped me rebuild my life. Now I’m focused on giving back and making sure every voice in our community is heard. Read my full story here
Why I’m Running
I’m running because the people of Lompoc deserve a city government that listens. I decided to run the day the City Council cut public comment time at a meeting, turning off the mic while residents were still speaking. It made me realize we need a new era for the council, with leaders who respect everyone who takes time out of their evening to share their ideas and concerns. I want to restore trust and integrity at City Hall and make sure every voice is heard. Together, we can build a community where everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
What I’ll Do
I’ll use creative ideas to modernize Lompoc and create a higher standard for our town. I’ll look to cut red tape that makes starting a business here harder. I’ll partner with the Lompoc Mural Society and other arts groups to restore our reputation as the City of Arts & Flowers. I’ll look into expanding public transit and making Lompoc more walkable.
For these and other ventures I will rely on YOU. I’m writing here March 1. We have eight months to investigate ideas that you have heard about from other towns, or which you thought up yourself. Here are seven topics for inquiry RIGHT NOW. With your input, I’ll have even more to bring to City Hall my first day.
Housing
Make it easier to build homes
Lompoc needs more housing for the people who live and work here. We can make it easier for homeowners to build small backyard homes, also called ADUs. Santa Maria has done this and added hundreds of new homes. Long Beach started a Backyard Builders Program with low-to-zero interest loans for homeowners wanting to add a unit to their property. Lompoc should do the same.
Support first-time homebuyers
Many families want to buy their first home but can’t afford the down payment. I will work to expand the city’s existing Homebuyer Assistance Program so more local families can build long-term stability.
Hold bad landlords accountable
Renters deserve safe homes. Too often, bad landlords rent out unsafe homes and face no consequences. I will make sure the city enforces the rules and holds them accountable.
Keep homes in the hands of families
Housing should be for living in, not just for profit. I will fight to ban private equity firms from buying homes in Lompoc, so our housing stays in local hands. That means more fairness for buyers, more stability for renters, and more money staying in our community.
Public Safety
Keep our community safe
Lompoc now has a fully staffed police department. Now we can focus on supporting our officers and giving them the tools they need to do their jobs well and stay safe, including training that helps keep both officers and the public safe in tough situations.
Send the right help to the right situation
Not every emergency needs a law enforcement response. When someone is having a mental health or addiction crisis, trained crisis responders can often help faster and more effectively. Expanding the county’s rapid response team would allow these specialists to step in when needed.
Let police focus on serious crime
When crisis teams handle mental health calls, police officers can focus on what we rely on them for most: responding to violent crime and keeping our roads safe when accidents or dangerous situations occur.
Beautification
Support public art
I will vote to re-fund our murals. Let’s reinvigorate the mural program and support the local artists who make our city unique. I will sit down with the mural society and come up with specific changes and a balanced budget.
Use low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscaping
I will lead a plan to expand low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscaping across Lompoc. By working with local experts like the Lompoc Botanic & Horticultural Society, we can use more native plants to save water, reduce costs, and support local wildlife.
Explore creative community spaces
Public food forests and community orchards can make neighborhoods greener while providing fresh food. I will work to support the creation of more “third spaces,” including parks, libraries, and community gardens where neighbors can meet, spend time together, and grow their pride in our community.
Small Businesses
Small businesses are the heart of our local economy
Local businesses create jobs, support families, and give Lompoc its character. I will work with business owners to make it easier for them to succeed. Working with groups like the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce, we can expand technical training, mentorship programs, and shop-local campaigns that help small businesses grow.
Cut unnecessary red tape
Starting a business in Lompoc can take longer and be more complicated than it should. I will review permitting and licensing processes to make them more efficient and affordable for small business owners.
Accountability
Lead with integrity
City leaders should follow the law and hold themselves to the highest ethical standards. They should avoid conflicts of interest and always put the public first.
Take responsibility when concerns arise
If questions arise about misconduct or abuse of power, there should be a clear process to temporarily remove or suspend officials while the issue is reviewed. This helps the public have confidence in the process.
Voters hold the power
When leaders fall short, the people can choose new leadership that reflects the community’s values.
But how are we going to do it?
One thing I know for sure: I cannot do it alone. When Gene Stevens came back from British Columbia on fire about murals, he didn’t start with a paint brush. He gathered a group. Same with Mark Herrier. He organized the Lompoc Theatre project.
Just as Betty Brady brought her family together around a lost teenager, together we can welcome every resident and make Lompoc great.