I was born and raised in Arcata, and I love this city. As a grassroots organizer, I have worked for years to make our community and our society safer, more just, and more equitable. It is this desire to effect positive, transformative change that led me to public office, first as a local school board member and now as your council member.

I'm an unrepentant idealist, but I'm also a realist. I know we have the capacity to meet the biggest challenges of our time here at the local level – from chronic homelessness and the shortage of affordable housing to climate change and environmental degradation – but it's going to require innovative ideas, respectful persistence, and strategic planning.

It's also going to require your input and active involvement. After all, I'm working for you – and don't ever let me forget it! Whether or not we agree on a particular issue, I will always listen to you and take your input seriously. Please feel free to contact me with your questions, ideas, concerns, and comments.

Thank you for taking an interest in your community and your local elected officials. It is a great honor to represent you and to serve this remarkable city.