Issues & Policies

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 To create a safer community, it starts with protecting the rights and safety of those in our community. From women's rights to migrant rights/farmworkers rights,  we can create a safer community for all.

I was an instrumental voice in getting the CARE policy passed in the City of Ventura & Ojai.

I have strongly advocated for low-income and homeless resources, as well as protecting communities and not corporations. Housing and  health care are fundamental human rights.  For years I have actively worked along the side of Ventura Tenants Union, SEIU 2015, CAUSE, and other labor organizations.

I believe 2026 is the year where all voices are invited to City of Ventura's council dias. As I become the first Chumash council member for Ventura, I will intentionally create space for all community members to be heard with respect and admiration. A safe community is a community filled with safe dialogue.

Ventura is not only unceded Chumash land but my ancestral home; I am called to emerge as a transformative environmental champion. As Ventura's first Chumash councilmember it will be my honor to dedicate myself to safeguarding our land, water, and all relatives. This commitment is not merely an obligation, but a heartfelt tribute to my ancestors for their timeless stewardship. It is not a personal aspiration, but a clarion call that a visionary leader answers, inspiring our entire city to evolve into wiser stewards.

For our city to become wiser land and water stewards, we must all return to admiring and respecting Mother Earth. Creating ways for the city to enjoy and cherish our open land, beaches, and parks is a priority.  Creating city wide art and culture events is a priority. As district 6 has just made history with the longest mural  in California, we clearly see it's time to prioritize art and culture events throughout our city. I will like to see year round art and culture events traveling throughout all districts. Let's truly live up to our name and become the New Art City. 

I will advocate for safer bike, walk, wheelchair paths, so all residents can enjoy our city easier. I will advocate against AI data centers. I will also advocate for greater Chumash and city collaboration. It's time for Chumash people to have better and more inclusive stewardship of the land, such as advising on planting more native gardens and using these spaces to share our culture, and returning to traditional control burns.

On July 2, 2026, I proudly signed the #nofossilfulmoney pledge - "I pledge not to take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, & coal industry executives, lobbyists, and PACs and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits."

It was crucial for me to sign the pledge as a clear example that nobody will love and defend this land and our water more than Ventura's first Chumash councilmember.

 I promise to be a fierce leader who leads 

 with an unrelenting force of energy, commitment, and compassion to revolutionize this city into a more radical love for all, protecting Mother Earth and all lives.

 As a passionate and devoted educator, my unwavering commitment to inspiring and empowering our youth extends far beyond school hours. Uplifting and inspiring our youth to truly believe in their limitless potential is paramount. It's time our youth has a leader who will prioritize their aspirations, a leader who will show up and remind them they are the bright future leaders of tomorrow and safe to be who they are.  
 

I aim to create a Ventura Youth Commission to uplift, encourage and teach our youth how to become successful leaders. I also aim to create a monthly youth award to highlight youth doing great work in the community. Our youth succeeds when we highlight them. 

Changing city council meetings back to Monday, making it possible to attend VUSD meetings on Tuesday, is a top priority. As any local VUSD parent or staff member would know, it is crucial to be free to attend both meetings. A safe community is a well-informed community. 

As I prioritize our youth, I'm equally committed to uplifting our elders. Recognizing the profound connection between these two groups that's deeply rooted in Chumash tradition. By fostering intergenerational relationships, our youth can thrive under the guidance of our elders, while our elders receive the care, respect, and honor they deserve. To make this vision a reality, I'm dedicated to safeguarding our elders' well-being, ensuring they have access to safe housing, nutritious food, and exceptional healthcare, including advocating for enhanced benefits for healthcare providers and protecting military benefits. It is time we bring back the sacred connection of our youth and our elders.

I will also focus on streamlining the emergency system for elders as well as focus on improving street access and wheelchair accessible improvements.

As I end this section, it is crucial that I give a sincere thank you to all of my amazing elders in my lifetime who guided me to this moment, my father, a Vietnam vet who died due to Agent Orange and served over 30 years in the military, my mother whose love taught me strength, my cousin Julie Tumamait-Stenslie whose blessing means everything, and Carmen Ramirez who paved the way for this historic campaign.