Water
Water supply
Ojai is experiencing an extended drought that is being worsened by climate change. In fact, the entire western U.S. is experiencing more dryness than has occurred in over 1,200 years. This arid weather has caused our natural landscapes to absorb much more water than in past decades thereby significantly reducing the amount of water available for agriculture and cities in western states and has resulted in unprecedented cutbacks of water allocations throughout the region.
We’ve all been doing our part to conserve water, and it has slowed the reduction of water levels in Lake Casitas but we have a long way to go to reach our goal of long-term water security.
Lake Casitas is our valley’s largest water reservoir and it takes decades to refill even in wetter times. Therefore, until circumstances improve, the most sensible approach is to make sure any extra water we might gain from rain or further conservation measures can go toward replenishing our aquifers and refilling Lake Casitas, rather than committing it to new development.
I also support further conservation efforts such as a citywide program to encourage the use of household gray water for irrigation of landscaping throughout our town and seeking financial assistance for orchard owners that are interested in transitioning some of their lands to more water-wise crops or back to natural oak woodlands.
I’m also a proponent of regenerative farming, and I support efforts being made to incorporate these agricultural practices in our community.
CLIMATE ActioN
Ten years ago scientists were warning us that future generations would experience detrimental global warming if we did not substantially reduce global carbon emissions. We now know that climate change impacts have come upon us quicker than previously projected and are contributing to the extended regional drought that is rapidly diminishing Ojai’s water reserves. The climate crisis is the most pressing issue of our time and requires swift and decisive action by global and national leaders as well as from our local government right here in Ojai. I’m impressed by the great work that has been done by the climate experts that have volunteered to serve on Ojai’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Committee.
If elected, I will work with my council colleagues, our climate committee, city staff, and community members to rapidly draw down our town’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Affordable Housing:
Preserving an Ojai where all belonG
Housing costs are rising at a rate higher than income levels. Because of that, some of our neighbors are being priced out of Ojai. I'm not against all development, but if we are to support new building projects, they need to be the best projects possible for the future of Ojai. I support creative solutions to preserve the economic diversity of our community by supporting local organizations that buy apartment buildings and update them while keeping rents low and residents in their homes. We need community-led and sustainable plans. None of us want to see our friends and neighbors become displaced.
In that same vein, diversity, equity, and inclusion are important to me as a member of the LGBTQ community. I’ve served on a committee to pilot anti-racism workshops and know how to bring people together.
Community-Building and Quality of Life
We have a good quality of life in Ojai because we have a strong community, which is why we attract so many visitors.
I believe that investing in our town’s infrastructure and public services serves our quality of life now and in the future. If elected to Ojai City Council, I am committed to taking care of ongoing responsibilities like paving the roads and protecting our walking and biking paths.
I also support community-building through recreation and community-focused activities. Tourism supports our local economy, and we want to maintain a balanced approach that prioritizes our residents.
As a small business owner, I understand the needs of other business owners. We have a thriving chamber of commerce. At the same time, we can do more to attract business owners into our industrial-zoned spaces with the goal of attracting more high-paying jobs.
Fire readiness
Building fire readiness is crucial to our town’s safety, well-being, and preservation. We can help mitigate the damage to our homes, our schools, and our town at large, by taking simple steps now to reduce the risk. The two most important things we can do to keep ourselves, our families, friends, neighbors, and animals safe during wildfires and other natural disasters is to thoroughly prepare in advance and listen to first responders when they tell us to evacuate.
What Do you think? Please share!
The role of Ojai City Councilmember is about being your representative in our local government. I have priorities, but my main agenda is to serve YOU, the residents of Ojai. I’d love to hear your thoughts, concerns, and visions for our town.