A Healthier, Safer & Vibrant Community

Public Safety

Crime


Although Azusa is fortunate to have a low crime statistic, we should continue to strive for lowering the crime rate even more.

This can be achieved by:

    • Reinstating previously cut programs in the Police Department;
    • Increasing Neighborhood Watch Programs;
    • Additional Youth Programs.

Graffiti

Almost every city has to address the issue of graffiti and the youth who commit the act. While there is a legal system that punishes offenders who commit crimes against society, the system has lost sight of reality.

As a business and property owner, I have been subject to many graffiti crimes in Azusa and I understand the painful realities of the damage caused.

However, as a trained legal and dispute resolution professional, I view the restorative justice model as an alternative to the concept of punishment where the social benefits outweigh the rigid legal approach.

Through a partnership with the Azusa Police Department, School District, University, and the community we can utilize a similar model to address crimes against society.

With restorative justice in place, we can:

  • Strengthen the accountability of the offender;
  • Repair the damage done;
  • Reintegrate offenders back into the community.

Seniors & Affordable Living

The needs of Seniors is one of the most complex and challenging areas in our society and in our community today.   Meeting the needs of Seniors often goes further than having a functional multi-service Senior Center offering a wide selection of daily events, classes, and activities.

Although some Seniors are content with what’s available to them in the way of services, others seek a much more active life by giving to the community, whether through volunteerism or being part of the continued workforce.

Seniors are one of the fastest growing segments of our population nationally.

In Azusa, Seniors account for over 35% of the community, yet attention to Senior related issues such as affordable housing and Senior companion programs are limited.

When elected, I pledge to explore the following programs:

  1. Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
    • Begin discussion with community-oriented organizations and the School District to find means to engage Seniors with community-oriented programs benefiting the youth or other volunteer service programs to meet critical community needs.
    • Create joint programs with the Senior Center and School District that share the wisdom and life experiences with at-risk children by mentoring and assisting with social and academic skills.
  2. Dropout Prevention Program: Utilizing Senior volunteers to act as foster grandparents working with children in danger of academic failure.
  3. Executive Aid to Non-profit Organizations: In order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of nonprofit organizations in Azusa, qualified active and retired Senior executives and professionals can give back to the community as non-profit consultants.

Youth in Azusa

Teaching responsibility begins at early stages of child development. The Youth is our community’s most valuable asset to our future.
We need to create:

    • Stronger and additional after-school programs
    • Youth Mentoring Programs
    • Youth-to-Senior buddy program

Transportation

With the current economic challenges, many public services have been reduced. As your councilmember I will fight to restore and assure that the community is accessible to public transportation.


With the Metro Gold Line coming to Azusa in 2013 many opportunities for growth and change, such as increased bus routes, park-and-rides, additional bus stops and balancing of traffic patterns will be important issues that needs to be addressed.