Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 9; Democratic Party

We all have defining moments in life that help shape who we are, what we believe, and what path we choose to travel.

When the Watts riots exploded, I was 9 years old and living in Los Angeles. My dad could not cross the line of tanks on Crenshaw Blvd. to make his way home.

That night, I vowed to do all I could to make a difference in people's lives.

We moved to Sacramento when my dad became a consultant for the Department of Education.

Even thirty years ago, this community respected diversity, encouraged women leaders, and offered a first-hand look at the best and worst of what government could do.

After graduating from McClatchy High School, I knew politics was my path to follow. I graduated from Sacramento City College and earned my degree in Government from CSU, Sacramento.

On my first day working for the State Senate, I was overflowing with pride. That feeling has lasted every day of the 21 years that I've been on the job.

In 1997, I ran for the City Council to bring new ideas and practical solutions to the tough problems we face. I was proud to be the first African American woman ever elected to the City Council.

Now I am running for the 9th Assembly District- which includes most of the city of Sacramento- to put my leadership skills to work for the people of my District, my City and my State.