Candidate for
Council Member; City of Petaluma

Jobs, Economy, and Innovation

I knew that job retention and creation through economic development would be critical in this foreclosure crisis. Through new policies to support green technology, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and focusing limited local, state and federal dollars towards transportation infrastructure I have worked to stop the bleeding of jobs in the North Bay.

Tiffany in Action:

• Pushed for funding for drafting of Petaluma's Economic Development Strategic Plan and hiring of an Economic Development Manager to implement the plan for retaining existing businesses and attracting new business
• As Director for the Sonoma County Transportation Authority (SCTA) and Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, Tiffany has steered over $300 million to the Petaluma region in transportation infrastructure, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and buses -- creating up to 1500 new jobs
• During budget processes, has fought to keep public safety positions intact, preserving existing police positions, grant funds for fire dept. positions, and working on solutions to preserve positions once the grant expires
• Has been a leader on the Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority in advancing a green economy, technologies, and jobs -- via Sonoma Clean Power, the Renewable Energy Secure Communities (RESCO), and Sonoma County Energy Independence programs
• Reviewed and selected Opticos, an experienced B-Corp planning consultancy, to manage the SMART station area plan
• Has been an advocate for rural broadband and fiber infrastructure, including seeking USDA grants and encouraging Google Fiber City application
• Has encouraged open government policies, including streamlining and digitizing public records to make records widely available to the public

I've built a strong track record of advocating for clean air, water, and energy protection through the crafting of important legislation including my work on the California Green Business Certification policies, Petaluma Zoning Code, Hillside Protect, Tree Preservation and Green Building Ordinances. The clean, green innovations of the present and future are the engine of the new economy and the key to protecting our future.

Tiffany in Action:

• As a Director on Sonoma County Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG), has led efforts for the County to adopt zero waste policies -- via higher diversion goals, through reauthorization of a Solid Waste Joint Powers Authority (JPA) and expansion of Sonoma Compost
• Led a diverse group of interested citizens to successfully fight against not one, but two ballot initiatives (2008, 2010) that threatened ratepayers with the costs of defunding the Ellis Creek
• Led unanimous Council opposition to the proposed Dutra asphalt plant Lobbied and secured funding for Paula Lane Open Space grants
• Worked with neighborhood organizations to implement water conservation programs like Mulch Madness, saving millions of gallons of water at City Hall, Cavanaugh Center, Fire Stations and the Police HQ
• Has helped approve projects on Council that will reduce potential flooding in the auto mall and industrial businesses, while improving water quality in our river and streams
• Co-founded the Petaluma Grange to assist local farmers and people working the land with the ability to network and advocate for organic farmer, non-GMO crops and food security and freedom; Have written policies and met with county and state legislators to advocate for policy changes

As the first Latina elected to the Petaluma City Council and the first in my family to go to college, I have the real life experiences Petaluma needs on city council. After the tragic murder of my father, I learned to make it on my own at 16 years old and at 19 I was a single mom with two daughters. Through it all I fought for my education and my family's future. I am now a local business owner in the tech field and thrilled and dedicated to be serving Petaluma.

Tiffany in Action:

• Has fought to protect seniors facing the loss of their homes from predatory rent increases
• Worked with Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey to protect homeowners and renters from foreclosures
• Succeeded in establishing a foreclosure moratorium during the 2011 holiday and has continued to advocate for state-wide legislation to fight foreclosure fraud
• Worked with Sonoma County Sheriffs to develop better domestic violence reporting and advocacy
• Has been an outspoken advocate for investing in STEM education, for teachers, and has spoken publicly multiple times in support of the DREAM Act
• Working with local law enforcement, Tiffany helped institute policy changes to reduce impounding and arrests (which lead to ICE holds) and provide for better safety by encouraging changes to impound policy on unlicensed drivers, including recognition of Mexican IDs and supporting immigrant licensing
• As a Direction on SCTA and ABAG, has been working intensively on sustainable community strategies, transit oriented community planning, and protecting funding for affordable housing
• Voted to approve Logan Place and Vintage Chateau II projects and supported Casa Grande PEP Housing just before being elected
• Voted to ensure essential summer camp and after-school programs that working families depend on be preserved in the city budget process and opposed the budget when programs were cut
• Actively working with Council to support an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to end corporate personhood