As part of our June 2026 primary voter guide, the Long Beach Post and LAist partnered to ask City Council candidates how they’d handle the issues voters said they cared about most. For more, see an overview of the District 7 race here; answers from the other candidates in this race, Dameon Gordon and Vivian Malauulu; and our guides for all the other local races at LBPost.com/elections.
Long Beach residents tell us again and again that their No. 1 priority is addressing homelessness. Yet despite the city’s efforts, homelessness rose 6.5% in the 2025 city count (and we are awaiting the results of the most recent count). The situation has led many to ask: Is the city’s strategy working, or does something need to change? How would you, if elected, address the city’s homelessness problem?
From what I see, Long Beach has a system in place but it’s not moving fast enough to really bring the numbers down on the streets. We need to speed up shelter options be more flexible with things like safe sleep and interim housing, work better with surroundings cities, and actually triage people based on what they’re ready and willing to do
Broadly speaking, crime is down. However, city residents tell us they are increasingly concerned about property and quality of life crimes. How will you address such concerns?
What I hear from residents and what Im seeing its the everyday issues that affect how people. My approach is simple consistent presence, faster response from the city, address root cause like homelessness and mental health, and stay connected to the community to ensure follow through so people feel safe in their neighborhoods
Additionally, the Long Beach Police Department is experiencing a staffing crisis, leading to long response times. How will you address that?
The staffing shortage is real what I’m going to push for is better recruitment and retention so we can keep officers on the job make sure they have the support they need to do their work the and use smarter deployment so urgent calls are prioritized. At the same, we need to expand alternative response teams for non-violent situations so officers can stay focused on public safety.
The city’s Safe Streets Long Beach plan — an ambitious proposal to make streets safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists — is seen as a failure by many. More people were killed last year while walking, biking or riding an e-scooter than died by homicide. We also know that far fewer speeding tickets are being issued. If elected, what will you do to improve traffic safety for all, especially as the city prepares to welcome tourists for the 2028 Olympics?
When more people are dying on our streets than from homicide we to take this serious. I’m going to focus on real safety slowing traffic in high risk areas improving lighting, cross walks, and street design, and making sure enforcement is consistent, not selective also we need to use more data to target the most dangerous streets and fix them as we move forward toward 2028, this isn’t just about visitors it’s about protecting the people who live here everyday.
The city is facing a severe budget deficit of up to $80 million. There are two general solutions: Cut city services and jobs, or find a way to raise new revenue. If elected, how will you handle this?
We have to be honest about this I’m not going to rush to cut services that residents need and I wouldn’t jump to raise taxes without accountability we need to see where the money is going what is working and what not We need to protect essential services fix inefficiencies and make sure every dollar is producing results and find ways to bring in more revenue that overburden residents Just be transparent make smart decent and keep District 7 protected while the city get back on track
Long Beach has spent over $300 million on street and sidewalk repair in recent years, yet streets and sidewalks remain a growing concern (and liability). An audit also raised questions about whether those hundreds of millions were properly spent in the first place. And now, as mentioned, the city is facing a budget crunch. If elected, how will you address street and sidewalk repairs and improvements?
I would push for more accountability for District 7 residents for they can understand where those dollars went fix what isn’t working using clear priorities and data to target the worst streets and sidewalks first this starts with oversight better coordination most importantly we must stay disciplined with the budget for money will not be wasted this time around. 300 million is a lot of money and I still hit a pothole and my wheel alignment is off. Track the money fix the problem and make sure it gets done right.
What do you see as Long Beach’s role in the face of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown? Please tell voters what specific actions you intend to take, including what guidance would you give to city employees?
Long Beach role is to protect the residents while staying within the law we are a diverse city and people need to feel safe on reporting crimes going to work I support keeping local resources. focuses on local priorities not turning city employees to federal immigration agents I would start with clear guidance so every city employee understand the the law and treat residents with respect keep sensitive information protected and keeping trust make sure services are accessible stay compliant with state and federal law it’s really about protecting our community maintaining trust and make sure the city operates with clarity, consistency and accountability.
Tell voters why you should be elected.
I’m running because I’ve lived the challenges people in the city are facing I’ve experienced homelessness, worked on the ground helping people get back on their feet and sat at tables where decisions are being made. I understand the system from both sides what works and what doesn’t this isn’t theory for me it’s real life I’m not coming to learn the system, I’ve been doing the work. What I bring is presence, accountability, and a commitment to follow through. I’m here to serve to listen and to deliver real results for District 7.