The Transformative Impact of my 13 years of Dedicated Elected Leadership

Responsible City Finances

• Created budget transparency, uncovering 20 years of deficit spending.

• The 2016 independent audit revealed six significant discrepancies that my leadership was able to resolve.

• Created a new transparent budget reporting system.

• Improved the city credit score from a BBB- (unable to bond or secure a loan) to an A- investment grade. With this new and improved credit score, the city can bond or secure a loan at a competitive rate.   

• Created a 115 trust to deposit one-time money received for the city to pay down future long-term liabilities. The money in the trust is currently earning 9% interest.

• Accountable funding for law enforcement and fire protection services.

 New Money for the City

• Public/private partnership with OUTFRONT Media to build a new Lemon Grove gateway sign next to the 94 freeway near the Lemon Grove exit that will generate $325,000+ annually for the City for 20 years.

• The city is now a Passport Acceptance Facility. Take care of your passport needs at the City of Lemon Grove. 

• Received $4 million in grants for Phase 3 of the Connect Main Street Linear Park Project.

• Grants for Public Safety Bike Patrol.

• Grants for the Tobacco Retailer Licensing Program.

• Grants to provide healthy lunches for youth and seniors.

• Secured new sponsorship funding for park improvements, public art projects and community cleanups.

• More than 400 storefront and home-based businesses are operating in the city.

 Revitalizing the City

• Lemon Grove is the ONLY City in the County of San Diego and one of 13 cities in California that met all four standards for affordable housing during the eight-year cycle.

• Paved 54 lane miles of roads throughout the City of Lemon Grove in four years.

• Fixed more potholes and removed more encampments, graffiti and illegal dumping sites.

• Created a new policy and provided land for the new Lemon Grove Community Garden to grow.

• City parks are now smoke-free and alcohol-free. In addition, more gazebos have been added in the parks for residents to rent for special events.

• Completed a comprehensive Climate Action Plan. 

• The City of Lemon Grove received a Tree City USA designation

• Championed a Lemon Grove economic stimulus program utilizing ARPA Funds. This program energized our local Lemon Grove economy with over $500,000 in less than a year, introducing new customers to our small local businesses.

 Homeless Services

• Created a Homeless Outreach Program funded by the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP). 

• Partnered with HomeStart, Crisis House, Salvation Army and the Family Health Center of San Diego to provide direct services to unhoused community members.

• Through this partnership, 583 homeless individuals received hygiene kits, housing vouchers, and an individualized work plan, if interested, to find permanent housing.

• Dedicated funding to start ($100,000) and boost the Homeless Outreach Program.

 Community Workshops and Events

• Facilitated annual budget community input workshops.

• Facilitated annual street paving community input workshops.

• Community cleanups and bulk item drop-off events. These events also inspired Lemon Grove non-profits, groups and individuals to adopt a park and host community cleanups and bulk item drop-off events.

• More concerts, movies and cultural events in city parks.

• New volunteer-based public artwork installations throughout the city and a Family Art Fest in Lemon Grove.

• Free spring and fall Old Globe theater performances (Globe for All) at the Lemon Grove Academy.

Founder of Thrive Lemon Grove
Thrive Lemon Grove is an IRS tax-exempt, charitable and educational 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2014. The mission is to be a local conduit for healthy initiatives that improve the lives of Lemon Grove residents through public safety and health initiatives, community gardens, educational partnerships, family programs, and services; to add vibrancy to aging neighborhoods, revitalize the local economy, and encourage impactful community involvement with local government.

Health and Safety Initiatives

• The Lemon Grove Community Garden – Serves community residents with 41 garden beds (including six senior beds), workshops, garden chats facilitated by master gardeners, nutrition classes, and other community events.

• Monthly Food Distribution Events – In partnership with the San Diego Food Bank and the Lemon Grove Lions Club, monthly food distribution events provide residents with free food to reduce food insecurity.

• The Multicultural Project – Seeks to celebrate cultural diversity in the City of Lemon Grove and encourage unity among all ethnic groups. Community events are held to explore music, arts, and cultural activities that build human bonds more deeply.  

• Anti-Human Trafficking Forums – Coordinated by Thrive Lemon Grove. In the past five years, 16 anti-human trafficking forums were facilitated in the East County region.

• The Girls Empowerment Project – Is expanding its efforts to end the tragic exploitation of young women and girls. The Girls Empowerment Project aims to build resilience, self-esteem, moral character, employment, and entrepreneurial skills in middle-school girls.

  Education, Area of Study/Emphasis, Degrees

•  Bachelor of Arts – Radio, Television, and Film, emphasis in Management from California State University, Northridge - 1994

 Memberships and Affiliations

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Xi Omega

• League of California Cities

• San Diego Municipal Employees Association

• SANDAG Board of Directors