Accomplishments
When I stepped into the arena as a candidate for Councilperson of the 2nd District back in 2021, I envisioned a brighter future for our community, centered around four key pillars: Public Safety, Economic Development, Housing, and Culture. Beyond these, I pledged transparency, open communication, and accessible resources for all. What follows is a candid look at the progress we've made together, the solutions we've forged, and the promises we've kept in each of these critical areas. You'll see my original campaign pledges side-by-side with our accomplishments, inviting you to judge for yourself: Did we turn vision into reality?
Promises made vs Promises kept
Four key pillars
public SAFETY
Everyone has a basic need for safety. As your councilperson, I will focus on improving community policing, gang intervention, and modernizing the infrastructure to provide better lighting and cameras around the city. When it comes to government and law enforcement, one of the biggest determining factors of trust is transparency and accountability.
I believe the key to building safer and healthier communities is empowering people to build bridges with law enforcement in order to create that transparency and improve community policing, which is why I intend to activate a community led oversight committee made up of residents and legal advisors. This committee will be tasked with the direct involvement of citizen complaints and work to not only develop solutions to improve government accountability but to also serve as a community liaison coalition designed to educate residents on police operations.
Every part of Compton’s infrastructure is outdated. The pipes, sewage lines, plumbing, lighting etc. all require a certain level of technology that Compton does not currently possess. There have been recent improvements to our lighting system such as converting to LED lights that shine brighter and cover larger areas. However, we still lack a sufficient number of light poles to provide adequate lighting. Aside from providing public safety at night, a well-designed lighting system also encourages nighttime commercial and recreational activities which is why I’ve identified several programs and grants that will assist in modernizing the infrastructure of Compton at little to no cost.
-written in 2021
CULTURE
I’d like to instill the pride that I have in our historic city into all residents, especially our youth. Compton is a beautiful place where everyone’s history should be appreciated and recognized publicly. As your councilperson, I will ensure that the city’s rich ethnic diversity is reflected in high traffic locations that will announce to residents and visitors alike that all of our stakeholders are important to the future of Compton. My vision is to see local artist murals that represent the cultural diversity that makes Compton so unique throughout the city. As people travel and shop throughout our city, they will see art that reflects their lives and experiences and the rich history that has made Compton one of the most well-known cities around the world.
Accomplishments:
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Cracking Down on Illegal Dispensaries:
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Led a relentless campaign to shut down over 25 illegal marijuana dispensaries that plagued our city for years, despite community opposition.
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Secured over $144 million for the City, redirecting resources to vital community services.
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Tackling Street Takeovers:
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Pioneered innovative solutions to combat street takeovers that have disrupted our neighborhoods, implementing rubber medians in "hot spot" intersections to deter reckless behavior and restore peace of mind.
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Empowering Residents through Expungement:
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Partnered with Expungement Clinics to help over 600 residents clear their criminal records, opening doors to employment, housing, and a brighter future.
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Taking Action on Nuisance Properties:
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Initiated the seizure of neighborhood houses that had become havens for illegal activity, restoring safety and stability to our community.
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Addressing Homeless Encampments:
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Prioritized the removal of homeless encampments outside of schools, ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for our children.
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Accomplishments:
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Safe and Thriving Parks:
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Wilson Park: Witness the revitalization with brand-new outdoor basketball courts, inspiring Kobe and Gianna Bryant murals, and exciting new play equipment for our children.
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Lueders Park: Experience the difference of a repaved indoor basketball court, a freshly painted gym, the cities first and only inclusive playground and a sparkling upgraded swimming pool.
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Cesar Chavez Park: Enjoy the updated outdoor basketball courts and new play structures where families can gather and connect.
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Community Clean-Ups: United in action, we've organized community clean-ups to beautify our neighborhoods and foster a sense of shared responsibility.
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Community Concerts: The spirit of Compton comes alive at our annual Christmas Parade After Party & Concerts (Wilson and Lueders Park), bringing joy and celebration to all. We hosted 2 of them!
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Senior Citizen Outings: Enriching the lives of our seniors with opportunities for connection and recreation, ensuring they remain active and engaged members of our community.
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Skate Park Collaborations: Supporting initiatives that provide safe and creative outlets for our youth, promoting healthy lifestyles and positive community engagement.
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Power of Community Partnerships: Amplifying our impact through strategic alliances, working hand-in-hand with residents, local organizations, and businesses to create lasting positive change.
HOUSING
Adequate shelter is something that is not only a basic human right, but it should be something that all Compton residents always have access to. I have a plan for alternative housing programs that will provide safe shelter for our community members that need assistance in pursuit of their goals. This plan also includes potential investment opportunities for residents as we continue to build right here within the city. The #1 wealth builder in the United States is real estate while one of the most pressing issues in LA County continues to be homelessness. I’ve designed the Garage Conversion Assistance Program as an answer to both of these problems. With this proposed plan the city would allow up to a $50,000 loan for garage conversions that could be used to house homeless or low-income residents. The garage would be converted into a livable domicile and the homeowner would collect a maximum of $1,000 per month for rent. This program helps those that are homeless, low-income families, homeowners, and the many residents searching for additional income as a result of the global pandemic. I believe every Compton resident should have the ability to build wealth and it is my priority to provide wealth building opportunities that our community would not have access to otherwise.
Accomplishments:
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Preventing Eviction:
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Provided critical resources and support to 12 families, helping them avoid eviction and remain securely housed.
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Combating Homelessness:
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Connected 142 residents with housing resources through our resource fairs, providing them with a pathway to stable housing and a brighter future.
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ECONOMIC development
Economic development is the foundation for the future of Compton. As I previously stated, we have everything that we need right here in this city. I plan to foster an increase in small businesses, by utilizing the vacant commercial property that we already have available. Commercial businesses will be used to help generate the necessary funding for community safety measures. They will also provide much needed economic opportunity for our youth in the form of employment, professional development, networking, and financial literacy. Compton needs a new, innovative approach to revitalize commerce in our city, and I have a plan to do just that via mixed use projects that will allow access to state, federal, and county money while simultaneously increasing tax revenues and lowering the unemployment rate.
Accomplishments:
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Connecting Residents to Jobs:
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Through targeted resource fairs and partnerships, we've helped over 220 residents secure employment, empowering them to achieve financial independence.
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Investing in Workforce Development:
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Partnered with WERC to provide an 8-week workforce development course, equipping residents with the skills and training they need to succeed in today's job market.
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Empowering Small Businesses:
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Hosted small business workshops in collaboration with Chase Bank and other partners, providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive.
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Attracting New Businesses:
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Played a pivotal role in bringing new businesses and organizations to the City of Compton, expanding our local economy and creating new opportunities for our residents.
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Additional Accomplishments
Additional Community Investments and Initiatives:
Beyond our core focus areas, we've also made significant strides in enhancing the quality of life for Compton residents through the following initiatives:
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Supporting Youth Development:
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Welcomed two new non-profit organizations to Compton: Dior Sunset, offering inclusive youth summer and after-school programs, and El Seven Youth Haven, providing basketball and youth after-school programs.
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Combating Food Insecurity:
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Distributed food to over 15,000 families through multiple food distribution events, ensuring that our residents have access to nutritious meals.
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Providing Gas Relief:
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Distributed 200 gallons of gasoline to Compton residents, alleviating financial burdens during times of need.
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Supporting Wildfire Relief Efforts:
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Through Project Uplift, provided temporary housing for 45 families affected by the Altadena wildfires and helped 8 of them secure permanent housing.
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Enhancing Transparency and Communication:
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Increased transparency in communication by providing live updates and Council Meeting reviews via social media, along with Q&A sessions to engage directly with residents.
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Providing Essential Healthcare Services:
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Offered free vision and dental resources to 166 people, improving their overall health and well-being.
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Spreading Holiday Cheer:
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Provided toys for over 4,000 families during the holidays, creating joyful memories at our hosted holiday events, complete with snow, music, and community fellowship.
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Supporting New Parents:
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Provided monthly baby supplies through our collaboration with The Secret Place Church, supporting new parents and ensuring they have the essentials they need.
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