Candidate for
Council Member; City of San Mateo

1) I live in San Mateo Glendale Village. Last year I opened a law practice emphasizing California Workers' Compensation for the injured worker.

2) Since passing the State Bar in 2000, I have had the trust of both individuals and insurance companies litigating California Workers' Compensation claims. I have also represented criminal defendants under contract with the County of Fresno. Eight percent (80%) of my criminal defense cases involved gang related crimes being prosecuted under the STEP ACT (Street Terrorism Enforcement & Prevention Act].

3) Within the past five years I have been a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco, the San Mateo County Bar Association, Santa Clara County Bar Association, County of Fresno Bar Association, American Bar Association, and Trial Lawyers of America Association.

4) I have never sought Political Office or been employed as a public employee except as a Criminal Defense attorney under contract with the County of Fresno.

5) I attended public schools starting with the College of San Mateo in 1974. I spent eleven (11) years at university and attened law school for 4 years. I received academic scholarships to support most of my studies. However, I worked as a kitichen manager/cook in a fine dining restaurant while attending law school.

6) I have been a small business owner since 1994. I opened a gardening business in Hawaii.

7) I have been a tax payer in San Mateo County since 1978. I have always maintained a legal residence in San Mateo.

8) I have not sought endorsements. I run for political office for myself. I asked no friends or relatives to sign my nomination papers, except for my mother. I spent approximately twenty five (25) hours obtaining signatures from residents in the City of San Mateo to qualify as a candidate. I doubt any other candidate made a similar effort.

9) The focus of my campaign is improving the quality of life for residents. I believe local government has become unresponsive.

10) The City Services Academy introduced me to local government. I have lived in San Mateo Since 1978. I left in 1981 to study for a Ph.D. in Munich Germany, supported by a Stipend from the Max Planck Institute for Biochemie. I lived in Hawaii from 1992-1997 while attending law school. I returned to California in 1997 to assist my mother, who underwent chemotherapy for the third time. She also had six major surgeries at Stanfored within two years.

11) I do not believe civic success is measured by increased tax dollars, even though taxes support most local functions. I am upset with local government for allowing the street in front of my residence to fall in such disrepair and making such a mess of quality of life issues. When I sought redress, I was blocked at almost every turn.

12) I maintain a website at http://www.PacificSurf.com. I do not surf, but enjoy beach volleyball.