Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 36

Elected to the board in November, 2005, Linda K. Jones is the immediate past president of the board of trustees for Westside Union School District. A very active member of the Antelope Valley community, Linda also serves as the 3rd Vice president of the Antelope Valley School Boards Association,President of High Desert Alliance of Black School Educators, member of the Lancaster Alumnae chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, and the past Plan committee Chair for the Antelope Valley Community Labor Coalition.

Linda notes that her most fulfilling community service is working as campus advisor to the Highland High school Jr. Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Robotics team in addition to being a mentor, drill sergeant and shoulder to cry on for many of her students.

Linda grew up in Los Angeles and married at age 18 to her high school sweet-heart Robert Jones to whom she has been married for the last 28 years. Robert is also a local teacher and licensed educational therapist. Together, they have four daughters and three grandchildren.

Linda started her professional life as a licensed vocational nurse in the San Fernando Valley. For over 15 years, she rendered comfort and provided hope for patients on the difficult road to recovery. As a parent, her nature compelled her to get involved in her children's education. She immersed herself in details that most parents took for granted. She learned how education worked and doesn't work. Her curiosity about how schools functioned took her insight to a new level. She grew to respect the behind-the-scenes aspects of government, sometimes called politics. After receiving her B.A. degree in Urban Studies with an emphasis in community development, her skills were recognized by California State Assemblyman Richard Katz, who asked her to become one of his legislative field representatives. She served Assemblyman Katz with distinction for 2 years before moving to the Antelope Valley. Voters, community groups, congregations and temples in Katz's district respected Linda for her skilled service, her empathy and her responsiveness to hear their concerns.

Linda is the recipient of the 2008 Athena Award, sponsored by the Zonta Club of the Antelope Valley. In 2006, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Farwest Region honored Linda at "Delta Days at the Capital" with a service award. In 2005, she received the Antelope Valley Union High School District Special Service Award, and the Lockheed Martin Black History Celebration Committee Outstanding Community Service Award. In 1992, Linda was awarded a certificate of Appreciation by City of Los Angeles, Mayor Tom Bradley for her outstanding efforts during the civil unrest of April and May of 1992. That same year she was recognized by the Los Angeles African American Women Political Action Committee for her devoted and invaluable services for educational equality and political leadership. In 1993, Linda was appointed by City of Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordon to the Rent Adjustment Commission were she was elected Vice Chair and served for 1 ½ years.

Linda has taught special education for 11 years in the Antelope Valley and after teaching both resource and special day classes, she decided to earn a Masters of Arts in Special Education. She found her political gifts useful in serving her schools, her students and parents, as well as her community.