Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 20

Thank you for taking time to learn more about my personal history, my policy interests, and my political views.

My family came here from the Philippines. I grew up in San Leandro and graduated over 25 years ago from San Leandro H.S. My father was a grocery store produce man and my mother sold hot dogs at the Oakland Coliseum. Their hard work enabled me to graduate from Cal State East Bay then earn my Doctorate in Optometry from U.C. Berkeley. Over 12 years ago, I was able to acquire a small business loan, purchased my own optometric practice and managed to grow the practice to employ from 3 to 7 staff members.

My personal story shapes my policy interests. It all starts with jobs. My parents had good union jobs, with health insurance for us. Every family deserves that. My good public education gave me the chance to attend a great university. Every child deserves that opportunity. As a health care provider, I care about health issues and why I am so supportive of the First Lady's campaign against childhood obesity.

My politics are simple. I believe in personal responsibility. Every person who can work, should work. Every parent must partner with their children's teachers. Everyone should pay their fair share of taxes + nothing more and not a penny less. And every political leader should treat taxpayers' money with respect.

I try to live my politics. I volunteered in Hayward schools. I donate health care to the poor. I started a grassroots campaign against Hepatitis B. I volunteer on the Family Violence Council and Child Assault Prevention Program.

I am running for Assembly to help others have what California gave my family and me.