Get to know the local candidates on your West Sacramento ballot for the 2024 election
West Sacramento Mayor
Two candidates
MARTHA GUERRERO
Age: 59
Residence: West Sacramento
Title/occupation: Mayor of West Sacramento
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, social work, Cal State L.A, 1996
- Master’s degree, social work, USC, 1998
I was a young single mother of twin girls but I had great support from my family and I was determined to further my education. My parents had always set an example of service and that really imprinted on me.
Work experience:
As an undergrad and postgrad I spent a lot of time in the field mostly in the Los Angeles area. In a city that size, and at that time, you see a lot and it was in those early experiences that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in advocacy at the legislative level. I’m now entering my 24th year as a legislative representative for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors covering legislative strategy, advocacy, public administration, strategic planning, and legislative and budget analysis.
Civic engagement:
Past service:
- District representative, Yolo County Local Mental Health Board
- Chair, West Sacramento Planning Commission Aging Commission
- Member, Economic Development Advisory Commission
- Member, Universal Preschool for West Sacramento (UP4WS) Advisory Council
- Member, Yolo County Citizen Advisory Transportation Committee
Current service:
- First vice president, League of California Cities (CalCities) Sacramento Valley Division
- Member, CalCities Housing, Community and Economic Development Policy Committee
- Member, U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM)
- Vice chair, USCM Children’s, Health and Human Services Committee
- Member, Mayors and CEOs for U.S. Housing Investment
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Originally, I ran on a platform of public engagement, public safety and strengthening the relationship between labor and the city. West Sacramento was built by a working class community and it shows in the reverence for its humble beginnings as a farming town and in the many families that have called the city home going back, in some cases, up to four generations. The concern for me has always been about establishing a balance in how we move the city forward without sacrificing the unique beauty, culture and history of West Sacramento.
Infrastructure and public safety go hand-in-hand and we know that this is where a state of equilibrium is needed to foster smart growth. Our housing inventory is increasing but with that comes increased traffic and wear and tear on road surfaces, increased challenges with egress in and out of the city, and an increased need to continue working towards maintaining adequate staffing or emergency personnel.
I’m proud of all we have accomplished as a city, but there is room for improvement. I plan to keep working to open up more opportunities for the community to have a greater say in how we grow. I also plan to keep working towards increasing fiscal transparency so that voters better understand how funds, aside from their contributions as taxpayers, come into the city and where the dollars are going. And I plan to keep advocating for West Sacramento at the national level to ensure that we continue to receive funding to continue to improve and maintain our levee systems and continue to expand outdoor recreational amenities which are key to a city so fortunate to be surrounded by so much natural beauty.
West Sacramento, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
The people of this city are a very determined bunch and we all have this deep reverence for the history and the natural beauty of West Sacramento. We intend to preserve those qualities by looking at housing design that encourages use of our growing bike and pedestrian trails that hug the river and also surround and traverse the city. I’m thrilled to be a member of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments as we work collaboratively to bring more affordable and market-rate housing inventory to the region. During my time as mayor, I have also become involved with other key organizations such as the U.S. Mayors and CEOs for Housing Investment and the benefit there is in how it gives us exposure to innovative strategies being employed in other cities that mirror West Sacramento in size, landscape and demographics.
I’m confident that moving forward we are going to be able to keep getting smarter in our approach to growth while managing to hang on to that small-town feel that makes this city so attractive to folks looking to put down roots and raise a family, start a business, and enjoy the comfort of a tight-knit community.
West Sacramento businesses are gearing up as the city hosts the A’s for at least three seasons. How do you believe the relocation will help West Sacramento in the long run? Do you anticipate any problems that will need to be addressed?
We are beyond thrilled that Sutter Health Park will host yhe Athletics for the next three seasons. Their relocation to West Sacramento will be a catalyst to our local economy as the Kings’ arrival helped flourish and expand our region in the ‘80s and the River Cats has been an anchor for our riverfront. The A’s arrival will create exciting opportunities for start-ups, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This is an opportunity to attract businesses whether it’s major league sports or Fortune 500 companies with careers and revenue sources to our region. The planning is underway to tackle challenges such as traffic, parking, expanding transit options, and engaging with local businesses to help them expand and thrive in anticipation of the increased visitors and A’s fans.
I have also partnered with the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to join the Mayor’s Business Roundtable. Together, we will canvas the business community to identify barriers to be sustainable and expansion. The biggest concern seems to be access to capital to reinforce existing structures, finance designs for expansion and funds to cover permit costs. The goal is to bring in resource-rich support to existing local businesses looking to scale up in anticipation of more visitors to the city and also to provide start-up coaching for local entrepreneurs with big dreams and great ideas.
The city is workshopping a Small Business Accelerator program with council members that will provide grants to selected small businesses looking to scale up as the city gears up for this new chapter. As excited as we are, we know that welcoming a major league ball team into the city is diligently working with MLB, the Kings/A’s owners to address the challenges as we plan for the first season and prepare for long-term MLB plans.
Dawnté Early
Age: 42
Residence: West Sacramento
Title/occupation: Mayor Pro Tem City of West Sacramento/Nonprofit CEO
Education:
- Master’s degree, child development, UC Davis
- Ph.D, human development, UC Davis
Work experience:
- President and CEO, United Way California Capital Region, since 2021
- City Council Member, City of West Sacramento, since 2021
- Chief of research and evaluation, Mental Health Services Oversight & Accountability Commission, 2019-2021
- Research scientist, California state employee, 2016-2018
Civic engagement:
Current positions:
- Mayor pro tem, West Sacramento City Council
- Vice chair, Yolo Transportation District
- Commissioner, Yolo County Housing
- Chair, New Hope CDC
- Vice president, Reclamation District 900
- Commissioner, West Sacramento Port
- Member, Sacramento Area Council of Governments Transportation Committee
- Alternate, Sacramento Area Council of Governments
- Vice chair, Capital Area Region Tolling Authority
- Board member, Valley Vision
Previous positions:
- Commissioner, West Sacramento Aging Commission
- Commissioner, Yolo County First Five
- Coach, West Sac Recreational Basketball
- Troop leader, Girl Scouts
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
The most important issue facing my constituents today is the lack of affordable housing and the significant impact it has on families and individuals in West Sacramento. Housing affordability directly affects quality of life, and as our city continues to grow, we must ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable homes.
To address this, I will champion policies that prioritize affordable housing development, expand housing options, and incentivize developers to build more affordable units. I will advocate for in-lieu fees to help the city build low-income rental housing and first-time homebuyer loan programs to make homeownership more accessible. Additionally, I will work to establish public-private partnerships that support projects utilizing county housing vouchers, ensuring our most vulnerable residents have secure housing options. By collaborating with developers, nonprofits, and government agencies, we can create sustainable solutions that meet our growing community’s needs.
In addition to housing, road conditions and homelessness are significant concerns for our residents. To address road conditions, I am committed to investing in road repairs and infrastructure improvements, particularly in high-traffic areas like Southport and business parks. I will advocate for a dedicated road maintenance team focused on filling potholes and ensuring safer streets. Additionally, I will work to secure funding for long-term projects to improve connectivity within the city.
Regarding homelessness, I will push to expand our city’s homelessness response efforts, including access to supportive services, mental health care, and substance abuse programs. I will also continue to invest in our Community Response Unit, which pairs a social worker with a police officer, ensuring those experiencing crises receive appropriate care. By strengthening partnerships and securing state and federal funding, we can provide more temporary and permanent housing solutions.
By addressing housing, infrastructure, and homelessness, we can ensure West Sacramento remains a thriving community for all residents.
West Sacramento, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
West Sacramento has long supported zoning policies that balance infill development and higher-density housing while preserving the city’s suburban character. My vision builds on this approach by integrating high-density housing in a way that complements and enhances our neighborhoods.
In addition to championing high-density projects in areas like the Bridge and Washington districts, we are also supporting diverse housing solutions in Southport, including a mix of townhomes and larger lot developments that provide suburban housing options while meeting the demand for density. By offering a range of housing types, from affordable rental properties to traditional suburban homes, we can create communities that cater to all income levels and family sizes without compromising the character that makes West Sacramento unique.
I will continue to champion our approach of building affordable rental properties first and developing communities around these areas, ensuring a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds throughout the city. This strategy fosters vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods that reflect the diversity of our community and provide opportunities for residents from various walks of life.
To further address the cost of development, I support lowering impact fees where possible to incentivize developers to build more housing. I also would prioritize projects that are intentionally affordable by design, ensuring affordability is built into the planning process. Additionally, we must continue streamlining our permitting process to make it easier and faster for developers to bring housing projects to completion without unnecessary delays, while maintaining quality and safety standards.
By maintaining a balance of high-density and suburban housing options, reducing financial barriers, and streamlining our permitting processes, we can foster growth in West Sacramento that aligns with our values of diversity, affordability, and sustainability. This approach ensures our city grows in a way that benefits all residents, preserving our suburban character while addressing the need for more housing.
West Sacramento businesses are gearing up as the city hosts the A’s for at least three seasons. How do you believe the relocation will help West Sacramento in the long run? Do you anticipate any problems that will need to be addressed?
The A’s relocation to West Sacramento presents a significant opportunity for local businesses and the community. It will likely boost economic activity by attracting visitors and increasing spending on dining, retail, and services. This will create jobs and help small businesses thrive. The city’s visibility as a sports and entertainment destination will benefit West Sacramento long after the A’s time here.
However, with nearly daily games for six months, including Rivercats games, we must be mindful of the impact on nearby residents. Engaging with them to address concerns like noise, traffic, and parking will be crucial to ensure they are not overwhelmed by the influx of visitors.
To fully maximize this opportunity, we will need to convene business leaders from both West Sacramento and Sacramento, working closely with local chambers of commerce to meet their needs and explore possibilities for growth. Additionally, partnering with Sacramento to find collaborative solutions for shared challenges like traffic and resource management will allow both cities to thrive.
Traffic congestion and parking are key concerns around the stadium. We’ll need to improve infrastructure and expand public transportation to manage increased traffic while minimizing disruptions for residents. I’m committed to working with city officials and transportation agencies to develop sustainable solutions.
Public safety will also be a critical challenge as we host daily games. Ensuring adequate resources for police, fire, and emergency services will be essential to manage increased activity. By working closely with Sacramento to coordinate safety strategies, we can maintain a safe environment for both cities while reducing strain on local services.
With thoughtful planning, community engagement, and collaboration with business leaders and residents, we can maximize the A’s relocation’s positive impact while addressing challenges. This is a unique opportunity for West Sacramento’s growth, and I’m excited to help shape our city’s future.
West Sacramento City Council, District 1
Two candidates
EMILIANO ROSAS
Age: 23
Residence: West Sacramento
Title/occupation: Parks Commissioner of West Sacramento
Education:
- I’m a proud product of West Sacramento public schools
- Graduate, Yolo High School, 2018 (as a junior )
- Currently completing, bachelor’s degree, political science, Southern New Hampshire University, 2024
Work experience:
I’ve worked directly on the implementation of the #SacYouthWorks program in Sacramento, providing soft-workforce training to transitional-aged youth and partnering with over 60 community-based organizations. I served on Mayor Darrell Steinberg’s Youth Workforce Taskforce and collaborated with the National League of Cities to connect youth and workforce providers. I currently chair the West Sacramento Parks, Recreation, and Intergenerational Services Commission and serve as a commissioner on the Yolo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission. This year, I was recognized as one of Comstock’s Magazine’s Young Professionals of the Year.
Civic engagement:
I proudly serve as the chair of the Parks, Recreation, and Intergenerational Services Commission for West Sacramento working on projects like Bryte Park and Alyce Norman Playfields. I am a commissioner for the Yolo County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission. During the 2022 election, I contributed to the Measure L Children’s Fund as an advisory coalition member and have experience working on a state senate campaign.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Housing affordability: To reduce housing costs, we must increase housing stock. We need to continue to incentivize the building of new affordable housing. West Sacramento has made a lot of progress, but we need to do more. It is essential to continue collaborating with state and federal governments to secure the necessary funding to bring these projects to fruition. West Sacramento is committed to advancing housing opportunities. West Sacramento has been pro-housing and we truly have delivered.
Homelessness: The establishment of a dedicated community outreach and support team that operates on a co-responder model has been a success, utilizing specially trained city staff and police to provide homeless response resources. They offer essential services and crisis intervention when needed. I will continue to support this program and ensure it receives the necessary funding to meet the city’s needs effectively. While this has been effective, we need to increase housing availability further so more people can afford to live in West Sacramento at all income levels, which will reduce the number of people living on the streets.
Transportation: West Sacramento is a young city, but our infrastructure is aging. Looking ahead, we must prioritize the future of transportation and enhance connectivity within our community. I will continue to champion innovative transportation programs like our highly successful Via On-Demand service, which has seen many rides originating or ending in Bryte and Broderick. Improving our transportation infrastructure means greater reliability for residents traveling to small businesses across the city, including along the soon-to-be-improved Sacramento Avenue. I will collaborate closely with city staff to coordinate efforts with our state and federal partners, aiming to secure additional funding for our highly successful Via On-Demand service.
West Sacramento, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
West Sacramento in 2017 was proudly recognized as the “Most Livable City in America,” and I am fully committed to upholding and advancing this legacy. As the only candidate endorsed by the Sacramento Association of Realtors, I take great pride in the collaborative efforts we have made with housing providers to expand our housing stock. I am dedicated to strengthening these partnerships to further enhance housing options for our community.
The Sacramento Area Council of Governments is currently developing the 2025 Blueprint, a comprehensive plan focused on creating a connected region through improved transportation, affordable housing, and equitable investments. This presents a unique opportunity for West Sacramento to lead the way in building housing across all income levels, and I am eager to seize it. Our city has a strong track record of being pro-housing, and we have delivered on that promise.
To continue this progress, I will advocate for reduced development impact fees and create new opportunities like the 2022 pilot project, which successfully lowered fees in two key zones. By working collaboratively with developers and city staff to streamline regulations and reduce costs, we can promote growth and development that benefits everyone.
Increasing housing density doesn’t mean losing the suburban charm that makes West Sacramento special. Our city has successfully integrated higher-density projects into neighborhoods, ensuring that residents of all income levels can enjoy everything our community has to offer.
West Sacramento businesses are gearing up as the city hosts the A’s for at least three seasons. How do you believe the relocation will help West Sacramento in the long run? Do you anticipate any problems that will need to be addressed?
This presents a tremendous opportunity for economic growth, not only in West Sacramento but throughout the entire region, particularly in the Bridge and Washington districts. It’s a chance for us to prove we’re ready to compete on a larger scale, while also identifying areas for improvement and addressing challenges over the next three years. Key issues we anticipate include managing traffic congestion, ensuring adequate law enforcement presence, and expanding access to public transportation. Measure O, our one-cent ballot measure, will provide critical funding for additional police officers, firefighters, and infrastructure improvements. One of my top priorities is supporting our small businesses near the stadium and fostering a thriving business environment in West Sacramento.
NORMA ALCALA
Age: 63
Residence: Broderick neighborhood of West Sacramento
Title/occupation: City Council Woman
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, Arizona State University
- Associate’s degree, Sacramento City College
- Attended Northern California Law School
- Attended UC Davis
Work experience:
- Civil litigation manager, Martinez Law Group, since 2021
- California director voter registration, California Latino Caucus, 2016-2018; registered 11,000 high school students in voter campaigns
- Business owner, Drive Right of California, 2008-2016; provided DUI ignition interlock services with 14 offices statewide
- Legislative staffer, California Senate and Assembly, 2000-2009
- Business owner, Bail Bonds, 1992-1996
- California state employee, Legal Counsel’s Office, 1982-1990
Civic engagement:
- President, California Democratic Council, since 2024
- President, Mario Obledo National Coalition of Hispanic Organizations, since 2023
- City Council Member, West Sacramento, since 2020
- Speaker, Women’s March, 2019
- WUSD representative, California School Board Association, since 2019
- Board member, California Latino School Board Association, since 2018
- President, Washington Unified School District, 2018
- President, League of Women Voters, 2018
- President, League of United Latin American Citizens, 2018
- Advisor to Eleni Kounalakis, 2017
- Vice chair, Yolo School Board Association, since 2016
- Board member, Yolo County African American Students Committee, since 2015
- School board member, Washington Unified School District, since 2014
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
The rising cost of housing affects West Sacramento even more dramatically than other parts of the state. In District 1 it is not entirely uncommon to find multiple families in the same heme. West Sacramento is a stone’s throw from the Capitol. The closer land is to downtown the more valuable it is. Accordingly, West Sacramento is prime land for the gentrification and displacement of its residents. I favor laws that limit rent gouging and evictions for the sake of exorbitant rent. We must learn from San Francisco. I believe that we cannot solve the housing problem in California by looking at solutions that increase homelessness. Rather the new housing must be in areas where it does not cause displacement. The state has a goal of building 2.5 million new homes by 2030. But even with new housing there must be programs that keep costs affordable such as first-time buyer’s programs. In West Sacramento, I have advocated for laws relaxing the restrictions on tiny homes. These efforts are in many ways similar to the legislative efforts to relax nonprofit home building.
We also have to protect the jobs that we have. The West Sacramento Port exports rice and imports cement for building. The jobs at the port protect the rice industry which in turn provides a habitat for hundreds of species of birds. The port has good-paying jobs that support many West Sacramento families. We need to develop the port to provide more jobs. Today, the port can only serve 30% of the shipping.
The governor’s plans for compelled treatment of the homeless must be tempered with compassion and understanding. It cannot be so rigid that it is rejected. But with California facing the largest homeless problem in the nation it is clear that the status quo will not work.
West Sacramento, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
West Sacramento is making good use of high-density housing. The advantage of high density housing is that it greatly increases the amount of available housing and should have an effect of controlling rising rents. This is in theory. West Sacramento has to ensure that the high-density housing that is being built is affordable. One of the things that West Sacramento has not done a good job in doing is adhering to the Surplus Lands Act. The Surplus Lands Act seeks to alleviate the housing crisis by providing a priority for affordable housing. However, the lure of profits at the expense of affordable housing has proven to be too great. In a tradeoff between million-dollar mansions and affordable housing, I want our city to choose affordable housing that is there for “everyone.”
Sometimes the lure of a higher tax rate from mansions causes city managers to lose sight of the fact that the city’s goal is to have a more even spread of benefits so that we all thrive and not just a few. At this point, I am pleased that the high-density housing is being spread around the city. High-density housing should also be accompanied by increased public transportation because it should bring fewer cars. I do not believe that is happening at the current time.
West Sacramento businesses are gearing up as the city hosts the A’s for at least three seasons. How do you believe the relocation will help West Sacramento in the long run? Do you anticipate any problems that will need to be addressed?
Having the A’s for three years presents a wonderful opportunity for West Sacramento to use the increased revenue to address chronic conditions with one-time money. Transportation will be a challenging issue as the A’s games will draw large crowds and increase traffic. However, the solutions to the traffic problems will remain long after the A’s have left. In the end, those solutions will continue to benefit the community. Overall I believe that there will be a modest increase in income generated by the A’s. The A’s should generate increased sales of goods and services as well as receipts from parking, lodging and food sales. Having the A’s will also increase pride in the community. I believe this will increase the positive feeling in the community which will make for a happier community. West Sacramento will gain a sense of community pride from the presence of the A’s.
West Sacramento City Council, District 2
Two candidates
QUIRINA OROZCO
Age: 49
Residence: West Sacramento
Title/occupation: West Sacramento City Councilmember/Deputy District Attorney
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree, social welfare, UC Berkeley, 1997
- Master’s degree, public policy, Harvard, 1999
- Law degree, UC Berkeley, 2005
Work experience:
- Deputy district attorney, Sexual Assault & Child Abuse Unit, Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, since 2005
- Senior policy advisor, Office of Lt. Governor Cruz Bustamante, 2001-2002
- Policy examiner, White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), 1999-2001
- Policy advisor, Assemblywoman Denise Moreno Ducheny/California Assembly Budget Committee, 1995-1996
Civic engagement:
- City Council Member, West Sacramento, since 2016
- Commissioner, West Sacramento Park and Community Services Commission, 2014-2015
- Board Member, West Sacramento Board of Appeals, 2015-2016
- Creator and president, West Sac Kids Give Back
- Creator and president, West Sac Girls Give Back
- Partner, Rock the Block Bryte and Broderick with Habitat for Humanity
- Creator, West Sac Annual School Supply Drive
- Creator, Annual Care Package Event
- Creator, West Sac Yarn Raiser
- Leader, Bryte Park’s Disney Kaboom playground project
- Board chair, Yolo County Children’s Alliance
- Volunteer, “Dancing Santa” YCCA Christmas Toy Drive
- Community service chair, Mighty Rotary Club of West Sacramento
- Sponsor, West Sac Little League & Soccer Club
What do you believe is the most important issue facing your constituents today, and what will you do to address it?
Addressing homelessness is one of the biggest issues facing our community, and one I have actively addressed during my time on City Council. Thanks to the partnership I created between the Downtown Streets Team (DTS) and the city of West Sacramento, dozens of experiencing homelessness in our community have achieved sustainable employment and secured permanent housing. In addition, programs like Projects Roomkey and Homekey, when coupled with our incoming Permanent Supportive Housing development, can help us reduce the incidences and impacts of homelessness in our city. I have been a champion in this space and look forward to continuing our progress as we move forward together.
West Sacramento, like other cities, faces the challenge of addressing housing needs both in density and cost. What is your vision for the issue of integrating higher-density housing without compromising the city’s existing suburban character?
I am deeply committed to ensuring our community works for working-class people, and affordable housing is at the top of that list. West Sacramento exemplifies the need to balance new, high-density housing like what we have approved on the riverfront, with preserving the historical neighborhoods in our city. In the district where I am running, I have helped pave the way for the West Grand Gateway Affordable Housing Project as well as inclusionary housing within the Bridge District. As we continue to grow and welcome new development within our city, I look forward to maintaining the diversity of housing options for all residents.
West Sacramento businesses are gearing up as the city hosts the A’s for at least three seasons. How do you believe the relocation will help West Sacramento in the long run? Do you anticipate any problems that will need to be addressed?
I’m thrilled for the energy that will burst from the fans at Sutter Health Park, which resides in the district where I live and serve. With the A’s coming to West Sacramento, our community is presented with a real opportunity to provide new opportunities for working families, but we need to manage and mitigate the foreseeable impacts on our roads, traffic, and public safety. It is critical for our city government to be ready to help strengthen and diversify our local economy and protect workers during this transitional time. We need a strong, experienced leader who is equipped to work closely with all stakeholders to leverage this opportunity and make it an even bigger win for our city. I am that leader.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Timothy Campbell
Washington USD, Area 3
Two candidates
PATRICE GRIFFITH
Age: 44
Residence: West Sacramento
Title/occupation: Parent/Mentor
Education:
I graduated from Cal State University East Bay with a degree in business with minors in real estate and marketing. I have a CA Real Estate license and have taken additional courses in accounting, budgeting, and fair housing.
Work experience:
As a director of real estate, I have a 25+ year career in both the public and private sector of real estate management. This includes the areas of facilities, project, property and construction management as well as land acquisition, office relocation, tenant space and building improvements. I have also performed space utilization surveys for tenants whose employee count has been reduced post-Covid or has fluctuated due to work-from-home schedules. I help these companies and public entities reduce expenses as they determine how much space they need to work efficiently.
Civic engagement:
I serve on the Yolo Food Bank board of directors after starting a free farmers market for high school students, teachers and staff, which spread throughout Yolo County. I am a 10-year volunteer with Scouts of America serving as a chartered organization representative and leader working with students at multiple WUSD schools. At River City I volunteer as a co-adviser for the Black Student Union and mentor the Asian Pacific Islander Club. I have served on the WUSD Community School’s Steering Committee since its inception. I volunteer and organize WUSD events such as National Night Out, Kwanzaa and Heritage Night.
What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?
I want to focus on creating a safer school environment while actively listening to the community and key partners in conjunction with balancing fiscal responsibility. Students, parents/guardians, teachers and neighbors residential and business have expressed concerns on how to address school safety. As a parent of a WUSD student and an engaged community member, I decided to be part of the solution versus solely paying a verbal contribution to the issue at hand. Last year I began an initiative to partner with local municipalities discussing ways to strengthen community relationships prior to engaging in additional action. As a result, some students and their families I work with have participated, attended and volunteered in events alongside local municipalities. Out of this initiative blossomed the idea on behalf of students I volunteer with, to have additional events between school communities and municipalities. While I continue leading this initiative, I look forward to the opportunity to join the school board and engage in community as well as partner feedback on this issue as promised by the current WUSD School Board.
WUSD is faced with approximately $5.4 million in budget cuts for the 2025-26 school year. Safety concerns are consistently voiced by the community, and Security Resource Officer (SRO) discussions are taking place to the tune of approximately $287,000-$380,000 each. We must consider the multitude of safety services, SROs included, we can make available to our students, teachers and community. I want to continue strengthening relationships on all campuses between students and municipalities while pursuing a fiscally responsible path forward that respects the voices of our students, teachers, parents/guardians and overall community.
How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?
I have been actively addressing the achievement and opportunity gaps through my role in WUSD Community School’s Steering Committee since its inception. Four campuses, chosen specifically due to their opportunity gaps being wider than in other schools, are designated as community schools. These schools provide additional learning and enrichment programs, student support services, an additional layer of joint leadership as well as services for the entire family. Community schools ensure all students are provided access and opportunities to critical resources that will aid in the student’s educational success. In addition to educational resources and support, students can find assistance with resources including, but not limited to medical, vision, dental, mental health therapy, food, and basic needs such as school supplies, feminine products and clothes. By continuing to offer these services, we can increase student success and the opportunity for them to succeed not only academically but in all aspects.
Additionally, I have been contributing to addressing opportunity gaps as the co-advisor of River City High School’s Black Student Union. As a co-adviser, I discuss and present speakers to students who discuss scholarship opportunities and options after high school such as trade schools, community college and four-year universities. I also work with students on academic and educational resume building, public speaking, time management and how to plan successful events and meetings. I have accompanied students to speak at school board and city council meetings where they not only address their concerns, but become a part of the solution in order to stop or prevent problems they see in their school community. Several of the students I work with have attended college when they didn’t think it was an option, hold state level leadership positions in education advocacy and have interned with the city and at the state capitol.
How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?
Special education is severely underfunded, which is the major change needed in order for all students to receive a quality education. Too often we see a fraction of special education budgets being funded by state and federal dollars. Districts are left to fund millions of dollars for special education but are in dire need of state and or federal funds that were not adequately distributed.
All too often parents and guardians find challenges such as an obstructed path to services and concerns that are not being addressed in a timely manner. Some parents and guardians get so frustrated that they stop seeking help for their child and it is the child who falls behind. Even in these cases, the child is consistently passed on to the next grade level, leaving them undiagnosed and underserved. A lack of transparency as to what services a child is entitled to also leads to children being underserved. As a district, we need to do a better job by providing easier access to these services. We need to ensure parents and guardians are aware of the services available to children. Concerns need to be addressed, and students tested in a timely manner so they can receive the help they are entitled to before their struggles progress.
Professional development for teachers is one critical way to ensure students with special needs can receive a quality education. Investments in teachers by way of professional development is a direct benefit to the student. By empowering teachers with professional development, it gives them tools to use on a day-to-day basis in the classroom. This helps ensure the success of students with special needs and for all students, which attributes to an equitable environment.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Jannette Hunt
Washington USD, Area 4
Two candidates
JACKIE THU-HUONG WONG
Age: 49
Residence: West Sacramento, CA
Title/occupation: Incumbent/Children’s Advocate
Education:
With over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher, school social worker, district administrator and children’s advocate, I’ve been instrumental in shaping the new school finance framework, working closely with the State Board of Education to meet its objectives. Recognized as an expert in foster care education, I’ve served on the statewide Blue Ribbon Commission on Foster Care and the Keeping Kids in School Initiative, led by the courts. As a statewide early childhood education leader, I advocate for a cradle-to-career strategy, combining policy and practice to drive meaningful, lasting change for students and ensure their success.
Work experience:
My career has been rooted in bridging education and the holistic needs of children, youth and communities, starting with my work in Oakland Unified School District, where I coordinated school-linked health services, to advocacy at the National Center for Youth Law, where I championed policies for vulnerable children and youth. As executive director of First 5 California, I now lead efforts to create trauma-informed, culturally responsive systems for children’s development statewide. Across all these roles, I have driven initiatives that promote equity and access, ensuring students and families, especially in underrepresented communities, receive the support they need to thrive.
Civic engagement:
- Trustee, Washington USD, 2016-present
- Board member, Asian Pacific Youth Leadership Project, 2004-present
- Board director/delegate, CA School Boards Association, 2017-present
- Member, Chief Justice’s Keeping Kids in School Steering Committee, 2014-20
- Commissioner, CA Blue Ribbon Commission on Foster Care, 2007-15
- Founder/board member, Banteay Srei Southeast Asian CSEC Girls Empowerment Group, 2004-14
- Vice-chair, CA Foster Youth Education Task Force, 2007-11
- Board member, East End Child Development Center, 2010-11
- President, Young Women United for Oakland, 2002-03
What is the key initiative you want to pursue if you are elected?
For the past eight years, I have been dedicated to addressing the mental and behavioral health needs of our students. However, the pandemic exacerbated these challenges, with increases in anxiety, depression and behavioral issues, even in young children. These difficulties have worsened school climate and student achievement, especially for historically marginalized communities. Now, more than ever, we must do more to support our students.
I will advocate for adopting a public health framework that integrates comprehensive wellness programs into Washington Unified schools. This includes embedding mental health services, behavioral interventions and emotional support into the heart of our educational system. Our district must also become proficient at leveraging public health financing to sustain and expand these crucial services for all students.
Collaboration with mental health professionals, educators and families will be essential to ensure every student, particularly those in underserved communities, receives the support they need. By fostering safe and inclusive learning environments, we can empower students to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Wellness programs must be central to education, as they form the foundation for academic success and long-term well-being.
As a school board member, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Washington Unified prioritizes and invests in student wellness. The challenges we face now are more pressing than before, but with the right infrastructure and funding strategies, we can create a district that fully supports the mental, emotional and academic development of every child. It’s time to build a stronger foundation for student success, ensuring that our schools provide not just education but the comprehensive support that every child needs to succeed.
How do you plan to address the achievement/opportunity gap in the district?
To address the achievement and opportunity gap in Washington Unified School District, we must adopt a data-driven approach to student wellness and academic success. Using the CA School Dashboard, which I have had the privilege to help design as a foster care education advocate, we can track key metrics and hold ourselves accountable for measurable progress. A great example of how I applied this as a school board member, is the success of our English Language Learner (ELL) Master Plan, which was built upon data to strategically support our ELL students. This model demonstrates how data can guide academic investments to meet the needs of all students, especially those in historically underserved communities.
As a school board member, I will continue to advocate for similar data-driven strategies across all areas of student support. Mental health services and academic programs should be grounded in evidence, continuously evaluated, and refined based on outcomes. By setting clear objectives and monitoring data, we can ensure that our resources are used effectively to close the achievement gaps and provide equitable opportunities for every student.
Strategic investments in academics must be rooted in proven results. Just as we have seen success with the ELL Master Plan, we need to ensure all investments in curriculum, wellness and classroom supports are data-driven and focused on student success. This level of accountability will create safer, more supportive learning environments, foster academic growth, and ensure every student in our district has the tools they need to achieve their dreams. Together, we can make meaningful progress by using data to inform our decisions and holding ourselves accountable for achieving the goals we set forth for the success of our students.
How would you rate the quality of special education in the district, and what changes need to be made to ensure all students with special needs receive a quality education?
The primary challenge facing special education in Washington Unified is the severe underfunding at the federal level. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the federal government is supposed to cover 40% of special education costs, but California only receives about 10%, leaving districts struggling to meet the needs of students with disabilities. This funding shortfall hinders our ability to provide the necessary resources and services to ensure all students receive the quality education they deserve.
Beyond funding, compliance with federal and state laws is essential. My experience at the National Center for Youth Law, where we litigated against districts that failed to follow special education laws, has shown me the importance of advocating for students’ rights. Additionally, as a state and national foster care education expert, I recognize the disproportionate number of students in foster care in special education who face even greater challenges in accessing quality education.
To address these issues, we must focus on implementing and regularly reviewing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and training staff to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. Additionally, it is critical to allocate more resources toward mental health and behavioral supports, especially for vulnerable populations like foster youth and students experiencing homelessness who are disproportionately represented in special education.
Lastly, we need to design more inclusionary programming to ensure students with disabilities have equitable access to high-quality instruction and curriculum. By utilizing data, collaborating with experts, and advocating for full federal funding, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment. These efforts are crucial to closing the achievement gaps and ensuring equitable education for all students in our district.
OTHER CANDIDATE
Candidate who did not respond: Eleanor Sanchez
This story was originally published October 6, 2024 at 4:55 AM.