I am running for the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board to represent the residents of District 4. The Santa Clara Valley Water District Board makes decisions effecting the quality, reliability and delivery of water to households, businesses and agriculture that rely on safe water in their daily lives. The Water District requires a Board member who has policy making experience, environmental understanding and financial expertise. I have the experience, ability, education and a passion for sustainable water practices to fulfill this vital role. I am proud to have the endorsement of the current District 4 representative, Larry Wilson.

I have been a practicing attorney for over 20 years in the City of San Jose. In my practice, I specialize in the area of land use, environmental and municipal law. I advise clients on environmental issues including sustainable water practices, Green Building policies and ordinances, and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and local environmental policies and procedures. For over twenty years I also advised business clients regarding their business dealings.

For eight years I served as a member of the San Jose City Council, representing West San Jose, and led the environmental/ sustainability policy discussion with my colleagues. Much of Mayor Chuck Reed’s current Green Vision builds upon and implements my environmental efforts. As a councilmember, I also led the council’s collaboration with the Santa Clara Valley Water District to ensure safe, reliable water delivery, a recycled water program, water conservation efforts and permit issues with the Regional Water Quality Control Board. I also served on the Finance committee for the City and Redevelopment Agency. I am a current member of the San Jose General Plan Task Force, which is a Plan for the growth of San Jose over the next 30 years. I worked closely with Campbell city council members at the West Valley Mayors and Managers committee to promote the interests of the West Valley cities. I was instrumental in bringing the VTA community bus program to the West Valley.

Recently I chaired the Joint Venture Silicon Valley Sustainable Building Initiative and the water issues sub-committee. I also serve on the Cities Association Green Building Collaborative, the Bay Area Climate Compact Green Building working group, and I am an Advisory Board member of Sustainable Silicon Valley.

In 2006 I was accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council as a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional). I am one of a select group of California attorneys who have earned this valuable designation. LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability and for demonstrating that building projects are truly ‘green.’

I am a frequent speaker on various topics relating to climate change legislation and regulations and the promotion of sustainable design, including water and energy efficiency measures.