Biography/Qualifications

My husband and I have lived in Lomita for the past 14 years and, like you I care deeply about the present and future of our city. Serving as your City Councilmember for the past 4 years has been one of the most interesting, rewarding, and enjoyable experiences of my life.

Within those 14 years I have also served as Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Council liaison to the Lomita Railroad Museum, numerous Planning and Safety Commissions, the Centennial Committee and Chair of the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (COG).

From this experience, I have gained a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of Lomita citizens' concerns and city affairs and hope to continue serving you on your City Council.

While on City Council

I have spearheaded or strongly supported many city initiatives including the following:

budgeting $870,000 this year for street maintenance, upgrades, and long term Pavement Management Plan

Lomita Railroad Museum - Landscaping of the new Irene Lewis Park - planning for the museum expansion and new home of the Lomita Historical Society - other parks and recreation programs available to the Lomitans of all ages

inauguration of Lomita Presents, an ongoing series of family oriented community evens and films.

maintaining contract levels with the Sheriff's Department to ensure a safe and secure city for Lomita residents and business owners

completion the Lomita Emergency Management Plan that ensures integration of Lomita's emergency response with that of surrounding cities, counties and state - construction of the Lomita Emergency Operations Center in City Hall

establishment of a new computer center for Seniors in Lomita Manor - setting up a single point of contact at City Hall to locate information on support services

Lomita City government reorganization that emphasizes economic development and more efficient services to city business and residents

maintaining a balanced budget and healthy reserves over a period of rapidly increasing costs and critically short state funding

Professional Experience

I was born in Oklahoma and moved to the Los Angeles area in 1971 following 2 years service with the Peace Corps in Nigeria.

I have worked the last 33 years as administrator and teacher at U.S.C. and El Camino College.

I earned my B.A. in Spanish at Oklahoma State University, and my M.A. and Ph.D. at U.S.C. in Education

My administrative responsibilities in public higher education provide experience directly applicable to City Council responsibilities.

I manage and serve as advisor for budgets ($124 million annually) according to state-mandated accounting and reporting principles.

manage a department that serves thousands of patrons annually

directs a workforce that focuses on providing quality service to the public in a public institution

has developed comprehensive long-term plans with input and consensus from hundreds of widely diverse participants.

directs large-scale events with participation by paid and volunteer help.