During the height of the pandemic, I didn’t shelter in place, I took it upon myself to assist as many businesses and residents that I could, to obtain quality PPE (Proper Protection Equipment) supplies. My staff and I have distributed more than 500,000 face masks and sanitizer in the community from Gardena to West Covina. I’ve helped countless businesses receive thousands of dollars in COVID relief funding and low interest rate loans to remain open as well as keeping our residential renters informed about the Housing is Key program that issued thousands of dollars to help pay back rent.

I’ve owned four successful small businesses for more than 25 years, so being at the forefront of small business advocacy, fighting for sensible legislation from Sacramento, as well as our local government is what I love to do. I don’t just talk about Gardena; I am truly about the business of Gardena. I’ve walked the streets with elected officials to hear directly from the businesses about their concerns, When I was the vice president of the largest senior group in Gardena, The Second Time Around Club, I made sure the seniors were well informed about what’s going on in the community.

Serving in the community is nothing new for me. My time at the Gardena Chamber for many years, of which most of that time was without pay, has allowed me to create and develop great relationships with our utility companies, federal, state, and county elected officials, SBA, (Small Business Association) South Bay Cities Council of Government and lots of local large and small businesses. These relationships are vitally important and beneficial in helping me move Gardena forward.