The Issues

California Assembly District 79

Encompassing southeast San Diego and nearby areas like La Mesa, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley, is a diverse region with a mix of urban and suburban communities. While specific voter concerns for 2025 are not fully detailed in available data due to the lack of recent election-specific surveys for this district, broader California trends and regional characteristics can provide insight into the major issues likely affecting voters in this area. Based on current statewide priorities, local demographics, and recent legislative focuses, here are some key issues that voters in District 79 consider significant and some actionable items this campaign will support:

Cost of Living and Housing Affordability

As a candidate for the 79th Assembly District, I will tackle the rising cost of living and housing affordability head-on by focusing on immediate relief and long-term solutions for working-class and middle-income families. My action plan includes:

Partner with local governments in La Mesa, El Cajon, and southeast San Diego to fund rent relief and affordable units, capping rent increases at 5% in areas like Lemon Grove.

Introduce legislation for tax credits for first-time buyers and renters; host workshops on assistance programs based on PPIC polls.

Campaign with resident stories; commit to quarterly housing reports; collaborate with San Diego Housing Federation for mixed-income funding.

Push regulatory reforms to streamline permitting; target 1,000 new units in first term via state budgets.

Crime and Public Safety

To address crime and enhance public safety in our urban and suburban communities, I will prioritize balanced reforms that support law enforcement while investing in prevention. My action plan includes:

Build on Prop 36 with bills funding community policing and drug programs; aim to cut retail theft 20% in southeast San Diego via patrols.

Host town halls in El Cajon and Lemon Grove for safety strategies, including youth diversion and mental health teams.

Campaign with safety group endorsements; track crime stats monthly; advocate for state grants for police resources.

Collaborate with Black Caucus on disparities; commit to annual audits; partner with organizations for violence prevention.

Economic Challenges and Inflation

Combating economic challenges and inflation requires supporting job growth, wage increases, and relief for small businesses and workers in our district. My action plan includes:

Introduce subsidies for utilities and groceries; raise minimum wage with inflation; provide stipends for essential costs in Spring Valley.

Host forums with El Cajon business owners; advocate for streamlined licensing and tax incentives in state budget.

Campaign on workforce development with unions and colleges; target 10% unemployment drop via job programs; report biannually.

Push anti-inflation policies like price gouging protections; collaborate with San Diego Chamber for recovery plans.

Homelessness

To effectively combat homelessness in District 79, I will emphasize compassionate, comprehensive solutions that expand housing and services while addressing underlying causes. My action plan includes:

Advocate for shelter funding; partner with county to convert properties in southeast San Diego; house 500 individuals in first year via HHAP grants.

Launch outreach in Lemon Grove and Spring Valley with mobile teams for job training, mental health, and addiction support.

Campaign with data stories; hold monthly meetings with nonprofits like Regional Task Force; monitor encampment reductions.

Propose enforcement laws with rights protections; tie investments to outcomes; collaborate with faith groups for services.