Statement of GUADALUPE (LUPE) ARELLANO, Candidate for Member, City Council Occupation: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Age: 44 Education and Qualifications: I attended local public schools, military training and the School of Professional Studies, University of San Francisco. I was born and raised in Gilroy and my husband and I are raising our two daughters here. My parents owned Pepe's restaurant for seventeen years. They instilled in me the belief that Gilroy must support business, clean industry and a safe environment. I have worked in many arenas to keep Gilroy safe. As a Teen Coordinator I created programs for our youth. This made me aware that we must teach our children to become caring citizens. As co-founder of La Isla Pacifica battered women's shelter I helped make people aware that family violence affects the entire community. I volunteered on the committee that organized our first Peace Summit and identified a program called PeaceBuilders. It equips children with the fundamental tools of respect, honor and civility. It is now being embraced by our schools and our entire community. For 3 1/2 years I have served as your Gilroy Planning Commissioner. I will continue to work to make Gilroy safe, prosperous and environmentally sound.