Candidate for
City Council; City of Half Moon Bay

I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in August 1984, by the grace of God and a strong Mother who would not believe a doubting doctor that I wouldn't survive my birth. On Thanksgiving Day 1991 at the age of 7, the family moved to California in search of a better life. We spent 4 years living in Redwood City and most week-ends were spent with visits to Chinatown or Half Moon Bay. We missed home and these two places offered something similar to that of New Orleans - Chinatown for its diversity, culture, and variety of food. Half Moon Bay for its beautiful ocean, educational experiences and seafood. Mom's job moved all of us to Overland Park, Kansas in 1994 and then to Topeka, Kansas in 1997.

I remember before leaving for Kansas at age 10 - praying at surfer's beach in Half Moon Bay. It went something like this... "God, if we are ever able to move back to California, please let it be Half Moon Bay ". My many memories of the coast are truly ones of happiness and it may sound cliché; however I do find lasting tranquility whenever I think of the coast in Half Moon Bay.

In moving to the Midwest during a crucial stage in my life, I believe that it helped me become the man I am today. The environment was such that I was able to excel and became the first college graduate on either sides of my immediate family.

Washburn University, where I attained my degree, allowed me a greater understanding of the world. I was fortunate enough to study in both Japan and Europe. During that time, I was nominated by Dr. DePue for the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington DC in 2006. While there I was able to meet many influential politicians including Congressman Zach Wamp, Former Senator Jim Slattery, and then Senator Barack Obama to name a few. This was followed by volunteering for two different campaigns in Kansas for Senator Sam Brownback and Representative Jim Ryan.

While at Washburn Univesity mom made a dream happen and moved to Half Moon Bay after retiring. After graduating from Washburn University in 2007, I moved in to my mother's home in Half Moon Bay. One month after I moved in, she was diagnosed with cancer and has since fully recovered after surgery. While helping her through this difficult period of her life I've come to realize that life is fragile and we only have right now. We are never promised or guaranteed another day.

Since becoming a citizen of Half Moon Bay, I have learned about "misdeeds" that have been committed on the coastside. I feel it's time to get involved and become part of the solution by running for City Council. I don't have all the answers but I do have the energy and conviction to be of service to the people of Half Moon Bay and push for Smart Growth and Common Sense.