2020 Voter Guide - General Election

THE SIGNAL · THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 · E1

About the Voter Guide Welcome to The Signal’s 2020 General Election Voter Guide. The following statements were provided to The Signal by the listed candidates running for local offices. Each candidate was invited to submit a statement on their qualifications — up to 150 words along with a photo. Candidate statements that

exceeded 150 words were edited for length.

The candidates are listed by the order of their last names using the same randomized alphabet drawing order as published by the California Secretary of State’s office on Aug. 13.

This is the same randomly chosen order that is to be used on ballots in California. Party

Candidates for 25th Congressional District

affiliation is listed for congressional and state Legislature races.

We hope this guide helps our readers as you plan to vote on the Nov. 3 election. Be sure to vote!

— The Signal Editorial Board

Candidates for 21st Senate District

Mike Garcia (R)

Christy Smith (D)

Kipp Mueller (D)

Scott Wilk (R)

As the son of a Mexican immigrant, I have lived the American dream.

After attending Saugus High School, I was a top graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy and Garcia flew over 30 combat missions as a Navy fighter pilot.

Following nearly 20 years of service, I was fortunate to return home to Santa Clarita, where my wife, Rebecca, and I raise two sons and run our own small businesses.

I am running for Congress because liberal career politicians are failing us.

We must stop California’s policies of raising taxes, threatening to shut down Uber and Lyft with Assembly Bill 5 and defunding our local law enforcement from spreading to Washington, and implement term limits to get rid of career politicians.

The United States is the world’s greatest country. I served in combat to protect our precious freedoms, and I’m ready to answer the call to serve again in Congress.

Growing up in a home where we lived paycheck to paycheck, I know what it’s like for families who can’t pay the bills, afford health care, or give their kids the best educaSmith tion. I learned the value of hard work, working three jobs to pay my way through College of the Canyons and UCLA. During difficult times, we need leaders who have the grit and determination to deliver.

I’ve had the privilege of serving our community as a nonprofit founder, education advocate and assemblywoman. In the state Legislature, I stood up to my own party to protect small businesses and shepherded resources to support the SCV Senior Center and College of the Canyons. In Congress, I will continue to work with leaders from both parties to: n Rebuild our economy and grow good-paying local jobs. n Expand access to affordable health care. n Get our veterans and seniors the benefits they’ve earned.

Kipp Mueller is running for state Senate to make our community a priority. Kipp grew up in California — his dad owned a small business painting houses and his mom was Mueller a community college counselor for students with disabilities. The values instilled in him as a child inspired him to join President Barack Obama’s Department of Justice, where he prosecuted fraudsters who preyed on seniors and veterans. Today, Kipp is a workers’ rights attorney and small-business owner. Kipp has a career of putting people over profits, and will always put our community ahead of special interests. Kipp will fight to ensure everyone has housing they can afford, quality health care, and the support we need to get through this COVID-19 crisis. It’s time for fresh voices in our politics. We deserve a new leader who will defend our values, protect our communities, and fight for our future. www.kippforsenate.com.

It has been my honor to serve you these past four years in the district that I was born and raised in.

This is where my wife, Vanessa, and I raised our children and where Wilk our precious grandson Zeke entered the world.

So for me it’s personal. … This is home. Recently, Zeke moved out of state because California is so expensive.

California is headed in the wrong direction. We pay the highest income, corporate, sales and gas taxes. What do we get in return? Record homelessness, power outages, inadequate roads and water infrastructure, and an underinvestment in public education.

This is all a result of One-Party Rule, which caters to Sacramento special interests and ignores the needs of ordinary Californians.

We need better balance in the state Legislature. I believe that bipartisan solutions lead to better and longer-lasting public policies. That’s why I’m committed to working for you, not Sacramento.

Candidates for 27th Senate District

Candidates for 38th Assembly District

Henry Stern (D)

Suzette Martinez Valladares (R)

Lucie Volotzky (R)

Sen. Henry Stern is a sixth-generation Californian and has served the Santa Clarita Valley and the 27th District since 2016. Over his first four years in public office, Stern has advanced major legislation to address the mental health crisis, shed a light on dark money in politics, fund habitat conservation and open space, enforce accountability for victims of the Aliso Canyon gas leak, numerous wildfires and power shutoffs, and lift up small businesses and local nonprofits decimated by COVID-19. His priorities are to get past politics and back to the difficult work of recovering, and renewing our communities for a more resilient California. We need new solutions when it comes to the future of work, the Stern housing affordability crisis, mounting climate disasters, and protecting all people in California, regardless of race, gender, religion or party. But we also must keep our books balanced and execute on the basics: solid local public schools, supporting our first responders, and a sustainable supply of local jobs.

I’m Suzette Martinez Valladares and I’m a business owner and educator.

I’ve grown up in this community. I love California, but the path we are on is unsustainable and, we need to Valladares bring back balance to our leadership.

We need to lower the cost of living for families and seniors — keeping property taxes low, reducing fees on small businesses, and reforming outdated regulations so families don’t have to choose between paying a mortgage or providing for their kids.

I come from a law enforcement family. We need well-equipped, funded and trained law enforcement officers.

I’m endorsed by the L.A. County deputy sheriffs and L.A. Police Protective League.

My background as a business owner, educator and nonprofit leader has prepared me to stand up for the Santa Clarita Valley. I’m endorsed by SCV Chamber of Commerce, Valley Industry Association and dozens of local business owners, families and workers.

Santa Clarita has more registered Democrats than Republicans, so what does that mean when you have two Republicans running for Assembly?

Do you ignore the Volotzky race, or do you reach out to the candidate who isn’t endorsed by the GOP and make clear what you want in an elected representative?

I choose the second option. I’m Lucie Volotzky, and I might be a registered Republican, but I am not an establishment candidate. I am a humble business owner who recognizes all voices must be heard and represented in Sacramento. That means I am willing to listen to the concerns, fears, hopes and dreams of the Democratic, independent and undecided voters as well as my fellow Republicans. I want to hear from you about public safety, taxes, jobs, COVID and the economy so I can best represent you.

I will represent all of the 38th, not just Republicans.

Republican challenger Houman Salem did not respond to The Signal’s request for a statement.

Candidates for 36th Assembly District Tom Lackey (R) I’m running for re-election to keep making progress for those who don’t have a voice.

Gabriel’s Law has been a priority of mine for many years.

It would create an online database to report allegations of child abuse and give agencies the tools they need to protect children. As a former special education teacher and father, I will always fight for the safety of our children.

I also vow to keep fighting to clear the backlog of rape kits in California. There is a backlog of over 14,000 rape kits. I will keep working until this backlog is processed.

We need to work for real results for Californians instead of cowering to political pressure.

Lackey I promise to be your voice in Sacramento and make sure the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys are represented. I hope I can earn your vote.

To learn more, please visit my website, LackeyForAssembly.com.

Democratic challenger Steve Fox did not respond to The Signal’s request for a statement.

E2 · THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 · THE SIGNAL

Candidates for Santa Clarita City Council TimBen Boydston

Aakash Ahuja

Selina Thomas

Jason Gibbs

As a city councilman, I worked hard to make sure our city stayed safe and clean. We need to ensure Santa Clarita continues to be a great place to raise a family.

Public safety, Boydston excellent law enforcement and a personal responsibility to control COVID are critical issues I support.

As a father, husband, veteran, community leader, businessman and longtime resident, I know what is important to the success of our city. I have the experience to lead in these unsettling times.

I fought for the new Sheriff’s Station, Senior Center and Canyon Country Community Center.

I stopped red-light cameras, high-speed rail and digital billboards in open space.

We must have more roads, new water supplies, help for our homeless, and unity for our people.

Faith, family, community and country: these are the stars that I steer by.

Please vote for proven leadership. timbenboydston.com

Dr. Aakash Ahuja for a united and prosperous Santa Clarita: I am a doctor and father.

I live with my wife and two kids. I am running for Santa Clarita Ahuja City Council to make our city the best in California by making it more united, prosperous, healthy, vibrant and sustainable.

I and all our supporters believe being a logical, solution-oriented doctor, and not a politician, I am the best candidate to navigate our city through racial, political and ideological divide and unite the people, help our small businesses thrive again, resolve traffic congestion, get our kids back to school safely, keep drugs away from our city, increase trust and collaboration between residents and the Sheriff’s Department and solve the homelessness challenge.

I will be donating 100% of my City Council salary to local charities.

Hoping to earn your support to make Santa Clarita the best in California.

DrAakashForCityCouncil.com.

Selina Thomas (50) is a 10year resident of SCV. She is a dedicated mother of three teenage daughters. Two are student athletes at Saugus High School, one is a graduate of Thomas Saugus now a sophomore attending COC. Ms. Thomas is a business owner helping small businesses. She was on the front line of the COVID crisis, helping small businesses and their employees navigate the PPP program, unemployment and the various stages of the shutdown. She is running for City Council to help in the recovery. As a registered independent, Selina has a five-point plan for a greater Santa Clarita. Her priorities are recovery for small businesses, fiscal responsibility, return to schools, public safety and civil engagement. As a registered independent, she believes in creating a unified community during these unprecedented times. A former political intern and social worker, Ms. Thomas is the owner and CEO of 6 Degrees HR Consulting.

Opportunity, safety and shared values made Santa Clarita an ideal community to build our careers, raise our families and live our best lives.

Earning master’s degrees in engineering fields, Gibbs my wife and I built successful careers in science and technology. Even with blessed careers, raising our children became our greatest joy and responsibility. This city’s residents made our community the envy of L.A. County. That is worth fighting for.

But today we face new challenges. Public safety concerns, an unchecked state capital, and increasing unaffordability to many struggling to achieve the American dream. My fresh and informed vision will help the legacy of the past become tomorrow’s accomplishments. Creating a public safety commission, funding our pension obligations, protecting parks and open space, and expanding business opportunities will keep families closer to home, local taxes minimized, and our city the clean and beautiful place we call home! www.electjasongibbs.com

City Council candidate Douglas Fraser did not respond to The Signal’s request for a statement.

Cameron Smyth

Ken Dean

Kelvin Driscoll

Chris Werthe

From the Tick Fire, which called for nearly 40,000 evacuations, the Saugus shooting that altered our community forever, a global pandemic, the near economSmyth ic shutdown of the nation and over 30 community protests, the last 12 months have challenged Santa Clarita like no other time. While I am proud of how our community reacted, we know the impacts of 2020 will not go away with the simple turn of the calendar. Four years ago, I promised to do what I believed was right for Santa Clarita, regardless of the political consequences, and over the last year I have done just that. 2020 demanded difficult decisions, and my only consideration was the best interest of our community. Moving forward, it’s critical to maintain experienced leadership on the council over the next four years, leadership that I have shown in guiding Santa Clarita over the most difficult time in our history.

Hello! My name is Ken Dean. I am running for City Council because as a founding father of our wonderful city I have always had a vision of our city’s past, Dean present and future direction. We are currently faced with an invisible enemy called COVID-19 that has taken more than 200,000 American lives, turned our lives upsidedown, and devastated our economy.

I will work tirelessly to revive and get all businesses reopened, and employees back to work.

Other issues the city needs to address are overburdened traffic and congestion, with the need to synchronize traffic lights and create new roads, affordable housing, homelessness, crime and lowering the high cost of development fees.

I ask for three things from the voters, and I will give them three things. Give me your trust, confidence and vote. I will give you honesty, integrity and dedication. May you stay safe and healthy.

I believe in the promise of Santa Clarita. This is my home — where community, family and children are most important.

I have worked my entire career to Driscoll advance the well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community. Whether it was as a homeless service provider working with women and children or overseeing behavioral health and prison reentry programs in the nonprofit sector, my work has been dedicated to ensuring healthy and thriving communities.

My candidacy represents the opportunity to utilize my personal and professional public service experiences to advance the fight for addressing the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, solving our city’s homeless and housing affordability challenges, realizing racial equity in our city, ensuring accountability in our policing, combating climate change, and increasing the economic mobility of our residents so that they can live and work in mortgage-paying jobs here in Santa Clarita.

Chris Werthe: Veteran. Leader.

Public Servant.

Chris is running for Santa Clarita City Council because he is devoted to his community, and wants Werthe our city to be strong, efficient and forward-thinking.

His sense of duty was instilled in him since childhood. He works every day to pass along the same sense of responsibility, kindness, and dedication to his own children. Chris leads by example.

Chris served in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, and currently serves in the Army Reserves.

Chris is the leader that Santa Clarita needs to deal effectively with the COVID-19 crisis, maximize our reduced city budget and save small businesses.

He will also advocate for our own police department, traffic reduction and ending homelessness. You can find out more about Chris Werthe at WertheForSCV.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter at @WertheForSCV. Chris Werthe is worthy of your vote!

Candidates for SCV Water Agency, Division 1 Beth Braunstein

Gary Martin

Karla Waymire

Beth Braunstein loves Santa Clarita. She lives in Canyon Country with her husband, five kids, four dogs and a menagerie of farm animals.

For the last nine years, Beth has homeschooled her kids and has been an active member of the community.

When Beth learned that over 40% of our wells were shut down last year due to Braunstein dangerous contaminants, she felt compelled to serve.

Beth will make sure that our groundwater is protected from over-development and that our water board serves the community rather than big business. She is committed to making the people of SCV an integral part of the conversation and won’t allow important decisions to be made behind closed doors. She will fight to improve the sustainability of our water sources and to preserve our natural resources. Our water belongs to all of us. Beth will fight to protect it.

As president of the SCV Water board, I am proud of the work we have done to keep the water flowing to our customers. In just the third year of operation, our new valleywide agency has proven to be a real success story.

Previously projected to save $14 million over 10 years, we are now on track to save $20 million in the first three Martin years. We are also moving aggressively to address the recent occurrence of PFAS chemical contaminants in our groundwater supply. If reelected, I will continue my efforts to deliver on the agency’s mission of providing responsible water stewardship and ensuring our valley has a reliable supply of high-quality water at a reasonable cost.

As a registered professional civil engineer with 30plus years of water systems engineering and management experience, I am the candidate who will best serve YOU, and I respectfully ask for your vote.

Karla Waymire is a devoted wife, mother, small-business owner and attorney who is proud to call the Santa Clarita Valley home. She has experience in dealing with environmental law issues, and knows what it takes to foster a culture of fiscal responsibility and success. Karla believes in responsible, sensible and thoughtful policies that will Waymire continue to make this great valley such a wonderful place to live for generations to come. www.votekarlaforwater.com

Division 1 candidate Christine Okamato did not respond to The Signal’s request for a statement.

THE SIGNAL · THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 · E3

Candidates for SCV Water Agency, Division 2 Valerie Bradford

Piotr Orzechowski

Ed Colley

Anna Kumar

Valerie Bradford plans to utilize her decades of management, budgeting, supervisory, interpersonal and organizational skills to contribute to the maintenance and acquisition Bradford of SCV’s clean, affordable and sustainable water.

Valerie has been an SCV resident for 15 years. She is a graduate of College of the Canyons, and a small-business owner who has served the community doing volunteer work, feeding the homeless, organizing voter registration and community activism.

Valerie is a proponent of ethical behavior and full transparency because it promotes fair representation and inclusion to all segments of a diverse society. “I strongly believe that the water board should be reflective of the community it serves.”

Valerie looks forward to standing up for the valley’s diverse population and their need for clean, reliable and affordable rates and will do everything in her power to attain and maintain those. “I’ll serve your needs and give you a voice!”

Piotr Orzechowski is a Polish immigrant and proud U.S. citizen who came to America at age 11 with his family as they sought the American dream.

After settling in CaliOrzechowski fornia, Piotr obtained a mechanical engineering degree with minors in biology and business administration. Piotr serves as an environmental water programs manager overseeing wastewater treatment compliance for the entire Princess Cruises fleet.

Piotr believes in: n Ensuring clean, reliable and reasonable cost of water. n Protecting Santa Clarita’s environment and local underground water supplies while seeking additional imported supply streams. n Working with residents and businesses to meet water needs.

Piotr understands the importance of a clean water supply. That knowledge, coupled with his education and work experience, make him uniquely qualified to serve as a member of the SCV Water Board. www.Piotr4WaterBoard.com Endorsements (partial list): SCV Chamber of Commerce, VIA and Rep. Mike Garcia.

Ed Colley has served in both the Army and Air Force and is a veteran of the first Gulf War. Ed holds a graduate degree in electrical engineering. As the senior space systems engiColley neer for the European Ground Station, he earned the Meritorious Service Medal. In 1995, Ed moved his family to Santa Clarita. He has been a teacher for the Hart District for 25 years. He was first elected to the water board in 2002.

Ed Colley, a disabled veteran, and his wife of 40 years, Kathy, are both peer mentors with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, where they help others who have also lost a son or daughter while serving in the military.

Ed Colley is a fiscal conservative — he opposed double-digit raises for senior management and paying double interest to refinance $200 million in debt. Ed voted against selling your water supply investments to developers.

I have been a resident of Santa Claria for eight years and live with my husband, Reggie, and our two children.

I am an insurance agent with my own small business and Kumar over 20 years of experience in business management, complex contract review and handling confidential matters. I am a compassionate listener who truly cares about the people and small businesses.

I will extend this same care to the residents of Santa Clarita. As a member of the SCV Water Agency’s board, I plan to make sure OUR environment is safeguarded, and that the Santa Clara River and its ecosystem are not adversely impacted by potential development plans.

Another critical issue is to make sure our rates stay affordable while not compromising the integrity of our water. My priorities are the people of Santa Clarita, sustainability, water rights, and protecting our current residents and the safety of their drinking water.

Candidates for SCV Water Agency, Division 3 BJ Atkins

Kathye Armitage

Maria Gutzeit

Stacy Fortner

As your water board director for SCV Water, I will continue to focus on water quality, reliability and price.

I have dedicated my career to protecting Atkins our environment, especially water resources. As the former owner of a state-certified environmental laboratory that analyzed drinking water samples, I served as an expert witness in a Safe Drinking Water Act case. I understand what it takes to deliver clean, healthful water to Santa Clarita Valley households.

We live in a desert. Practicing and teaching conservation, accelerating and developing our recycled (purified) water system while following through on planned water acquisitions are all vital projects that must be accomplished. Let me be your voice.

Please honor me with your vote, and I promise to bring 41 years of professional experience protecting water resources and the environment back to the SCV Water board of directors.

Kathye Armitage is a 17-year resident of Santa Clarita whose combination of training and experience in public health, sustainable natural resources and water sysArmitage tems technology offers a unique and relevant perspective to discussions about local water management as our community deals with groundwater contaminants and works to build resiliency of our local water supply.

Kathye currently serves on the Stakeholder Advisory Committee to the SCV Groundwater Sustainability Agency to provide input and engage the public in the writing of our Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

Through conversations with voters, Kathye recognizes that community members want to know their water is safe, affordable and will continue to be available.

“As a mother, I also feel a sense of obligation to our children and subsequent generations to ensure we are mindful of how decisions made today will impact their ability to have clean and plentiful water in their future.” Learn more at VoteKathyeArmitage.com.

Reelect Maria Gutzeit to SCV Water Division 3.

Endorsed by L.A. League of Conservation Voters, SCV Chamber of Commerce, The Signal newspaper and Gutzeit more.

Others may talk about safe, reliable water at an affordable cost but Maria Gutzeit has truly delivered on that promise. As an environmental engineer, current vice president of SCV Water, and board member of the SCV Groundwater Sustainability Agency, she has made sure water is one thing we don’t need to worry about.

“I am proud to serve our community, and I’m proud of SCV Water. From $20 million in savings from our agency consolidation, the record-breaking construction of water treatment facilities, and our hands-on science education sessions for Santa Clarita students to our droughtproofed advance planning and conservation rebates, there’s a lot of wins when you have good people working together,” said Gutzeit. For more information see www.Maria4CleanWater.com.

Stacy is a voice for taxpayers and customers! Stacy is a member of SCV Groundwater Sustainability Agency Stakeholder Advisory Committee, where she works with Fortner the agency on development of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

Stacy holds a degree in business management, and has a background in information technology and water systems technology. She will keep an eye on the agency’s budget and water supply.

Stacy plans to lead efforts ensuring a clean, sustainable, affordable water supply for the next generation, and will champion efforts to better engage the community on water issues.

Stacy, a dedicated community leader, gives her time to SCV causes, including the homeless shelter, animal rescue and local conservation activities. Stacy runs a social media page dedicated to water and encourages community involvement.

Stacy is a 23-year resident of Santa Clarita, where she lives with her husband and daughter, who attends Sonoma State University. More info at www. electstacyfortner.com.

Candidates for College of the Canyons, Area 2

Candidates for College of the Canyons, Area 3

Edel Alonso

Tony Watson

Fred Arnold

Sebastian Cazares

Edel Alonso is running for a second term on the Santa Clarita Community College District board of trustees, Area 2. She remains committed to her No. 1 priority: student Alonso access, equity, and success; and to her other goals: campus safety, fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers, accountability and transparency to the public. Edel has earned the endorsement and enthusiastic support of all three employee groups representing the full-time faculty, the part-time faculty and the classified employees.

Edel and her late husband, Charlie Armstrong, moved to Santa Clarita in 1987. A lifelong educator who earned her doctorate in education, Edel retired from COC after 16 years serving as a full-time professor and academic counselor. She likes to say, “I bring an educator’s and insider’s perspective to the board, having taught and counseled at the high school, community college and university levels.”

Please visit edelalonso.com.

My deep connections in the Santa Clarita community have made me an experienced and passionate local leader, really understanding the “community” in community Watson college.

A Saugus High grad, I earned an associate’s in business from COC, and a bachelor’s in management from The Master’s University. I have lived in Santa Clarita most of my life, and have highlevel business management experience.

For good jobs, students need internships and work experience. My relationships with dozens of businesses and nonprofits will expand the college’s partnerships.

My goals include advocating affordable tuition and textbooks, workforce training, and programs to increase graduation and transfer rates. I am a unifier and a listener who believes in hiring a diverse faculty, providing clear pathways for students, and ensuring online instruction is as excellent as in-person.

COC honored me as “Distinguished Alumni” for my business and community accomplishments. Now, it’s my turn to enthusiastically give back.

I am an experienced leader with the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and intense commitment needed to keep College of the Canyons on track as an outstanding colArnold lege.

Being deeply connected to our community’s nonprofits and businesses, my extensive leadership experience (including serving on the COC Foundation board) and my successful business background give me an in-depth understanding of our community and broad insight into the college. Bringing these together, I’ll be a trustee who can create increased college-community partnerships and truly make a difference for our students.

I’m an outspoken advocate of transparency in the management of taxpayers’ money. In addition to promoting student success programs, I wish to expand access for military veterans and re-entry students seeking career shifts.

I’ll work to ensure that everyone who can benefit from higher education or job training can get effective classes and programs to meet their goals, whether online or in person.

I don’t need talking points to understand what students need. I lived it.

As the choice of COC’s teachers, staff, student leaders and educators statewide, I’m running for the Cazares COC board to fight for quality education for everyone.

I’m a lifelong Saugus resident, product of our public schools, student advocate, educational instructor and a recent COC graduate. I was resoundingly elected by the student body to be COC’s Associated Student Government president, presiding over a near-million-dollar budget, initiatives critical to the college, and even served as the students’ voice on the board.

I firsthand felt the benefits of our programs, allowing me to be accepted into UCLA and UC Berkeley — but also saw personal stories and struggles that must be highlighted. Now more than ever, students deserve a say in government and their education. Learn more about my mission to put students’ needs first over bureaucracy at cazaresforcoc.com.

E4 · THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020 · THE SIGNAL

Candidates for College of the Canyons, Area 4

William S. Hart Union High School District candidates, Area 1

Jerry Danielsen

Michele Jenkins

Linda Storli

Alyssa Williams

Jerry Danielsen is honored to be the teachers’ choice candidate for trustee and to continue his commitment of service to our community — with a students-first Danielsen agenda. Jerry is a COC alumnus, a small-business owner and an educator.

His campaign for the board is inspired by his passion for what we want, what we need, and what we deserve at the college.

We want the college to inspire achievement, improve transfer rates, be adaptable to our quickly changing times, and provide additional and better job training.

We need careful, transparent oversight and management of taxpayer money, which is, after all, your money!

We deserve an inclusive and equitable college that serves everyone, prioritizing teaching and learning, directing resources to those with the greatest need.

Let’s continue the improvement and expansion of the Canyon Country campus, and work for the highest-quality education during and after COVID-19.

I am proud to serve College of the Canyons, one of our community’s greatest assets. My ultimate goal is to make sure COC continues to provide an affordable education for all, Jenkins low-cost training for businesses, and results that exceed expectations. As one of COC’s first graduates and a local business owner for 36 years, I care deeply about the college.

I am proud of my record, which is reflected in students’ achievements and the college’s accomplishments. I listen, and I keep my promises, such as building the Canyon Country campus and science center, Academy of the Canyons, University Center, and Institute for Culinary Education, and establishing our Economic Development Division, which will provide training for wellpaying jobs in a COVID-19 economy. If reelected, I will continue to make decisions based on the needs of students and stakeholders, while maintaining responsible, transparent oversight and longterm financial stability.

Linda Storli was elected to the board in November 2015 to represent Trustee Area 1, covering Castaic, Val Verde, Tesoro del Valle and Valencia.

During her Storli years on the board, Linda helped open Castaic High School on time and on budget. Linda has also seen the district open wellness centers on nearly every campus and plans to have them on every campus by the end of the year. She has pushed to introduce new history textbooks, ensuring students have the most accurate, up-to-date learning material.

Linda was a government and U.S. history teacher at Canyon High School for 30 years. Linda also helps families find their forever homes as part of a Realtor team with her daughter.

Linda was a commissioner on the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission, served as the chair of the city’s Fourth of July Parade Committee, and was a member of the city formation committee.

With a background in education, a son currently in high school and a passion for inclusivity, equity and mental health, Alyssa Williams is ready to take on the Williams difficult issues facing our district schools. Furthermore, with this valley being the wonderfully diverse place it is, Alyssa’s certification as an ESL teacher allows her to understand the challenges of learning a new language and ensuring these families do not feel excluded from the educational process. Alyssa has been vocal throughout her campaign about the fact that students, teachers and staff must be considered and consulted in the major decisions that will impact them. Our district will benefit with your vote for Alyssa.

William S. Hart Union High School District candidates, Area 4

Area 1 candidate Gordon Kirkpatrick did not respond to The Signal’s request for a statement.

Saugus Union High School District candidates, Area 3

Steve Sturgeon

James Webb

Christian Gadbois

Katherine Cooper

Hello, this is Steve Sturgeon, your board member for Area 4. I have represented the district for 21 years and I am seeking reelection. While on this board, we have added six Sturgeon six schools; our seven high schools are in the top 12% of all public high schools in the U.S., and we are one of 12 districts in California given the Award for Excellence.

We represent over 22,000 students and a budget of over $230 million.

Because of COVID-19, I am committed to help guide the district and restore our services to the level we expect to deliver and move above and beyond. This is one of the greatest challenges our district and education as a whole has had to face.

I would appreciate your vote for me on Nov. 3. Visit www.Sturgeon4Hart. com for more information. Thank you in advance for your support!

As a high school teacher for 20 years in the Hart District at Saugus and West Ranch, and the parent of a junior high student, James Webb is equipped with the necWebb essary skills to empower equity for the district and to enrich the school experience for all students. He knows that if teachers, students, families and the community work together, we can achieve a much-needed shift in thinking that will enable the Hart District to involve all stakeholders to support both the academic and socialemotional well-being of all children for today’s classroom. He understands that these partnerships increase school safety, rigorous classrooms and family support of the education opportunities that the Hart District provides to its students.

James asks for your vote to support our students and to build partnerships for success in today’s classroom.

My name is Christian Gadbois and I have lived in Saugus since 1976.

As a parent of two small children, I am concerned by what I have seen happen to our once-great Gadbois school district.

Our kids deserve a parent’s voice.

I am the only candidate who has a child in the district and would be the only trustee with a child in the district.

We need to get our kids back in school safely and give them the education they deserve while not wasting taxpayers’ money or promoting a political agenda.

Vote for me, and I promise to be a voice for parents, work to improve literacy for all students, making sure our kids and teachers are safe, ensuring resources for the mental well-being of our students and simply “letting our kids be kids again.”

Please vote for Chris Gadbois, Area 3 on Nov. 3.

I will represent, equally, all the students in the Saugus District. I will fight: for equitable opportunities, for safety, for focus on mental health, to improve literacy in our Cooper district and to bring educational justice to those students furthest from it. Children deserve their best chance.

I was involved with the parent/teacher organizations at each of my children’s schools, chairing Women’s History Week and the spring carnivals. As a delegate for the Girl Scout Tri-Annual National Convention, I represented the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.

I am a graduate of CSUN, and today I am a certified public accountant. I established my own accounting firm in 2016 and run a successful business. I have experience in budgeting and financial analysis and strongly believe in transparency and fiscal accountability.

Please vote for me to fight for the best future for the children of our community. Cooper4Saugus.com.

Saugus Union High School District candidates, Area 4

Ballot drop-off locations

Matt Watson

Sage Rafferty

Below are the locations of the official Los Angeles County ballot drop-off locations in the Santa Clarita Valley:

The Chinese character for “crisis” being the combination of the characters “danger” and “opportunity” has long been cliché. However, never has it been truer than Watson it is in education in 2020. Our children’s education is being threatened by this pandemic, and other factors. However, being forced outside of our comfort zone is also requiring us as educators and leaders to innovate and examine how and why we do everything.

As the pandemic subsides, we cannot go “back to normal.” We must take advantage of all that we are learning. We must continue to examine our practices to continually improve. That is where my 25 years of experience in education will be useful on the school board.

I will bring my unique perspective to collaborate with parents, giving them a greater voice, and support teachers with the resources they need, in order to provide our students with the best education anywhere.

Sage Rafferty’s life is about service.

He served in the U.S. Army for nine years, which included a deployment to Afghanistan. Sage is running for school board Rafferty to serve once again. Sage will put his vast experience with budgeting and emergency management to use on the school board to get us through this COVID-19 crisis.

Sage’s priorities: n Full funding of education: Washington and Sacramento need to fully fund education so our kids can get the education they deserve while paying our teachers and staff the salaries they deserve. n Student achievement: We need to close the student achievement gap among students in the areas of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. n School safety: We must ensure that all students, teachers and staff are kept safe from external dangers such as school shootings and internal dangers such as COVID-19.

Find out more at SageForSaugus. com and follow him on Facebook at @ SageForSaugus.

n Pico Canyon Park, 25600 Pico Canyon Road, Newhall CA 91381 n Old Town Newhall Library, 24500 Main Street, Santa Clarita CA 91321 n LA County Fire Station 143, 28580 Hasley Canyon Road , Castaic CA 91384 n Castaic Regional Sports Complex, 31230 Castaic Road, Castaic CA 91384 n LA County Fire Station 76, 27223 Henry Mayo Drive, Valencia CA 91355 n Valencia Public Library, 23743 West Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita CA 91355 n Santa Clarita Park, 27285 Seco Canyon Road, Santa Clarita CA 91350 n Metrolink-Santa Clarita, 22122 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita CA 91351 n Bouquet Canyon Park, 28127 Wellston Drive, Santa Clarita CA 91350

n West Creek Park, 24247 Village Circle, Valencia CA 91354 n Todd Longshore Park, 28151 Whites Canyon Road, Santa Clarita CA 91351 n Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library, 18601 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita CA 91351 n LA County Station 132, 29310 Sand Canyon Road, Canyon Country CA 91387 n Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center, 10700 Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce CA 91350 n Acton Park, 3751 Syracuse Avenue, Acton CA 93510

More info online n To find nearby drop box or voting center locations, visit the L.A. County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk website at https://bit. ly/36BAprg and follow the links. n To track your ballot, visit https:// bit.ly/2GEzfAk.