Veterans & Service Members

The Reality

California’s 35th District is home to a large population of veterans, active-duty service members, Guard, and Reserve families. Many transition out of uniform with leadership skills, discipline, and technical ability — yet struggle to convert that experience into stable, high-paying careers.

At the same time, our district faces a housing shortage, infrastructure strain, and a growing need for skilled trades in construction, electrical work, and modern public safety technology.

My Framework

We can solve multiple problems at once by aligning veteran transition programs with real economic demand. That means building structured federal-to-local pipelines that move service members directly into high-need skilled trades.

Transition & Workforce Pipeline

• Expand federally supported trade transition programs: carpentry, electrical, and skilled construction training aligned with local housing development needs.
• Partner with local builders and municipalities: prioritize hiring veterans for housing projects and infrastructure upgrades.
• Next-generation public safety technology: train veterans in electrical and systems installation for modern policing technology, communications, and community safety upgrades.
• Streamline credential conversion: ensure military training translates quickly into civilian certifications without unnecessary delay.

Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & Care

Every individual who served honorably — combat zone or not — deserves access to extensive mental health resources, suicide prevention programs, and quality healthcare.

• Increase funding for proactive mental health outreach, not reactive crisis response.
• Expand access to community-based providers partnered with the VA.
• Modernize suicide prevention programs with data-driven early intervention tools.
• Ensure faster access to care and reduced appointment delays.

Bolster & Modernize the VA

The Department of Veterans Affairs must keep pace with modern reality — technology, healthcare demand, and the evolving needs of younger veterans.

• Modernize VA systems and digital infrastructure.
• Reduce backlog and bureaucratic delay in claims processing.
• Increase transparency in performance metrics and service timelines.
• Align funding with measurable improvements in care quality and speed.

What Success Looks Like

• Veterans moving directly into skilled, high-demand careers.
• More housing built by local workforce talent.
• Stronger mental health support with reduced suicide rates.
• A VA system that operates with efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

Continue the Mission

Service does not end at separation. We owe our veterans a system that matches their discipline with opportunity.