Selected interview transcript

This interview transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Esta entrevista fue conducida en inglés. Para leer versión en español de las preguntas y respuestas, haga click aquí.

What brought you to the San Joaquin Valley? Is it where you would like to stay or your children to stay? Why or why not? 

My parents both came from Michoacan Mexico along with my older brother. They both wanted a better future for my brother and they came to Fresno California because my mom had family over here. A few years later my other brother was born and then me. I would like to stay in Fresno because it needs more improvements and I want to see the change.

Describe your life 10 years as compared to now. 

I would say 10 years ago was less stressful. I was a lot younger so I was not aware of many things.  I could remember being outside more freel. As I started to get older, my parents limited me from being outside because it was dangerous. As I started to grow I became more aware.

What do you love about your community and environment? And what do you find challenging in your community?

Something I love about my community is the swapmeet, it is different from the mall and I like different. Something challenging is the safety it needs to be improved. There have been shootings lately, and there are many homeless throughout areas in Fresno. 

If you were elected to office (County Board of Supervisors or mayor) and had unlimited power to make any changes you thought would improve your community or your environment, what would be the top 3 things on your agenda? County Board of Supervisors?

Homeless finding a safe place for them to go, making a center for them, so they are not camping out in the parks, expanding sports to school and adding a CPR or self defense class, [and] financial help for all schools especially college.