What is your background and how does it inform your decision to run for mayor?
I am a mom, councilwoman, small business owner, and deputy district attorney. I was born in North Carolina and lived in Iran until I was 7 years old, when me and my mother immigrated to Southern California. Like so many others, me and my mother were looking for freedom and opportunity. I learned how to speak English as I completed my primary education and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in public policy and administration from Cal State Long Beach. I earned my Juris Doctor from Santa Clara Law School in 1999. My mother worked as a nurse in a public school setting for 40 years.
Me and my husband Mark, a military veteran, have lived in Long Beach for over 20 years where we are raising our two boys. We are small business owners in Long Beach and, like everyone, trying to bounce back from the pandemic.
While interning in law school, I helped a young rape victim obtain justice and through that experience found my calling. I have been a victims’ rights advocate and prosecutor
for over 20 years, seeking a voice for those who have been victimized by crime. Actively involved in my PTA, me and other local parents wanted a crosswalk in their neighborhood. Unable to get a satisfactory response from City Hall, I decided to run for City Council and won.
Most major cities in the state have “strong mayor” forms of government wherein the mayor is also the city’s chief executive, including San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno, Oakland, and San Francisco. What are your thoughts on Long Beach adopting the strong mayor model?
My background and education has prepared me for this position because it has been a history and path filled with obstacles but also opportunities. I have learned through this process the importance of hard work and the need to help people who don’t feel they have a voice in a system that is foreign to them, maneuver through the system. To have someone fight for them to have a voice and an outcome that is fair and just. I know the challenges that an outsider, and one who is not a part of dominant cultures, faces. I believe in bringing us together for the common good.
Although changing the city’s structure would give the mayor direct power to implement their preferred policies and priorities, I support Long Beach’s current city manager form of government. Long Beach is a diverse city where the power to pass and develop policy should remain with the City Council as a body and for them to direct the city manager to direct the actions of our city departments. Changing our form of government would place too much power in the hands of the mayor and as a result limit the voice and power of the City Council. Long Beach has developed a culture of collaboration among councilmembers where we work together to chart a path forward for the city by developing policies that should, but not always do, seek to strike a middle ground that hears all voices, rather than there simply being one elected official whose priorities are listened to and has the ability to shape city departments to achieve their goals.
Emergency funds from the federal government were critical in starting, sustaining, and even expanding critical social programs during the height of the pandemic, such as language access and mental health services for Black residents. How do you propose that the city maintain these services when the emergency funds expire?
The role of mayor means making tough choices. In recent years we have seen recessions, a pandemic, and now the impacts of inflation hitting the city hard. Leading to many years of discussion about department cuts, furloughs, and service reductions. However, during this time the city continues to create new programs and specialty projects that may have good intentions, but ultimately exist at the expense of the city efficiently providing foundational responsibilities Long Beach residents depend on the city exclusively to provide. So, I suspect that some of the programs that were established through recovery monies may not be able to be maintained without future grant funding.
However, I will recommit the city to focusing on the work of running a City and doing it with greater effectiveness. Too many departments have continually taken on more and more responsibilities or been given new unfunded mandates to manage that are beyond the department’s core necessary responsibilities. We have all heard the difficult position many police departments have been put in over the past few years where issues outside of policing have been added to their plate, well, the same is true across many other city departments as well, leading to a limited, and in many cases reduced, number of staff being given more and more things to do with fewer resources. Look at the numbers of planners we have in our Development Services Department for example. We ranked 9th out of 12 in terms of the number of planners we have working to approve new projects. Santa Monica, Pasadena, LA and LA County are all better staffed than us. That is not acceptable for a city of our size.
As a city we have bitten off more than we can chew with the desire to be everything for everyone, but as a consequence we are struggling to do anything well and often struggling to do it at all. As mayor I will lead the reprioritization of city responsibilities and help develop a budget that is realistic about what our city staff can do. I have infinite faith in our Long Beach employees; they are dedicated and hard-working everyday, but they are only human and asking them to do the job of four other employees sets them up for failure and residents not getting the services they deserve. We will have to make some difficult decisions about what programs to keep, what programs to consolidate, and what we can actually afford. Going back to the residents to ask them to pay more taxes cannot be our solution to every budget dilemma. We have to re-prioritize core services and spend within our means.
If elected, you would be granted the opportunity to put forth a list of mayoral budget recommendations each fiscal year. List some of the budget priorities that you would recommend during your first budget cycle as mayor?
My priorities would be in three main areas: rebuilding public safety, expanding homeless outreach and quality of life teams, and investing in business development.
Rebuilding our public safety priorities. This means a new commitment to trust and transparency in our police department, along with the tools and staffing needed for officers to ensure safety and security throughout our city. The criminal justice system has seen significant changes in recent years compounded by the pandemic, increases in violent crime, prison overcrowding, and changes to laws at the state level. All of this has made the job we ask our officers to do more difficult and nuanced. Never do you spend less money on something and get a better product. We cannot continue to reduce funding for our police and expect better results. If we want to be a first-class city that protects all of its residents, then we need a police department that is fully staffed and has the tools and support it needs to do the job residents depend on them for.
Expand our homeless outreach efforts and quality-of-life teams. My day job has me overseeing many programs related to homelessness including pre-filing outreach and diversion, homeless court mental health diversion, and drug court. I am proud to report that the work we are doing in the next county, Orange County, has resulted in a 16% reduction in homlessness there. It’s because they are doing things differently than we are here in Long Beach. And what they are doing IS WORKING!
Homelessness continues to be the biggest challenge we face as a city. The complexity involved stems from the unique path each person has taken to arrive at being homeless, as well as the different solutions needed to help each individual get out of homelessness long term. We cannot continue to claim this is a priority for the city, while committing less than 20 city staff to this responsibility. All of whom are assigned to work on this task during traditional work hours, which is not the hours their services are needed. We need to get people the help they need by getting them into services, which means we need city staff or non-profit partners out in the city every day making those contacts, building relationships, and developing the credibility that is necessary for someone suffering from homelessness to commit and accept services that will get them on the right track long-term. This is effective. I see it in practice every day in other cities.
While more shelters and meal programs can expand our capacity to provide temporary aid, we need a consistent comprehensive approach that gets people into services and helps ensure they have the best chance possible to succeed. And this begins with funding our staffing needs appropriately with outreach teams that are out in the community seven days a week, an MSC (Multi-Service Center) that is available not just 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, it means expanded quality-of-life officers, and REACH (Restorative Engagement to Achieve Collective Health) teams in every council district. It means putting our money where our mouths are and funding essential needs, not depending on county grants or short-term funding to staff solving the biggest issue we see facing the city every day.
Invest in business development and incentives. I am the only business owner running for mayor. I know first-hand the positive cascading effect a thriving business can have on the community and its employees. Long Beach is and will continue to be a thriving city full of vibrant communities and successful business corridors, but if we are going to be a competitive draw for businesses that continue to build on that sense of place and create the jobs Long Beach residents need, we will absolutely have to invest in business development. We currently allocate no money to business recruitment and retention. None! We need to change this by taking a portion of the sales tax revenue we receive on a go-forth basis and allocating it specifically to business recruitment retention. More thriving businesses in this city means more jobs, more affordability for residents, and more vibrant business corridors.
I am the only candidate in this race to have the balanced support of our business organizations, labor, AND community members. I will have members of all three of these stakeholder groups as part of my transition team and we will work closely with the Economic Development Department to create a comprehensive plan for business recruitment and retention. This has to be a key priority for the city.
Homelessness is an increasing health and safety problem in Long Beach. Tell us about an approach, policy, or program that has been successfully implemented in another city to reduce homelessness that you would like to introduce in Long Beach.
As mentioned above, I am already doing this work in my “day job” and have been for some time. In addition, in 2017, I brought an item to council where I research every single innovative program being implemented nation-wide and included it as part of a feasibility study for the city. As a result of that item, several programs were implemented by the city, but none have really been implemented with dedicated attention or resources. So, their results have been mixed. This is a shame. There are many things we should be doing differently in the city to have a positive impact on this issue. The issue is complex, but we are not tackling it with resources that would support intention and consistency.
Homelessness is absolutely the most complex problem we face here in Long Beach. But, the situation is something we can absolutely tackle with the right strategy. We have about 2,000 homeless people in Long Beach, but only a limited number of outreach teams and hours of operation. This is an issue. We need to emphasize our service-first enforcement model by increasing our capacity through creating additional street outreach teams (whether through the city or a contracted non-profit) for each district so that they can target specific problem areas and repeatedly and consistently offer services to the same individuals. Every single district needs help now! We can always scale back once we reduce the numbers, but for now, every district considers this a top priority. The data AND MY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE has proved to me that this type of directed outreach works. We just don’t currently have the capacity for it in Long Beach.
Once we have dedicated street outreach, we must turn to the issue of where we route people from the streets. Living in parks, beaches, or in front of businesses should never be an option. Projects like tiny home or palette home communities are great transitional housing/service options and we are already exploring them here in Long Beach. But, we have to do a better job working with our non-profit partners throughout the county. Because the passage of the 2004 MHSA (Mental Health Services Act) precludes city administration of mental health services (outside of the two cities enumerated in the law), we have to leverage our resources to help the existing non-profits enhance their capacity. Whether that means adding more beds and services at existing sites or establishing new facilities in our city, we can and should use our resources—not to build more bureaucracy in Long Beach—but to help those that are already successfully delivering services establish a footprint in Long Beach.
I have had the chance to tour transitional tiny/pallette home communities and large wellness centers, like the BeWell Campus, and these operations have the potential to expand to serve Long Beach. We just have to engage directly with them to get that conversation started. In Orange County, for example, the county works hand-in-hand with approximately 40 nonprofits to transition people off the streets. This effort is tied closely to the directed street outreach discussed above. We can do this. We just have to be focused on one strategy.
In what City Council district(s) would you like to see the permanent supportive housing units needed to house homeless people in Long Beach?
District 1, District 2, District 3, District 4, District 5, District 6, District 7, District 8, District 9.
The state is requiring Long Beach to create over 11,000 housing units priced for low-income residents by 2029. Inclusionary zoning, one of the city’s most recent efforts to produce more income-restricted housing, “can be expected to fulfill only a small portion of the unmet need for affordable housing in Long Beach,” according to a city memo. What other mechanisms do you support for creating affordable units?
Housing is absolutely an important topic here in Long Beach, as well as up and down the state, and it will continue to be a priority for me as mayor. I believe we need housing at all income levels throughout the city. Currently, ADUs (accessory dwelling units) are the primary source of inclusionary housing that we are offering in Long Beach. ADUs are filling a need by providing housing at different income levels.
Beyond that, updating our Land Use Element policies made more housing possible throughout the city, and I worked closely with community groups and residents for years to find a good and workable policy that made positive impacts for the city. Specifically, in my district, I led the update of the Southeast Area Specific Plan (SEASP) that set updated development standards for retail as well as inclusionary residential developments in the southeast part of the city. This was historic as it created the opportunity for 10% of the city’s housing mandate to come from the SEASP plan. We have already seen a number of properties sold and are beginning the process of making them into residential buildings that include low-income affordable units that will benefit Long Beach residents.
It is important that Long Beach land use policies, planning department regulations, building permit process, and approval operations incentivize housing providers to invest in Long Beach. As a city, we need to make sure we are a competitive city to draw developers to Long Beach to build housing. And we do this by ensuring that developers have an opportunity to make a return on their investment in the city, which is accomplished through smart housing friendly development policies. The city can help make affordable housing projects more attractive through public-private partnerships where the city can leverage its good credit score and rating to help acquire properties for development. There are many innovative models and streamlined policies that can be used to incentivize and partner with developers on affordable housing.
Do you believe that housing is a human right?
Yes.
According to county data, accidental overdose deaths have spiked over the pandemic, especially in Long Beach. Harm reduction has become a key public health intervention in preventing overdose deaths and cities like New York and San Francisco have opened safe consumption sites to address the problem. Should Long Beach open a safe consumption site?
No.
How would you use the platform of the mayor’s office to increase voter turnout in Long Beach?
As a councilmember I have always made it a priority to engage the community. This has been through regular community meetings, attending neighborhood association meetings, and offering to get together with individual residents with questions or concerns. I have also worked to make sure residents are well-informed on everything going on in the district and facing the city through email and social media. This desire to hear from and work together with residents is foundational to what we need to do as a city to encourage residents to play a role in their local government.
We need to make it easy for residents to participate and be heard in their community, in their council district, at City Hall, and at the ballot box. If we make sure every resident knows their voice is being listened to on individual issues and community concerns—because they’ve attended meetings, they’ve talked to city staff or elected officials, they’ve been able to easily attend City Council meetings because we have easy to use remote options in addition to the ability to attend in person—then we’ve given residents proof that their voice matters and as a result made it more likely that they participate in elections. When residents believe their voice matters and that the City is listening and wants to make the City a better place, people will vote and play a part in the future of our city together.
Should Long Beach increase public funding of the arts?
Yes, absolutely!
Have you taken campaign donations from the fossil fuel industry and, if so, do you plan to continue?
Yes. While one of my opponents has received much more financial support from the fossil fuel industry (directly and indirectly) over the last eight years than I have, we both understand that as we transition away from fossil fuels, they have an important role in our local economy. We have to continue to work under the city’s existing business contracts and project funding, such as the Los Cerritos Wetlands restoration and well abandonment projects.
I realize some individuals will change positions simply because it’s convenient when you are running for office, but that’s not who I am. I am proud of my environmental record: implementation of the Colorado Lagoon habitat restoration and walking path, the open channel project, and the protection of the Los Cerritos Wetlands through the adoption of the Southeast Area Specific Plan (SEASP).
Editors’ note: According to campaign finance filing, Price’s mayoral campaign and now-abandoned council re-election campaign have received a total of $11,650 in contributions from the fossil fuel industry this election cycle. Her top fossil fuel donors include Signal Hill Petroleum, Inc. and The Termo Company.
As part of a plan for all new buildings to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Los Angeles City Council is considering a proposal to bar all new commercial and residential construction projects from including gas line hookups in favor of all-electric appliances. Would you support a similar undertaking in Long Beach?
Yes.
A city-hired consultant recently recommended changes to the Citizen Police Complaint Commission that would create an inspector general position to investigate the LBPD. However, the inspector general could only investigate police shootings, in-custody deaths, and complaints against command staff with the approval of the City Manager. Past commissioners and community members have argued that the CPCC’s current subordination to the City Manager has rendered it toothless. Would you be in favor of an Inspector General position with the unfettered authority to investigate officer misconduct and use-of-force?
No. This is not a collaborative model and I have not seen this implemented anywhere else with any success.
The city’s Technology and Innovation Commission recently issued a full-throated recommendation to put a citywide moratorium on the use of Facial Recognition Technology until privacy and civil rights safeguards are put in place. Do you agree with this recommendation?
No.
What do you believe to be the root cause of crime and what evidence do you have to support your answer?
As a prosecutor for over 20 years I have seen every type of crime and every type of offender. I believe there are many causes for crime. Some of it is trauma, some of it is poverty, some of it is mental health or substance abuse, and some of it is just human nature. These conclusions are based on two decades of public service working with people who are victims of crime and those who are accused of committing crimes. I have seen it all!
There is no level of social programs or level of penalties that will stop crimes from occuring. But, as a city we can help mitigate and deter crime. We can invest in early intervention and outreach programs to help route people away from the criminal justice pathway. I have had the privilege of being involved in gang reduction and intervention mentorship programs throughout my entire career. As a society, we have to do our best to stop those who may be on the verge or pathway of committing a crime. I believe accountability for wrongdoing and victimizing others is important. That’s why we need a fully staffed police department and victim advocates to help those who have been victimized. I also believe, however, that it’s important to give people second chances to get treatment, programming, and better tools to address the root causes of their actions.
I am proud to be on the forefront of criminal justice reform where a balanced approach to crime and justice is being utilized every day in our diversion and collaborative court programs. These programs really do work to address root causes and help foster a system that is focused on results, not just rhetoric. I am proud of the work I am privileged to do in this space every day.
Have you taken campaign donations from the Long Beach Police Officers Association and, if so, do you plan to continue?
Yes. I was proud to have earned their support in this race after a competitive process where multiple mayoral candidates participated to earn their support, financial and otherwise. I support all Long Beach employees and will work as mayor to help our city succeed. My record of placing the highest importance on the City’s responsibility to provide public safety is who I am and what I stand for.
Fare collections accounted for 12-15% of Long Beach Transit’s operating revenue pre-pandemic, totaling roughly $14.8 million. As mayor, you’ll be able to appoint members to LBT’s Board of Directors. Would you support LBT transitioning towards a fare-free transit system?
Yes.
The city of West Hollywood permits cannabis consumption lounges where adult patrons can smoke and consume cannabis products, opening to great fanfare. What are your thoughts on Long Beach allowing cannabis consumption lounges?
As the landscape of cannabis consumption continues to evolve I would be open to developing a local Long Beach policy that allows for this type of business operation. Ensuring our economy is continually at the forefront bringing sales tax revenue and tourism to Long Beach will be an ongoing priority as we move beyond he COVID-19 emergency.
What, if any, reforms would you support to limit the influence of big money special interests in local elections?
I think anyone who does not believe there is too much money in politics today is clearly not paying attention. The fact that nearly one million dollars is what is expected to raise in order to be a competitive candidate for mayor of Long Beach is ridiculous and absolutely serves as a bar that is too high for many to attempt to run. Our democracy in America is flawed, where money is equated with free speech and the measure of political viability comes in dollars not in ideas or personal drive.
There are absolutely opportunities we have to make progress on these challenging issues we face and the stranglehold money has over our political system, but the unfortunate reality is that money is an essential component of any successful political campaign today. I do support stronger campaign finance laws that require accountability and emphasizes small individual donations over large donations from organizations or special interests. Additionally, I believe public financing of campaigns would serve to greatly reduce the amount of money that flows into campaigns, however, all candidates would need to be subject to the same public financing limitations for it to be fair.
But, even with these positive steps taken, the issues of money in politics would remain because we would continue to see Super PACs play a big role and likely an even bigger role if greater limitations and accountability were placed on campaigns. So, I acknowledge the problems we face with money in politics and the amount of time candidates are forced to spend fundraising in order to be a viable candidate, but without significant changes across the board these problems and shortcomings to our democracy will unfortunately continue.
