Mr Favorite Jess finished last in Saturday’s sixth race. The official race chart says he was “bumped start, crowded/steadied midway, equine ambulanced.”

“The horse sustained an injury just past the finish line. Jockey pulled up right away and dismounted but stumbled shortly after and lost the hold of his mount,” California Horse Racing Board spokesman Mike Marten told City News Service. “The horse ran loose and fell in the backside. Injuries required euthanasia.”

Mr Favorite Jess had 20 races in his career — all at Los Alamitos — including two first-place finishes.

He is the eighth horse to die from a racing or training injury at the Cypress track this year.

That was on display Thursday night, May 8, at Cypress College, where its Fashion Club hosted its first event, showcasing cultural identities through fashion design. Pineda, the club’s president, said the goal of the show — which was free to students and the community — was to highlight how fashion can serve as a form of communication.

In front of the college’s art gallery, students modeled clothes from fellow student designers — low-rise pants, floral and satin skirts, pastel hoodies and bubble skirts — alongside student art exhibitions.

Fashion is a means for communication, Pineda said, and she wanted designers to be able to communicate their cultures through their designs.

“It has become an outlet for self-expression,” said Pineda, who studies journalism at Cypress College. “To let someone know you’re the kind of person you are without orally explaining or going into detail on your identity.”

For Gilberto Ortiz Navarro, art and identity go hand-in-hand.

“When people think of fashion, they might think of just clothes, but it’s never just clothes — it’s art at the end of the day,” said Navarro, a student who serves on the Fashion Club board. “I think once I started seeing it like that, I felt more like I identified with certain pieces or that I was actually able to find my own style.”

Pineda said that many fashion trends — baggy jeans and boxers, for example — originated from people of color, while simultaneously being looked down upon by the larger fashion industry.

She wanted to work to end that by giving people of color credit for their trends by showcasing their designs during Thursday’s show.

Pineda said she wanted to explore not only how culture influences fashion, but the importance it has within college campuses.

With efforts to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion programs on college campuses across the country, Pineda said it was important to her to give voice to people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, even if it’s just for an hour or two.

“With everything going on in our current political climate and the attacks on DEI,” Pineda said, “I think it’s very important that a lot of the narratives being told are given back to those experiencing those narratives.”

And fashion is political, Pineda said.

Citing former President Barack Obama’s tan suit controversy or the identifiability of President Donald Trump’s red “Make America Great Again” hat, Pineda said fashion is used to make a statement in all sectors.

The show was intended to help students better connect with Cypress community members through fashion, culture and art, said Pineda.

Thursday’s show had been in preparation for over a year, Pineda said.

The club lost its initial advisor, which delayed its organization and ability to associate itself on campus officially. Now with a new advisor, art history professor Janet Owen Driggs, Pineda said the club became associated this school year and is able to achieve its vision for giving back to students and the community.

Despite its free entry, the show took a lot of coordination to fund.

The club hosted yard sales, received financial support from the campus art gallery and enlisted assistance from Owen Driggs’ art history department. And club members spread the word about the show through social media and flyers on campus, Navarro said.

Pineda said organizing the event is a stepping stone to a future in fashion and journalism and added she hopes to see people of color have a more recognized place within the fashion industry.

“I would love for people of color to get their credit,” Pineda said. “There’s nothing else I would want besides that.”

With around two decades in public service, Pulido, 56, has been a city councilmember, two-time mayor and president of the ABC Unified School District Board of Education.

“The time is now to put my seasoned leadership to work for the 67th Assembly District,” Pulido said in a campaign email this week. “Our state and communities are facing serious issues. We need experienced, results-oriented legislators in Sacramento.”

Pulido, who is serving his 20th year in elected public office, according to his website, pointed to a list of local accomplishments as part of his track record, including helping reduce residential crime. In 2018, the burglary rate in Cerritos was 34.7% lower than in 2017 and had dropped by 54.7% compared to 1994.

During his time on the City Council, Pulido supported public safety measures, including leasing police vehicles equipped with automatic license plate reader technology, which alerts deputies to stolen vehicles or people of interest. In 2016, he also opposed budget cuts that would have closed the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station.

Pulido said he has helped boost business development; invest in local infrastructure, including repairing streets and sidewalks; and improve public services like libraries and parks — experiences he said position him well to continue serving his community at the state level.

Pulido was termed out of the Cerritos City Council in 2020 but became eligible to run again after a break. Cerritos limits councilmembers to two consecutive four-year terms, after which they must wait at least two years before running for office again. Pulido was elected to return to the City Council on March 4.

The Cerritos resident has also worked across multiple levels of government, most recently as district chief of staff to former Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Long Beach. He previously held roles in the state legislature and served on several state commissions, including appointments by former Gov. Jerry Brown to the California Volunteers Commission and the California Science Center Board of Directors.

Pulido has early backing from a slate of fellow Democrats, including Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymembers Josh Lowenthal, Mia Bonta, Al Muratsuchi and former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon.

The 67th Assembly District seat covers a wide swath of northwest Orange County and parts of southeast Los Angeles County, including the cities of Artesia, Cerritos and Hawaiian Gardens in LA County and Buena Park, Cypress, La Palma and portions of Anaheim, Fullerton and Orange in Orange County.

The race for the 67th Assembly District is becoming increasingly crowded.

Ada Briceño, a labor leader and former chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, announced her candidacy in January. Briceño has racked up a long list of endorsements, including from a dozen labor unions and advocacy groups, as well as Rep. Derek Tran, former Rep. Katie Porter, Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Democratic Party of Orange County Chair Florice Hoffman.

Artesia Mayor Ali Sajjad Taj, who has served more than a decade on the City Council, is running as well. Taj has the backing of Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton.

Voter registration in the district favors Democrats.

According to the latest report from the secretary of state, 41.88% of registered voters in the district are Democrats, 27.99% are Republicans and 24.52% have no party preference.

In the 2024 general election, Quirk-Silva won reelection with 56.8% of the vote against Republican challenger Beth Culver, who received 43.2%.

April 5 — 3rd Annual Citrus Festival. Riverside: Spring fun at the California Citrus State Historic Park will include live music, citrus tastings, kids’ activities, cooking and painting demonstrations and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking shuttles available. 9400 Dufferin Ave., Riverside. californiacitruspark.com

April 5-6 — L.A. Vegan Street Fair, North Hollyood: Explore the 150 vendors and fun at the 10th annual vegan street fair. The event, featuring a live DJ, runs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. both days.  Get your free ticket at eventbrite.com/o/vegan-street-fair-9035601544. 11223 Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood.

April 6 — Music and Dance of Spain, Cypress: Ecos de España: This all-ages, interactive performance will explore the multicultural roots of Hispanic performing arts. Children over 5 welcome. After the show, a workshop will teach attendees how to play castanets.  The Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress.  714-826-0350. ocpl.org/libraries/cypress

April 6 — Bowers Museum, Santa Ana: 11-3. The Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at the Bowers Museum’s Key Courtyard will feature live performances, face painting and snacks. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana.  714.567.3600  bowers.org/index.php/programs/festivals/japanese-cherry-blossom

April 6 — Riverside Art Museum and The Cheech: Free admission to the public and no tickets required as part of their Free First Sundays program. (Also free every First Thursday as part of the Riverside ArtsWalk.) Noon-5 p.m. 3425 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside. riversideartmuseum.org,

April 12 — Family Art, Laguna Beach:  Create artwork together with instruction from LOCA artists at the Laguna Beach library. Each month, a new art project will be introduced and everyone will have fun creating their own unique art piece. All materials included. 2-3 p.m. 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach. 949-497-1733. ocpl.libcal.com/event/13339159

April 12-13 — Cowboy Festival, Santa Clarita: Main festival general admission is free; other events have fees. Learn about life on the American Frontier with live performances and more. Vendors with Western gear and chuck wagons will sell barbecue. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Ave., Santa Clarita. cowboyfestival.org

April 13 — Cypress. Music of New Orleans: Explore the multicultural roots of New Orleans jazz music with the Jazzy Ash Trio. This is an interactive performance for all ages. 3-4 p.m. Cypress Library 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress.  714-826-0350. ocpl.libcal.com/event/14315637

April 19 — Free National Park Day: For the kickoff of the annual National Park Week, which for 2025 will be held April 19-27, the park service is offering free admission to its parks and monuments on Saturday, April 19. This can save you $50 or even more, but I suggest you get to the park really early. Like, really early. Learn more: nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm

April 19 — Japanese Taiko Drumming. Northridge: Learn about Japanese Taiko Drumming through performance and discussions of the history and cultural significance of taiko drums. Audience members will be able to try the drums themselves.  3:30 p.m. Northridge Branch Library, 9051 Darby Ave., Northridge 818-886-3640. lapl.org/whats-on/events/la-made-presents-japanese-taiko-drumming-1

April 24-27 — Southern California Spring Garden Show, Costa Mesa: This is the 35th annual show with plants, sculptures, fountains, exhibits and tons of vendors. Located at South Coast Plaza, in the Crate & Barrel & Macy’s wings. Walk over the Garden Bridgeway for shops and eateries. Find a tour of the garden and sculpture areas online, plus a guided palm tour hosted by the Sherman Library and Gardens. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa. southcoastplaza.com/gardenshow/

April 26 — Cello with Chelsea, Cypress: Cellist Chelsea Wong will present an interactive performance for music lovers of all ages. 3-4 p.m. The Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Avenue, Cypress.  714-826-0350. ocpl.libcal.com/event/14315638

April 27 — Fiesta Broadway 2025, Downtown Los Angeles: This Cinco de Mayo event includes two stages with live music, Lucha Libre wrestling matches, Latin food, health resources and product samples. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 111 N Broadway, Los Angeles. fiesta-broadway.com

April 30 — See “Wicked” movie, Hollywood: The Oscar-nominated movie will be screened for free from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Frances Howard Goldwyn — Hollywood library. 1623 Ivar Ave.. Los Angeles. 323-856-8260. lapl.org/whats-on/events/movie-screening-wicked

Taj, who first joined the City Council in 2013, said his background in finance and local government has prepared him to address key issues in the state, including affordability, public safety and climate resiliency. Before serving on the City Council, Taj said he worked as a financial advisor at American Express.

“I’ve worked on these issues not just at the City Council level but also at the state level through my work with the League of California Cities,” said Taj, a Democrat who recently served as president of the nonprofit that advocates for cities statewide and supports local governments.

Taj, 57, was born and raised in Pakistan before moving to the U.S. in 1999. With an undergraduate degree in economics and political science and a master’s in public administration, he said he arrived with high hopes, only to find himself working minimum-wage jobs in Artesia to make ends meet.

“I came here to look for better opportunities … but eventually, I ran out of my savings. My first job was here in Artesia as a sales rep making $4.25 an hour back in the day at the Good Guys electronic store. I was also working at a Shell gas station,” said Taj.

“My first six months were extremely frustrating because, as you can imagine, I have a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree … working $4.25 an hour was really, really frustrating.”

But those early struggles, he said, shaped his understanding of the community and the people he now represents. When Taj ran for City Council in 2013, he said the city was facing some financial difficulty, and Taj believed his background in finance could help turn things around.

Affordability is a major focus of his campaign. Taj said he has seen firsthand how high housing costs impact working families, including his own.

“My son and daughter-in-law live in the district in Fullerton, and they have a kid, but they cannot buy a house at this time because of affordability, because of the fact that they just aren’t able to make ends meet,” he said. “That’s the story right now in California, and I want to change that. I want to make sure that … working families are able to live comfortably.”

Ada Briceño, a labor leader and former chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, has also announced a run for the 67th Assembly District.

Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, D-Fullerton, who is set to term out in 2026, has endorsed Taj.

The 67th District covers areas in both Los Angeles and Orange counties, including Artesia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Cypress, Hawaiian Gardens and La Palma, along with parts of Anaheim, Fullerton and Orange.

Beyond affordability, Taj said he’s campaigning on boosting public school funding, backing law enforcement, expanding affordable housing, assisting first-time homebuyers and renters and promoting clean energy initiatives.

For the uninitiated, the ice cream stacks are created by slicing, rather than scooping, the ice cream into pieces and then layering them onto a cone using a rectangular handheld tool. This flat shape allows for a greater variety of flavors to be piled high, unlike traditionally spherical scoops, where anything beyond three scoops can take a precarious turn, as anyone who’s worked behind an ice cream counter can confirm.

Menu highlights at Rainbow Cone include its titular eight-ounce cone featuring five slices of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio and orange sherbet; Orange Dream (orange sherbet and vanilla slices), Chocolate Obsession (chocolate, peanut butter swirl, cookies and cream, and big muddy ice cream); and Cosmic Birthday Cake, a trippy, multi-hued cone with slices of Superman and birthday cake ice cream.

ALSO SEE: Japanese cafe and bakery Bread, Espresso & opens its first U.S. location in the South Bay

Rainbow Cone also offers shakes, cakes, sundaes and mini doughnuts. Another sweet treat: The first 99 guests in line on opening day will receive a free Rainbow Cone.

“I’ve loved this brand for as long as I can remember, and it’s such a dream to be a part of its historic expansion to California,” said Anne Hsiung, the franchise owner, who grew up in Chicago, said in a written release. “For me, opening Rainbow Cone is about more than just serving delicious ice cream to my friends and neighbors; it’s about bringing those people together to honor a tradition that’s been a big part of my life.”

Hsiung plans on opening two additional Rainbow Cone shops in the area at a later date.

After nearly a century in business, Rainbow Cone, now part of the Buona Companies restaurant group, announced in 2024 that it would expand nationally, with locations in California, Florida and Texas. Rainbow Cone first opened in 1926 by Joseph “Grandpa Joe” Sapp and his wife, Katherine in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.

Find it: 9527 Valley View St., Cypress

• Also see: What to know about the special election for the 36th State Senate District

Name: Jimmy Pham

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Other political positions held: Chair of the Westminster Traffic Commission

City where you reside: Westminster

Why should voters trust you to fill this seat? 

I have a proven record of dedicated service to and involvement in many parts of this district. I have deep ties within Little Saigon, chairing the Traffic Commission for the city of Westminster and serving as a member of the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce in Westminster. I am also a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California.

As an attorney and small business owner, I understand the importance of not only fiscal responsibility but also lending a helping hand to those in need. Should I be elected, I would operate with full transparency and integrity, taking into account feedback from my constituents to guide my actions.

Many of the cities in this district are older and more established. How can the state help with their housing and economic needs? How would you, as the state senator, help their economies evolve?

As the cost of housing along the coast increases, workers in our beachfront stores, restaurants and hotels have to live farther away to find housing they can afford, resulting in longer commutes and contributing to traffic. One way to address the housing crisis, reduce traffic and contribute to the economy simultaneously would be for the state to incentivize the construction of housing units in commercial areas, as well as fund reliable public transit.

These policy solutions working in tandem would reduce the necessity of driving, allowing local governments to allocate more space for offices, retail or residences.

What could the state government do to help the cities in the 36th District meet housing needs while still preserving their quality of life and special characteristics?

Housing security is critical to achieving the California dream, and the state has shirked its responsibility to spur construction to meet the needs of everyone who wants to live and work here. In the legislature, I will work with my colleagues to expand grants and tax credits for first-time homebuyers and bring millions of dollars in state funding back to our district to support new housing construction projects.

I am also committed to cutting red tape and streamlining approval processes to ensure housing is built more quickly and more cost-effectively. Incentives to build townhomes or apartments near existing and future transit stops, as well as convert struggling commercial properties to mixed-use or residential developments, will help concentrate development in areas that need it while preserving the quality of life and special characteristics of existing developments.

The seas are rising and affecting our communities with erosion and flooding, along with a variety of other issues that often look different for different communities. What can the state do to help alleviate those issues caused by climate change for the cities along the coast in this district and those more inland?

The negative effects of climate change, including coastal erosion, erratic swings between periods of drought and rain and sea level rise, are already affecting thousands of residents of Southern California. Coastal erosion has shut down vital transportation corridors for months at a time, including train tracks between Los Angeles and San Diego, as well as the Pacific Coast Highway along the Central Coast. Changing weather patterns have fueled vegetation growth, planting seeds for some of the most destructive fires in state history as drought conditions re-emerge. The state must step up the resources it provides for climate adaptation in addition to its existing efforts to mitigate the causes of climate change.

Voters approved Prop. 4 last fall, which would provide $10 billion for projects that would reinforce infrastructure where feasible to make it climate-resilient, such as burying electric lines in fire-prone areas; constructing sea walls to protect our coastal roads, rail lines and buildings; and digging rain catchment basins to capture runoff and store it as groundwater, rather than send it out to sea. If elected, I would want to monitor the effectiveness of these projects and look around the world for best practices to better adapt to a changing climate.

This year has been dubbed the year for affordability policies in the state legislature. What’s one specific idea you have to address an affordability issue in this district and/or the state as a whole?

The top affordability concern across this district is the price of housing — the average rent for an apartment in Orange County last year passed $2,800, with some cities like Newport Beach exceeding $3,400. Meanwhile, cities from Austin to Raleigh have seen rents drop due to an influx of construction, making new units available.

Public reporting has noted a concerning increase in purchases of apartment complexes and single-family homes by institutional investors like private equity firms or hedge funds in recent years. These purchases both squeeze out regular homebuyers who cannot compete with all-cash offers, as well as renters who face higher rents and additional fees. Federal lawmakers have proposed legislation that would cap property holdings by institutional investors and force divestiture of excess units — I would push for a similar bill at the state level to bring relief more quickly than can be expected from a gridlocked Washington.

If elected, what is the first bill you plan to introduce, and how does it address a pressing issue in the 36th District?

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles could be the most expensive natural disasters in U.S. history, and their severity was likely worsened by climate change. Last year, voters approved Prop. 4, a $10 billion bond for climate and environmental projects; $1.5 billion would go toward forest management and vegetation clearing, but local fires have made clear that local chaparral also needs proper maintenance.

I would propose a bill encouraging the state to partner with local Native American tribes with a history of land stewardship to properly manage vegetation and reduce fire risk.

How would you balance the district’s needs with statewide fiscal challenges, particularly if budget cuts or revenue shortfalls arise?

California’s budget disproportionately relies on the income of high earning individuals and corporations to fund expenses, including many residents of this district. While economically strong years provide plentiful resources to expand social programs, sudden downturns or outmigration of wealthy individuals can leave middle-class taxpayers like many in District 36 holding the bag and low-income residents without access to necessary programs.

I will be a champion for all residents of District 36 in Sacramento. I will work with my colleagues to forge a consensus to prioritize programs and benefits most utilized by our residents and to find alternative sources of funding at the federal or local level if necessary. I would also seek out philanthropic opportunities in the community, working with local stakeholders to help the community come together to support one another.

The legislature is in the midst of a special session that’s been called to “Trump-proof” California in preparation for the second Trump administration. Legislators have been asked, among other things, to bolster the state’s Department of Justice budget in the event that California would challenge in court some of the Trump administration’s policies. Do you support the idea of setting money aside to protect Californians’ rights? Why or why not?

I fully support setting aside state funding to empower our attorney general and the state Department of Justice to protect Californians’ rights and civil liberties. As the most populous state in the nation and the fifth largest economy in the world, California has fought for and negotiated certain privileges with the federal government, recognizing our influence in setting policy, including automobile mileage and air quality standards.

Additionally, voters have enshrined certain rights, such as reproductive freedom and marriage equality, into the state constitution. We must recognize the will of the voters and protect these rights from potential infringement by the Trump administration.

What legislative committee would you request to join in the Senate, and how do you feel your background would make you a good fit for the role?

I would request to sit on the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee to provide oversight of how the state spends taxpayer money and ensure a good return on investment. As an attorney, small business owner and taxpayer, I have a history of managing my finances and care deeply about fiscal responsibility. I want to ensure that our tax dollars are being spent wisely, and I will bring my expertise to the legislature.

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in the 36th Senate District?

Meet Fresh, a place to get amazing Taiwanese desserts and drinks.

• Also see: What to know about the special election for the 36th State Senate District

Name: Julie Diep

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Other political positions held: Anaheim Elementary School District Trustee (currently serving)

City where you reside: Garden Grove

Why should voters trust you to fill this seat?

As a trustee for the Anaheim Elementary School District, I’ve dedicated myself to ensuring every student and family has the resources they need to succeed. With 25 years as a speech pathologist and as the founder of OC Autism, I’ve been a strong advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families, building programs and policies that make a tangible difference.

I’m running for state Senate because I’ve lived the challenges our community faces, from homelessness and addiction to small business struggles. My family and I have faced these barriers, fueling my commitment to finding real solutions.

I’ve fought for quality education, disability rights and sustainable policies, and I’m ready to amplify those efforts for Orange County. Voters can trust me to prioritize fairness, inclusion and practical solutions. I’ll listen, collaborate and act to address the needs of our community and create a stronger future for District 36.

Many of the cities in this district are older and more established. How can the state help with their housing and economic needs? How would you, as the state senator, help their economies evolve?

Our district’s established cities need investments to modernize infrastructure, such as repairing outdated water systems in Garden Grove or enhancing transit connectivity in Huntington Beach. Housing affordability is a pressing issue. I will push for policies that streamline approvals for affordable, mixed-use developments and adapt vacant commercial spaces into housing while respecting each city’s unique identity.

I will also prioritize small business support and workforce development, particularly in emerging industries, to boost local economies. Coastal areas require shoreline restoration to protect tourism and the environment, while inland cities like Garden Grove and Westminster need more green spaces and urban tree initiatives to combat heat and improve air quality. Addressing these needs together ensures our district thrives while preserving its distinctive character.

Additionally, addressing PFAS contamination is critical to safeguarding public health. Cities like Garden Grove and Westminster face significant challenges with contaminated water supplies. I will advocate for increased state funding to upgrade water treatment systems and enforce stricter regulations on industrial discharges, ensuring safe drinking water for all residents.

What could the state government do to help the cities in the 36th District meet housing needs while still preserving their quality of life and special characteristics?

The state should reduce red tape for developments near transit hubs and encourage adaptive reuse of vacant properties. Local control must guide planning, with state technical assistance ensuring community-specific solutions. The RHNA process needs reforms, as many cities struggle to meet state requirements due to unclear guidance.

Strengthening protections against overdevelopment while empowering residents to participate in planning processes ensures that housing solutions reflect community values and protect the character of cities like Huntington Beach, Garden Grove and Westminster.

The seas are rising and affecting our communities with erosion and flooding, along with a variety of other issues that often look different for different communities. What can the state do to help alleviate those issues caused by climate change for the cities along the coast in this district and those more inland?

Coastal cities like San Clemente, Dana Point and Huntington Beach face erosion. Inland cities, including Garden Grove and Westminster, struggle with extreme heat and limited green spaces. The state must invest in tailored solutions. Shoreline restoration and resilient infrastructure, such as seawalls, can protect coastal communities. Urban tree programs and cooling centers in Garden Grove and Westminster can address heat impacts, while sustainable water management and wildfire prevention measures, like vegetation management, are critical.

Statewide, renewable energy and climate-resilient development practices can mitigate future impacts. These efforts protect lives, homes and jobs while creating opportunities for growth in green industries. We also need to be mindful that we have the right regulations in place for these new solutions when they pose risk to our communities. The Moss Landing incident is rightfully making many residents concerned that the state needs to do more to make sure that utility-grade battery storage facilities are safe and/or far away from sensitive residential or natural habitat areas.

This year has been dubbed the year for affordability policies in the state legislature. What’s one specific idea you have to address an affordability issue in this district and/or the state as a whole? 

Affordable housing is essential to keeping families in our communities. The most vulnerable communities are often residents in mobile home parks. These folks are hit the hardest by land rent increases from out-of-state corporate landlords. I propose developing a solution, perhaps by using the IBank, that can allow residents to work together to purchase and manage the land in their mobile home parks, preserving affordability and stability.

If elected, what is the first bill you plan to introduce, and how does it address a pressing issue in the 36th District?

My first bill will focus on expanding access to local news and information resources. Many residents, especially in underserved communities, lack access to accurate, timely updates about their cities and state policies. This bill will fund grants to support local news organizations and support multilingual platforms to reach diverse audiences. We need these efforts to empower residents to stay informed and engaged.

Additionally, I will advocate for preserving cultural districts like Little Saigon, ensuring their economic and cultural contributions are recognized and supported while fostering growth that benefits both the Vietnamese community and the broader district.

How would you balance the district’s needs with statewide fiscal challenges, particularly if budget cuts or revenue shortfalls arise?

Balancing district needs with statewide challenges requires a focus on essentials like education, public safety and infrastructure. Efficiency audits can identify waste in state programs, while public-private partnerships can fund key projects. I will also push for equitable resource allocation to ensure underserved communities aren’t disproportionately impacted by cuts.

The legislature is in the midst of a special session that’s been called to “Trump-proof” California in preparation for the second Trump administration. Legislators have been asked, among other things, to bolster the state’s Department of Justice budget in the event that California would challenge in court some of the Trump administration’s policies. Do you support the idea of setting money aside to protect Californians’ rights? Why or why not? 

Yes, I support protecting Californians’ rights by ensuring the state’s Department of Justice is prepared to challenge harmful federal policies. Many in the Vietnamese community fled government overreach, and we value individual freedoms.

California must stand as a bulwark against authoritarianism. We must defend civil rights, public health and environmental protections. We must fight against attacks on immigrant communities, and we must protect our hard-fought citizenship.

What legislative committee would you request to join in the Senate, and how do you feel your background would make you a good fit for the role? 

I would request to join the Education and Human Services committees. My work as a trustee for the Anaheim Elementary School District and as a speech pathologist has given me insight into addressing education and accessibility challenges. Supporting diverse student needs and ensuring families have access to critical resources has been central to my career.

Additionally, my advocacy for families and communities equips me to craft policies that prioritize equity, support vulnerable populations and promote long-term community well-being.

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in the 36th Senate District?

Crème Cafe in Seal Beach. Their dishes are fresh and delicious — it’s my go-to spot to spend quality time with my family, families and our veterans.

• Also see: What to know about the special election for the 36th State Senate District

Name: Tony Strickland

Political party affiliation: Republican

Other political positions held: Huntington Beach City Council: 2022-present; Huntington Beach Finance Commission: 2021-22; California State Senate: 2008-12; California State Assembly: 1998–2004.

City where you reside: Huntington Beach

Why should voters trust you to fill this seat?

Police officers, firefighters and Sheriff Don Barnes support me to fill this seat because of my proven record supporting increasing funding for public safety and opposing efforts to defund the police or release dangerous criminals early.

Taxpayers know they can trust me to fill this seat because I have a proven record as a tax fighter, earning a Lifetime A Rating from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. They know I’ll lead the charge to protect Proposition 13 and roll back the recent increases in the gas tax.

And a majority of the mayors throughout the district support me because they know I have a proven record standing up to Gavin Newsom’s outrageous big government overreach.

Many of the cities in this district are older and more established. How can the state help with their housing and economic needs? How would you, as the state senator, help their economies evolve?

Gavin Newsom’s constant push for higher taxes and bigger government has led to many Californians, and their businesses, leaving the state. To protect these cities’ local economies, we can begin by trying to keep more of our taxpayers from leaving by creating a more tax-friendly environment. We need to be looking to cut taxes, instead of raising them, and rolling back the recent gas tax increase is a great place to start.

And as bad as Gavin Newsom and his legislative allies have been for the economy, if their continued efforts to undermine Prop. 13 were ever successful, we’d see it wreak even more havoc on California homeowners.

California’s housing problems, that have been blamed on local governments throughout the state, begin with bad policies and the housing hypocrisy out of the legislature that were adopted by Gov. Newsom. Upwards of 95% of Californians live on just 5% of the land in our state. Instead of trying to further urbanize the 5%, it makes immeasurably more sense to offer incentives to build in the 95%.

When huge parts of the Inland Empire clamor for more housing, the same governor who wants to double the population of Huntington Beach won’t let other cities even move a single Joshua tree to accommodate homebuilding.

We can revitalize economic development in our cities, protect California taxpayers and homeowners and encourage homebuilding, all with the same steps. It requires getting Gavin Newsom and his tax, spend and (over)regulate allies out of the way.

What could the state government do to help the cities in the 36th District meet housing needs while still preserving their quality of life and special characteristics?

The absolute most important thing the state could do to help cities meet housing needs would be to throw out the absurd current RHNA process and get back to the common sense ideas that will actually result in responsible homebuilding throughout the state. Reforms in CEQA, excessive fees and burdensome regulations are more what are actually in the way of fulfilling the 36th District’s housing needs in a way that fits each city. Instead, the legislature’s top-down mandate approach has turned reasonable housing into many of these cities’ fight for local control.

All of this could have been avoided with any number of reasonable, common-sense approaches to addressing homebuilding on a statewide basis.

The seas are rising and affecting our communities with erosion and flooding, along with a variety of other issues that often look different for different communities. What can the state do to help alleviate those issues caused by climate change for the cities along the coast in this district and those more inland?

As someone who will represent the entire length of the coast in Orange County, the most immediate and significant impact any representative can have is to bring back resources from the state and federal governments to replenish the sand on our beaches.

Much like former Rep. Michelle Steel did for years, I will look to champion sand replenishment throughout Orange County. Our beaches are a significant part of the economic engine that makes Orange County thrive, and we need to make sure our beaches are always as healthy as possible.

This year has been dubbed the year for affordability policies in the state legislature. What’s one specific idea you have to address an affordability issue in this district and/or the state as a whole?

If the California Legislature has been focused on affordability, they have failed. Only in California can the legislature name something so opposite of what they actually work to achieve. They may call for affordability, but the legislature’s actions actively make the state less so.

For instance, a rollback of recent increases in the gas tax would do more than any other Sacramento idea to keep more dollars in the pockets of more hardworking Californians and California businesses. Instead of admitting the obvious, that higher taxes cause the higher prices. Gov. Newsom and the Sacramento Democrats pretend price gouging is to blame.

It’s all economic illiteracy, and it is all for political show.

The taxes themselves are felt by most California drivers, but the downstream impacts hit every California consumer. Higher gas prices lead to higher prices for food and other items. Instead of actually helping make California more affordable, Gavin Newsom and his Sacramento allies have only made problems worse.

If elected, what is the first bill you plan to introduce, and how does it address a pressing issue in the 36th District?

There are two bills I am excited to introduce right from the start.

The first would be to permanently roll back recent increases in the gas tax. By 2026, Californians will be paying upwards of $2 per gallon more than necessary. That’s outrageous.

Secondly, I intend to introduce into state law the same voter ID proposal I authored, and was approved by the voters, in Huntington Beach. Californians deserve fair elections where it is easy to vote and hard to cheat.

How would you balance the district’s needs with statewide fiscal challenges, particularly if budget cuts or revenue shortfalls arise?

California’s budget problems are of this governor’s and this legislature’s making. Billions upon billions of dollars are eaten up annually in waste, fraud and abuse.

We need to get our fiscal house in order, and that starts with becoming better watchdogs of how we spend the taxpayers’ hard-earned money. From the macro to the micro, from cracking down on EDD fraud to getting rid of the governor’s $200,000 per year personal photographer, there is room to cut in every department without touching core services. And we need to start now and not kick the can down the road until budget problems become budget emergencies

The legislature is in the midst of a special session that’s been called to “Trump-proof” California in preparation for the second Trump administration. Legislators have been asked, among other things, to bolster the state’s Department of Justice budget in the event that California would challenge in court some of the Trump administration’s policies. Do you support the idea of setting money aside to protect Californians’ rights? Why or why not?

Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders need to stop worrying about how Donald Trump does his job and start worrying about how poorly they’ve been doing their own jobs.

In just the past few years, every stat that should be going down has been going up. And every stat that should be going up has been going down. They have governed completely backward. Taxes are up. Outrageous regulations are up. Crime across most every category is up. Homelessness is up. Inflation is up. Money wasted on high-speed rail is up. EDD fraud is up.

Meanwhile, education test levels are down. Quality of life is down. Affordability is down. Confidence government leaders can reliably get water out of fire hydrants is way down.

Gavin Newsom and his Sacramento allies need to get back to basics and stop trying to govern by headline.

What legislative committee would you request to join in the Senate, and how do you feel your background would make you a good fit for the role?

Given the public’s interest in pushing back against the uptick in crime around California, as evidenced with the passage of Prop. 36 and the election of L.A. District Attorney Nathan Hochman, I believe much of the important legislation this year is going to flow through the Public Safety Committee.

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in the 36th Senate District?

It may not be the place I eat most regularly, but my favorite place will always be Duke’s by the pier in Huntington Beach because that’s where I went on my first date with my wife, Carla. It’ll always have sentimental value for that reason.

• Also see: What to know about the special election for the 36th State Senate District

Name: John Briscoe

Political party affiliation: Republican

Other political positions held: Ocean View School District trustee for 16 years; California State Party vote delegate 2016-present; Ex-officio member of the LAGOP and OCGOP Central Committee.

City where you reside: Huntington Beach

Why should voters trust you to fill this seat?

As Californians, we know that our state is the most beautiful, diverse and unique in the nation. It has so much to offer; unfortunately, taxes and expenses are just too high for most residents.

As a longtime educator and elected school board trustee in Huntington Beach, I know the value of our excellent public schools. We all know they can’t function without the necessary resources. My commitment is to demand increased funding for State Senate District 36. As a 16-year elected public school trustee for the Ocean View School District, I know how to get work done for all our families.

As a longtime business leader in Orange and Los Angeles counties, I have common-sense business knowledge. As a licensed broker, U.S. military veteran housing provider and union-endorsed candidate, I have support from many stakeholders.

My experience has allowed me to be a community leader in Boy Scouts, Rotary, Optimists, Crosspoint Church, PTA, AYSO Soccer, Little League, Toastmasters, LB Century Club and CA State Party Delegate.

I am a local and well-educated community member, a Cal State Long Beach graduate with an MBA and an MPA, and an Eagle Scout as well. As a small business owner, I will work for all small business owners to maximize their assets and realize profits.

As an advocate for local control, I will empower local city councils and school boards to make decisions that are best for their districts, not what’s best for Sacramento politicians and their special interests.

Unlike some folks in the marijuana business (a category 1 federal narcotic drug), I do not believe our youth should have access to any drug. Marijuana use causes long-term brain deficits in children under age 18; it is dangerous and illegal.

We will focus on student achievement, lowering crime and improving public safety. We must also work to reduce state taxes and make California affordable again. I ask for your support and vote.

Many of the cities in this district are older and more established. How can the state help with their housing and economic needs? How would you, as the state senator, help their economies evolve?

1. Fireproof California. California’s government can best serve our established and older cities by getting out of the way! Making California “Trump-proof” instead of making California fire-proof is but one example of misplaced priorities by the majority party. Our communities need rigorous wildfire prevention assessment and public infrastructure investments, including adequate ingress and egress, hydrants, water availability, storage facilities and pumping to supply all neighborhoods.

2. Drought-proof California. Land purchases, entitlements and federal approvals exist for the construction of an enormous water storage dam in Auburn. It has been approved for more than 20 years! No dam! We must build additional water storage to supply our burgeoning population. California’s census has increased almost 50% in the last decades with no added major water storage.

3. Recession-proof California. California is spending money like a drunken sailor with no prospects for a truly balanced budget without raising taxes. The other party wants to tax and spend us into oblivion. Half of California residents pay no federal income tax at all, and, likewise, state taxes! The top 5% of California earners pay over half of all the income taxes, and they are not happy about it, as evidenced by their moving out. We must revise our tax structure to attract and entice rich folks back to continue to pay for all the rest of us who don’t pay.

4. School failure-proof California. 63% of the total state budget pays for K-12, Community Colleges, Cal State and UC school costs. There is no room for more spending without raising taxes and scaring away more rich taxpayers. Our K-12 public school system must stop doing the same old thing that produces low test scores and forces high-achieving families into private, parochial and home-school options. School district complacency is driving student public school participation rates into the toilet far beyond any decline in population decline. Parents are fleeing the school! Districts must install innovative education programs that compete with private options and actually produce measurable results.

What could the state government do to help the cities in the 36th District meet housing needs while still preserving their quality of life and special characteristics?

California has declared itself to be a sanctuary state (whatever that is) and garnered the largest border invasion of illegals in the last four years (compared to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas). Of course, there might be a housing crisis with the addition of 4 million more residents lacking language, job and cultural skills.

The first thing to do is eliminate California-sanctioned efforts to thwart the deportation of criminal aliens. The elimination of million(s) of unauthorized residents who reduce wages and take jobs from legal residents will go a long way to bolstering the home budgets of legal residents and curtail housing demand.

The seas are rising and affecting our communities with erosion and flooding, along with a variety of other issues that often look different for different communities. What can the state do to help alleviate those issues caused by climate change for the cities along the coast in this district and those more inland?

The seas rise and fall every day; it’s called high tide and low tide! The waters have risen and fallen throughout history, regardless of human intervention. Our national leadership talks a double line shouting every day about rising sea levels and then buying homes directly on the open ocean (Obama family in Massachusetts). The problem is who is to be believed. It is an undisputed scientific fact that a high-carbon atmosphere absorbs and holds more heat. However, what this means is disputable. The Luddite climate alarmists project the future in a “hockey stick” straight line. Nothing in real life ever looks like a “hockey stick” graph.

Personally, I have installed 36 solar panels and two battery packs in my home. Not because I am a little chicken fearing the sky falling, but because things made sense in the face of SCE rates doubling in the next five years! I own a Sunset Beach duplex 500 feet from the sand, surf water and waves. I am, of course, concerned about the historical “king tides” seen in Sunset Beach for the last 100 years, but not so much about the ocean rising an inch. We must figure out how to incent apartment owners to install solar when they receive no direct benefit from rate savings. 50% of California rent their home, which would be very helpful to tenants.

This year has been dubbed the year for affordability policies in the state legislature. What’s one specific idea you have to address an affordability issue in this district and/or the state as a whole? 

Affordability in the 36 State Senate District starts with the simple small things like buying groceries and gas after the Biden-Harris 30% inflation binge. Food and gas are top priorities since both are needed by many residents go survive.

1. California has the most onerous gas tax burden of any state. State gas taxes must be cut.

2. Southern California has some of the highest grocery prices in the nation due to a lack of real competition. The consolidation of grocery operators must be examined for the impact on retail prices.

If elected, what is the first bill you plan to introduce, and how does it address a pressing issue in the 36th District?

Homelessness is a pressing and annoying problem for the 36th State Senate District residents:

1. I will introduce a plan to compel local jurisdictions to actively test homeless people on public property (alleys, streets, curbs, sidewalks, parkways, public parks, beaches) for substance use sufficient to rise to the low level of “under the influence in public.” Police will stop and test any and all folks lying about on public property in apparent intoxication for alcohol and THC on the spot.

2. The individuals so identified as under the influence will be immediately taken to court for same-day adjudication.

3. The judge will offer the offer three choices:• go to jail• pay up to $1,000 fine (statutory maximum in California for this offense)• go to go rehab for 90 days (the most likely choice).

4. Recidivism will result in second offense mandatory imprisonment for up to six months (statutory maximum in California for this offense).

This program will require money for policing, drug test kits, more judges and more rehab space (maybe reopen Fairview, Norwalk and Ventura live-in lockdown facilities). This should reduce the offending intoxicated homeless population load in our communities by 50% to 70%.

How would you balance the district’s needs with statewide fiscal challenges, particularly if budget cuts or revenue shortfalls arise?

The 36th State Senate District is not a high state financial payment recipient. We give more than we pay. If we were to gain our “fair share” of the California state budget compared to our population, there would be money to pay for my proposed alcohol and drug intervention program for homeless people.

The legislature is in the midst of a special session that’s been called to “Trump-proof” California in preparation for the second Trump administration. Legislators have been asked, among other things, to bolster the state’s Department of Justice budget in the event that California would challenge in court some of the Trump administration’s policies. Do you support the idea of setting money aside to protect Californians’ rights? Why or why not?

We must protect our legal tax-paying residents from the rapacious California Legislature. These ravenous gluttons for ever-more money have run California into the ground. It’s gotta stop! Literally, Rome is burning (Los Angeles) and the legislature and governor are fiddling around trying to manage the federal government. They should be focused on fixing the problems that led to the worst-ever fire conflagration in Southern California.

What legislative committee would you request to join in the Senate, and how do you feel your background would make you a good fit for the role?

I will seek all possible education-related assignments based on my lifetime as an educator, including Cal State Long Beach professor and public school trustee for 16 years.

Where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat in the 36th Senate District?

Fogo de Chao (on Beach and Edinger).