I grew up on our family farm in Morgan Hill.  I remember when spring brought out the blossoms, cherries, apricots, prunes (plums).  I grew up working on our prune, apricot and walnut orchards, but my family also farmed vegetables and strawberries.  I graduated Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill and received my Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from UC Davis; and Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics from San Jose State University.

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I am licensed as a civil engineer in California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon and as a structural engineer in Oregon and Arizona.  I’ve authored several papers related to earthquake engineering, historical restoration and structural collapse.  I hold a patent for the method and apparatus for Controlled Release of Guy Wires.  I have worked on projects on every continent.  I’ve seen the best of conditions and I’ve seen the worst of conditions.

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My wife and I have lived in Cupertino for 50 years, the last 44 years at our current location.  Our children went to Cupertino schools.  I have seen Cupertino change over the years.  Change is inevitable.  It’s how change is managed that makes it worthwhile.  I recall the history of Cupertino.  In 1954 the Cupertino/Monta Vista Improvement Association was formed to push for incorporation, seeking local control over development and taxation.  The area was surrounded by the cities of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Los Altos, and San Jose, all of which were eager to annex its farmland and orchards.

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The founders of Cupertino staved off losing control of their community back then, but Cupertino and other cities in California are now faced with the State wanting to rest local control of how our communities are developed.  It’s not just about housing but also transportation, water resources, energy down to what car you should drive.  All this comes at a cost that the state does not appear to recognize.  They are forcing compliance that affect the heart and soul of many communities without recourse.  Cupertino can’t push back alone and that’s why I think we need leadership that seeks a coalition of cities to grab back local autonomy. This does not mean stifling growth.  It means growth using common sense.