Ian's Vision for a better Seaside

My vision is the protection of Seaside’s quality of life, ensuring that community safety remains our top priority and provide a place that every resident is proud to call home. I plan to use my experience and leadership skills to continue moving Seaside forward by increasing housing affordability choices, creating local jobs with career pathways, supporting our small businesses, and repairing our streets, potholes, and sidewalks. Together, we can create a city that stands tall among its peers and becomes a destination for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted our lives in unparalleled ways. Our small businesses were hit the hardest, leaving many in a vulnerable position. Seaside’s small businesses are a vital link for economic mobility, allowing enterprising individuals to become economically independent and our residents to shop locally. Supporting our locally owned small businesses is crucial for Seaside’s full recovery. We must continue to shop locally as much as we can to support and grow our small businesses.

We have implemented numerous initiatives to enhance the quality of life for Seaside residents. Our Farmers Market has return and is full swing ever Thursday, providing a place where families and friends can meet and purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. By investing in our Farmer’s Markets, we can further improve the lives of residents.

We have also made significant strides in infrastructure, grinding down raised sidewalks for our pedestrians and improving bicycle lanes throughout the city for cyclists. These improvements help to increase safety, adds to property values, and will continue. With “String-of-Lights on Broadway Ave”, new restaurants, and the additional walk of “Seaside Stars”. We continue to create a vibrant downtown for residents and guests to shop, eat, and enjoy. More needs to be done!

We have repaired and remodeled Cutino Park adding a new skate park and play ground areas, Highland/Otis Park, and Laguna Grande Park with new sensory play equipment, complete remodel of Ellis Park with a new basketball court, we have started Phase 1 for a new Trail/Walkway in Lincoln Cunningham Park, among other improvements.

I am committed to listening to our community more than ever. I intend to run a campaign focused on keenly listening to all residents. I am available to meet in person or by phone, ensuring every resident has access to me. Together, we can continue to Move Seaside Forward. The City of Seaside is at a crossroads, and I will use my experience and love for our city to help fulfill our shared vision for the future of a thriving Seaside.

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King

ISSUES:

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The keys to the sustainable prosperity of any community are the ability to attract a well-educated workforce, maintain a business-friendly environment, create policies that incentivize economic growth while keeping taxes low and safety high. Protect our natural environmental resources and promote smart infill development proposals.

Economic development is crucial for the growth and prosperity of Seaside. By fostering a thriving economy, we can create job opportunities: that pay a livable wage; cradle-to-career pathways; enhance the quality of life; and ensure the long-term sustainability of our community. The projects listed below represent significant steps in the right direction:

Seagrove on Broadway: A mixed-use development that will bring new businesses, 106 residential units, and vibrancy to our downtown area.

Campus Town Project: A truly transformative neighborhood that will includes over 1,100 housing units, 250,000 square feet of retail space, and 50,000 square feet of office space, and up to 250 hotel rooms, creating a dynamic urban environment for all Seaside residents to enjoy.

Grand Hyatt Hotel: The Fifth Grand Hyatt Hotel in California, is set to be built at our Golf Course Resort, with 330 rooms. It will attract business travelers, tourist and guest from around the world, generating significant economic benefits, from sale taxes, TOT, creating hundreds of local jobs and again a place open to all residents to enjoy.

State Courthouse: A new seven-chamber California State Courthouse is scheduled to break ground in early 2027, bringing jobs and visitors to Seaside everyday enhancing our civic infrastructure.

Revitalizing Downtown:

Downtown Revitalization: Focus on revitalizing our downtown area by attracting new businesses, improving infrastructure, and creating a vibrant, walk-able community hub.

Small Business Support: Provide support and incentives for small businesses to set up and thrive in the downtown area, fostering local entrepreneurship and economic diversity.

$10M Street and Sidewalk Improvement Plan: Progressing into Phase 2, this plan will enhance our infrastructure, making our streets and sidewalks safer and more accessible.

Increased Workforce Development: Expanding workforce development programs to equip our residents with the skills needed for the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our local economy remains competitive and resilient.

Affordable Housing Initiatives: Partnering with organizations to construct low-income, moderate, and workforce housing, ensuring that economic growth benefits all residents.

These and other development projects will cement Seaside’s status as a: great place to live, work; and enjoy; rise a family; a destination location; and a truly self-sustaining economic engine on the Central Coast.

The diversity of our residents in their thoughts, beliefs, and values is our greatest strength. We are at our strongest when all residents can maximize their abilities. This starts with an excellent public pre-K through college system (cradle to career system), skilled union labor, and professional career pathways with livable wages, local jobs, and equitable opportunities for all residents.

When given a fair chance within an equitable environment, our residents can thrive like others. It is not enough just to grow the economic pie; more workers need to be at the table when the pie is sliced up!

"I believe, Economic development is the engine that Moves Seaside Forward, creating jobs and opportunities for all. Allowing us to lives in a community that is growing as we grow, thriving as, we thrive! "

If re-elected, I will fight for policies that:

Encourage Economic Development: Ensure our small businesses can succeed.

Attract New Business: Develop relationships to draw new businesses to Seaside.

Incentivize Local Jobs: the creation of local jobs that pay livable wages with career pathways.

Support Small Businesses: Develop an incubation program to help small businesses grow and succeed.

Invest in Downtown: Ensure that our pre-existing businesses are given the tools and support they need from City Hall.

"Revitalizing our downtown is essential to fostering a vibrant community where businesses thrive and residents enjoy a high quality of life." – Adapted from urban development advocacy

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY IN SEASIDE

Stagnant wages, rapid inflation, and a shortage of affordable housing choices are forcing many residents to spend more than the recommended 30%—some spending over 50%—of their monthly income on housing. This inaccessibility of affordable housing has compelled residents to relocate, forgo basic needs and comforts, and, in some cases, fall into homelessness. This must stop! Access to affordable housing remains a challenge I intend to face head-on.

By adopting housing affordability policies for all income levels, we can ensure more residents stay in Seaside, creating a healthy, diverse community with upward mobility and generational wealth.

I am committed to moving Seaside towards this goal by advocating stronger renters protections policies by our Seaside Housing Non-Profit Collaborative. This organization will focus on increasing the supply of all housing types for all income levels and reducing housing/renters costs.

"Building a community means ensuring that all residents have access to the homes they need and deserve." – Adapted from Barack Obama

If re-elected, I will fight for a comprehensive package of Housing Affordability Stabilization Policies that:

Create More Housing Choices: Expand affordable housing options for individuals and families by building smaller housing units to reduce the cost of owning or renting.

Support for Renters: Implement policies to protect renters from excessive rent increases and provide legal support to prevent evictions.

Collaborate with Our Housing Non-Profit: Work with our non-profit to research, analyze, and recommend data-driven housing policies addressing our housing affordability crisis.

Housing Partnerships: Form partnerships with other organizations, institutions, and builders to construct low-income, moderate, and workforce housing for individuals making less than $125K annually.

Promote Home Ownership: Enhance access to home ownership through targeted workshops and collaboration with pre-existing community organizations.

“I believe, we all deserve a affordable place to call home!”

HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION

Preventing homelessness and providing support for those at risk is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of our community. Here are the key points I will focus on:

Comprehensive Support Services: Implementing a comprehensive approach that includes mental health services, addiction treatment, job training, and placement services. Providing these resources can help individuals stabilize their lives and avoid homelessness.

Affordable Housing Initiatives: Increasing the availability of affordable housing to prevent people from being priced out of their homes. This includes working with developers to create mixed-income housing and ensuring that new developments include affordable units.

Rent Control and Tenant Protections: Implementing policies to protect renters from sudden and excessive rent increases. This includes establishing rent control measures and providing legal support for tenants facing eviction.

Collaboration with Non-Profits and Faith-Based Organizations: Partnering with local non-profits and faith-based organizations to provide shelter and essential services. These collaborations can offer immediate relief and long-term support for individuals and families in need.

Community Outreach Programs: Developing outreach programs to identify and support at-risk individuals before they become homeless. This includes providing emergency assistance and connecting them with available resources.

Job Training and Employment Opportunities: Creating programs that offer job training and employment opportunities to help individuals secure stable income and housing.

Safe and Accessible Shelters: Ensuring that shelters are safe, accessible, and provide the necessary services to help individuals transition to permanent housing.

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for:

Expanded Affordable Housing Options at all income levels
Strengthen Renters' Rights and Eviction Protections
Comprehensive Support Services: Develop and enhance access to mental health, addiction treatment, and job training programs, offering targeted support to individuals and families at risk of homelessness to help them stabilize their lives and maintain housing security.

Early Childhood, Youth, and Young Adults Investments

Ian believes that education is vital because it provides us with knowledge of a world much larger than ourselves while simultaneously giving us perspective for our own lives. Access to a quality education can create sustainable career paths, upward mobility, and self-confidence. Ian is committed to investing in our youth by expanding access to quality early childhood educational programs, youth and teen-centered activities, and educational and enrichment programs.

Equity within our education system is just the beginning of strengthening the minds of our youth. Implementing programs that empower educators and propel students to achieve higher educational standards, regardless of zip code, is one of Ian’s key initiatives. A great city needs an even greater school system, and a great school system requires the support of its community, including the mayor’s office.

The two go hand-in-hand. Ian understands that strengthening and improving our local economy starts with ensuring that our children have access to the highest quality education. Ian has always been an avid supporter of our schools and is often found attending school or community programs, award ceremonies, and sporting events in support of students. Ian genuinely believes that our children are the future leaders of Seaside.

Under his leadership, the first-ever Seaside STEM Program and STEM Camp have successfully completed their first year. As globalization increases, Ian will work even harder to engage with MPUSD leadership, parents, and students to improve learning outcomes.

"Investing in our youth is investing in our future; every child deserves a strong foundation and the opportunity to thrive." – Adapted from traditional wisdom

If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for:

Investing in Our Youth: Prioritizing the future of our community by focusing on the development and education of our young people.

Early Childhood Enrichment: Increasing access to early childhood enrichment programs like Seaside’s Tiny Tot University to ensure our “Preschoolers” have a strong foundation based on the best research in early childhood development.

Pre-K Partnerships: Collaborating with Pre-K service providers to increase the number of safe and affordable preschool slots.

STEM Program Expansion: Expanding our newly created STEM Program and summer STEM Camp, while also increasing the city’s support for Seaside High School’s First Robotics Teams and the early stages of having our own “Fab Lab”.

Youth and Teen-Center Programs: Enhancing opportunities at the Teen Center and the Seaside Youth Resource Center (SYRC) by adding coding and college prep classes. These initiatives will create a holistic development program that fosters a lifelong passion for learning and positive behavior.

Strengthening Educational Partnerships: Continuing to strengthen ties between Seaside, MPC, and CSUMB to ensure our children can leverage the resources of local community colleges and universities.

Workforce Development: Expanding workforce development and Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities to equip students with the skills needed to compete in an ever-changing global economy.

Collaboration with MPUSD: Continuing the collaboration between Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) and the City Council. This partnership is essential to achieving our shared vision for the future.

As Mayor, I believe these initiatives will help ensure that our youth are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for them and Seaside!

Community Safety and Violence Prevention

I am committed to continuing my Community Equity Initiatives, utilizing a public health approach with evidence-based violence prevention strategies to address the root causes of violent crime. In response to concerns about the level of violence in our community, we have established a Community Safety Advisory Commission. This commission acts as a liaison between the public, the Seaside Police Department (SPD), and the city council. I advocate for shifting from a Community Policing model to a Community Safety approach, incorporating a violence prevention methodology.

The city council has allocated funding to pair mental and behavioral health professionals with Seaside Police Officers (SPO). These professionals can respond to calls requiring their expertise ensuring law enforcement officers are not always the primary and only responders to a non-violent incidents. This allows officers to focus on truly violent crimes that necessitate their specialized skills and legal authority.

We have also increased our support of grassroots community-based violence prevention programs, non-profits, and and social services. It is essential for our community to meet residents where they are, rather than where we think they should be.

Building a trusting relationship between the community and law enforcement is crucial. This relationship must be based on mutual respect and transparency, encouraging community members to report crimes and come forward as witnesses. When trust is established, law enforcement officers are viewed as legitimate and protective entities within the community.

"To build a safer community, we must invest in our people and our neighborhoods, fostering trust and cooperation at every level." – Adapted from Martin Luther King Jr.'s principles of community building

If re-elected, I will continue to support:

Community Equity Initiatives: Utilizing a public health approach with evidence-based strategies to address the root causes of violent crime.

Community Safety Advisory Commission: Established to act as a liaison between the public, the Seaside Police Department (SPD), and the city council.

Shift to Community Safety Approach: Transitioning from a Community Policing model to a Community Safety approach with a focus on violence prevention.

Mental and Behavioral Health Integration: Allocating over a million dollars to pair mental and behavioral health professionals with SPD officers to respond to calls requiring their expertise.

Focus on Violent Crimes: Ensuring law enforcement officers are not the primary responders to all non-violent incidents, allowing them to concentrate on violent crimes that require their specialized skills.

Grassroots Violence Prevention Programs: Increasing the number of community-based violence prevention programs and social services.

Building Trust and Transparency: Committing to meeting residents where they are and fostering a trusting relationship between the community and law enforcement.

Mutual Respect and Cooperation: Promoting mutual respect and transparency to encourage crime reporting and community cooperation with law enforcement.

Build a healthier community, using equity as a guide
Expand our Family & Community Support Team’s abilities so our mental health and crisis specialists can better serve as co-first responders
Ensure our pay for first-responders remain competitive with adjacent localities
Ensure our Fire Station #2 moves forward without delays
Support violence interrupter programming to halt the cycle of violence before it starts
I intend to implement programs and reallocate funds to support community safety

As Mayor, I want residents to live with the assurance that their health, safety, and welfare are as much a priority to me as it is to them!