It's official. Last week, I filed my papers for re-election to the Santa Rosa City Council as the representative for District 3. Though it's been an honor and privilege to serve as your Vice Mayor and Councilmember, I don't take the decision to run for another term lightly.

I want to sincerely thank you – from the bottom of my heart – for giving me the opportunity to serve you and the City of the Santa Rosa. It has been one of the best experiences of my life, and I feel so lucky to wake up every day and work on behalf of community that I love.

The past few weeks have been devastating.

Like many of you, I was woken up in the early hours of the night to the sight of burning hills and told to evacuate immediately. And, like many of you, I’m still trying to wrap my head around what exactly just happened and where the road to recovery begins, but I do have a few thoughts I’d like to contribute.