Dear Santa Rosa neighbors:

A MESSAGE FROM CAROLINE

As a longtime Santa Rosa resident, I have been involved in our community for more than 20 years.  I have watched Santa Rosa change and grow into a thriving city that I believe has a great deal to offer all who come here.  At the same time, I also believe Santa Rosa has not yet reached its potential. I moved to Sonoma County in 1983 from Los Angeles.  Since that time I have lived primarily in Santa Rosa.  I have come to care very deeply for our City and the people who also call Santa Rosa their home.   

As the daughter of an immigrant Father and Mother who grew up in East Los Angeles, my Mexican parents instilled in me the importance of family, the value of hard work, the necessity of completing my education,  and then giving back to my community.  They also encouraged me to believe in myself and my abilities.  So, I completed my AA degree and then went on to receive my BA in Political Science at Sonoma State University in 1994.  I achieved this while working full-time and putting myself through school.  My career has gone from small business and corporate law firms to my present role as a  non-profit administrator and volunteer coordinator for homeless women and children in our community.

The lack of outreach to communities of color and disenfranchised people moved me to get involved in politics, first with the Sonoma County Latino Democratic Club and then on various City boards, including the first Community Advisory Board and the Board of Community Services. I also have served on numerous non-profit boards including Social Advocates for Youth and M.O.V.E.S (Minimizing Occurrences of Violence in Everyday Society).

I have served on the Planning Commission since 2009 and still work with organizations that help keep kids out of gangs. One of the most fulfilling volunteer positions I hold is that of Co-Chair of the Cinco de Mayo in Roseland Committee. This committee and event were created to prevent gang violence on Cinco de Mayo and it is now entering its seventh successful year.

Now I am running for Santa Rosa City Council to help bring a balance between maintaining a healthy economy and a thriving environment, to keep Santa Rosa a vibrant place to live and raise a family and to ensure that all who call this City their home have a seat at the table.

I would appreciate your support and your vote this November 6.

Caroline Bañuelos
Candidate for Santa Rosa City Council 2012