Paula Villescaz for State Assembly

Paula Villescaz is running for California State Assembly District 6. As a lifelong advocate for kids and families, she has the experience to deliver real results for all of us. Learn more about her campaign.

Support Paula Villescaz for Assembly District 6

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<h2>Paula is a public servant with extensive experience in education, health care, human services and emergency response. She is an advocate for all California families.</h2>Paula served three years as Assistant Secretary for the California Health and Human Services Agency, where she led statewide COVID-19 efforts and expanded access to health and human services programs. In this work she was on the front lines of supporting public health departments, schools, and communities to address challenges due to the pandemic. As Assistant Secretary, she prioritized equitable administration of key health and human services programs to reduce health care disparities.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/cb3588fe-0ee7-4a55-aba0-adaafad44c31/e34611a8-16cc-4967-a776-13894e7a0e82/e34611a8-16cc-4967-a776-13894e7a0e82.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=12&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C5568%2C3712&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">She was elected to the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education in 2016 and served two consecutive terms as president of the board. During her first term on the SJUSD Board, she led the passage of Measure P, a $750 million bond to fund our local schools. She increased access to rigorous academic programs for all students, and increased the number of counselors, social workers, and other direct student supports to improve outcomes for students.Growing up housing insecure, Paula was the first in her family to graduate high school and college, and is proud to be a graduate of U.C. Berkeley. With homelessness as one of the state’s top priorities, she understands that the crisis on our streets isn’t right for those suffering and it isn’t fair for communities. She knows the impact that good schools, great teachers, and committed counselors can have to change the trajectory of a child’s life. Paula also survived a rare metastatic cancer when she was a young adult, an illness that cemented her belief in the importance of equitable health care for all.<img src="https://run.imgix.net/cb3588fe-0ee7-4a55-aba0-adaafad44c31/6ee656b4-6631-40dc-9e65-4c74e5cda982/1d229b30-4311-47d4-8b2c-e3eefbacbd26.webp?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=-2&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C4096%2C2730&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="42.5" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed">As a new mom and committed public servant, Paula is running for State Assembly to protect, defend, and improve public education, broaden access to high-quality physical and mental health care, and address rising costs that are hurting families and seniors.She is a 20-year resident of Arden-Arcade and Carmichael, both within Assembly District 6.

Paula Villescaz is a proven, values-driven leader with lived experience and a perspective we need in our state legislature. As a new mom, cancer survivor, and first-generation high school and college graduate, Paula will fight hard for every California family.

Paula's Priorities

I strongly believe in creating multiple pathways to economic prosperity by creating more opportunities for all Californians. That starts by uplifting the working class, strengthening our public schools, funding trade schools and our community colleges,&nbsp; creating good jobs with strong labor standards, and supporting our small businesses, which serve as the backbone of our economy.Raised by a single mom and the first in my family to graduate high school, I know the power of a great education and job training resources that helped give us the opportunity to succeed. As a member of the Assembly, I will fight for policies that strengthen the middle class and create more good-paying jobs to give families and the next generation more opportunities to thrive.

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ECONOMY: Create More Economic Opportunity

When I was a kid, I experienced housing insecurity and the anxieties around finding a safe place to stay. It’s why California’s homelessness crisis is personal to me.&nbsp;This crisis is rooted in a series of critical factors:&nbsp; income inequality, mental health, drug addiction, unavailability of safe shelter beds and rooms, and the soaring cost of rent and homes.We cannot criminalize homelessness, but it’s also not compassionate to allow seniors, veterans, youth, and the most vulnerable to sleep on the street. California must ACT NOW by prioritizing real solutions that give people the help they need.&nbsp;I helped build out programs like Project Roomkey and the Housing Disability Advocacy Program, a housing advocacy program that helps provide wrap-around services and get our most vulnerable neighbors into housing. These programs have created housing for upwards of 50,000 people. It’s a start, and we have to do more. We must do more to prevent homelessness, build more inventory quickly to keep up with demand and address the costs of housing, address drug addiction, and increase support for mental and behavioral health services for our unhoused neighbors.

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HOMELESSNESS: California’s #1 Priority

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/cb3588fe-0ee7-4a55-aba0-adaafad44c31/4d148554-f37e-4e61-88ab-b9d80683dd9d/4d148554-f37e-4e61-88ab-b9d80683dd9d.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=106%2C0%2C1121%2C750&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">California continues to have a significant housing crisis in nearly every community across the state. One thing is clear – we need to build more homes, at every level.Growing up, I experienced housing insecurity and did not always know where the next roof over my head would be. My mother, a single mom who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, had evictions on her record that made it difficult to secure housing. Now, as an adult, I am a first-generation homeowner and understand the challenges of juggling a mortgage, child care, student loans, and the rising cost of living. The threats to our state’s economic future are very real. Housing availability and affordability are central to nearly every aspect of our state’s future. This includes California’s middle and working class families, struggling to make ends meet amidst rising costs of everyday necessities; first responders, nurses and teachers who are critical to local communities; the next generation who have no other choice but to live with their parents, relatives, or friends; seniors on a fixed income; and many vulnerable and marginalized communities. In the Assembly, I will champion smart solutions that cut red tape, speed up permitting, and streamline projects to build more units of housing throughout the state.

HOUSING: Build More Homes

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/cb3588fe-0ee7-4a55-aba0-adaafad44c31/0879ddd2-ea39-446b-863a-fcd74c612849/0879ddd2-ea39-446b-863a-fcd74c612849.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1000%2C800&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="35" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">As a first-generation high school and college graduate, I personally know the impact that a good school, good teachers, and good counselors have on a student’s chances to become a successful adult.&nbsp;I was elected to the San Juan Unified School District Board of Education in 2016 and served two consecutive terms as the board’s president. In my first term on the SJUSD Board, I led the passage of Measure P, a $750 million school bond, the largest K-12 school bond on the ballot. During the pandemic, I worked with educators and parents to safely re-open schools. In addition, I spearheaded initiatives to expand access to extracurricular academic programs for all students and increase the number of counselors, social workers, and other support staff working to improve student outcomes. I believe every young person should be encouraged to keep learning and striving, whether that’s finding meaningful employment or attending a community or four-year college.

EDUCATION: Support California Public Schools

<img src="https://run.imgix.net/cb3588fe-0ee7-4a55-aba0-adaafad44c31/391bb05c-3bd2-40c7-aa85-10e00b49cdde/391bb05c-3bd2-40c7-aa85-10e00b49cdde.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1000%2C666&amp;w=1500" alt="" title="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed">I know what it means to fight and win tough battles. As a college student, I was diagnosed with a rare, metastatic cancer. The survival rate was only 10%. This experience gave me a front-row seat to the inequities in our healthcare system and fueled my passion for creating a future where everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare.As Assistant Secretary for the California Health and Human Services Agency, I led statewide COVID-19 efforts and expanded access to health and human services programs.&nbsp;In this work I was on the front lines of supporting public health departments, schools, and communities to address challenges due to COVID-19. As Assistant Secretary, I prioritized equitable administration of key health and human services programs to reduce healthcare disparities. I also served as an advisor to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) under the Obama Administration, working to expand medicaid and medicare outreach to seniors, veterans, families, and children. As a member of the State Assembly, access to affordable health and mental healthcare will be a top priority.

HEALTH: Expand Access to Quality Healthcare

I support fully funding our state and local law enforcement to ensure they have the resources to keep our neighborhoods safe. We must hold criminals accountable for the crimes they commit, while also ensuring those suffering from addiction and mental health issues get the support and help they need. Finally, we must prevent crime by investing in our communities and our schools. As a new mom, I will fight hard by any means to reduce gun violence, prevent school shootings, ban assault weapons, and ensure all of our communities are safe for kids and families.

CRIME: Increase Public Safety

As a lifelong ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I will always fight to protect and expand LGBTQ+ rights, especially trans youth who are currently being grossly targeted by far-right conservatives. And while California must remain a welcoming, beacon of hope to everyone, queer communities across our own state are under attack. We must outlaw banning books, fight against attempts to write LGBTQ leaders out of history, and support LGBTQ+ families.

LGBTQ+:&nbsp; Protect &amp; Expand LGBTQ+ Rights

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Paula is the leader we need in California's state legislature. Show your support by adding your name today!<img src="https://run.imgix.net/cb3588fe-0ee7-4a55-aba0-adaafad44c31/97785b11-9b77-4f1e-b839-60ab2293b2d1/97785b11-9b77-4f1e-b839-60ab2293b2d1.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1080%2C1080&amp;w=1500" alt="Planned Parenthood" title="" caption="" align="center" alignwidth="27.5" tiltdirection="left" variant="base">

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Endorse Paula Villescaz for Assembly!

Paula Villescaz for State Assembly!

Assemblymember Matt Haney

Assemblymember Jim Wood

Assemblymember (Ret.) Joan Buchanan

Assemblymember (Ret.) Ken Cooley

Assemblymember (Ret.) Dennis Mangers

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg

Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela

Sacramento City Councilmember, Mayor Pro Tem Mai Vang

State Senator (Ret.), Los Rios Community Colleges Trustee Deborah Ortiz

City Council District 3 Measure U Commissioner Marbella Sala

City Council District 3 Active Transportation Planning Commissioner Don Gibson

Sacramento County Planning Commissioner Jofil Borjas

Yolo County Supervisor Lucas Frerichs

Los Rios Community College District Vice President Pamela Haynes

Sacramento City Unified School District Board President Chinua Rhodes

Sacramento City School Board Member (Ret.) Leticia Garcia

San Juan Unified School District Board President Zima Creason

San Juan Unified School District Board Member Pam Costa

San Juan Unified School District Board Member (Ret.) Lucinda Luttgen

San Juan Unified School District Superintendent (Ret.)&nbsp; Kent Kern

Elk Grove Unified School Board President Nancy Chaires-Espinoza

Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board Member Chris Clark

Rancho Cordova City Councilmember Donald Terry

Washington Unified School Board President Jackie Wong

Twin Rivers Board of Education Vice President Michael Baker

Twin Rivers Board of Education Trustee (Ret.) Walter T Kawamoto

Former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Abelon

Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District Board Member, Raymond James Irwin

Vice Chair of the Sacramento County Public Advisory Health Board (former), Jack Zwald

Elected and Appointed Officials

California Faculty Association

California Federation of Teachers

Latino Economic Council of Sacramento

Los Rios College Federation of Teachers

National Union of Healthcare Workers

Operating Engineers Local 3

Sacramento County Young Democrats

Sacramento District Dental Society

Sacramento Latino Democratic Club

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California State Council

SEIU 1000

SEIU 1021

SEIU 2015

SEIU UHW

SEIU USWW

Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union 104

Teamsters Local 150

Teamsters Joint Council 7

Organizations

Ryan Arba, Parent

Kerri Asbury, Teacher

Jofil Borjas, Small Business Owner

Sam Catalano, Community Organizer,

Steven Cox, Retired Teacher

Marla Diamond, Nurse

Tamie Dramer, Community Organizer

Scott Evans, School Counselor

Ashley Freer, Parent Organizer

Isaac Gonzalez, Community Organizer

Jim Gonzalez, Small Business Owner/Political Organizer

Gary Gutowsky, Professor

Susan Gutowsky, Political Organizer

Warren Harding

James Harty

Julia Himovitz, Parent

Katie Hubbard, Teacher

Raymond James Irwin, Small Business Owner

Amy Ives, Parent

Owen Jackman, Teacher

Stefanie Kemen, Parent

Michael Koerner, Parent

Bronwen Marshall-Bass

Linda Martin, Non-profit Leader

Dharia McGrew, Parent

Ruth Meyer, School Employee

Marissa Montano, Parent

Bruce Pomer, Public Health Leader

Al Rich, Small Business Owner

Tricia Riehl, Teacher

Glenna Sansone, Community Organizer

Christine Smith

Cindy Suchanek, Educator

Thomas Suchanek, Professor

Farrah Ting, Parent

Michael Tucker, Parent

Robert Waldo, Teacher

Savana Warner

Renato Watanabe, Small Business Owner

Community Leaders

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<h2>Paula Villescaz is running to become the next Assemblymember for District 6.</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/cb3588fe-0ee7-4a55-aba0-adaafad44c31/41c55c89-5197-4250-be1b-c3868c5bcf0e/41c55c89-5197-4250-be1b-c3868c5bcf0e.png?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1532%2C1202&amp;w=1500" alt="Assembly District 6" title="" caption="" align="right" alignwidth="40" variant="framed">California State Assembly District 6 includes most of the city of Sacramento and the communities of Antelope, Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, Elverta, La Riviera, and Rio Linda. Current Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D) will not seek re-election, which makes this an open seat in 2024.Voter registration is approximately 51% Democrat, 20% Republican, and 27% Independent.

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"As a lifelong advocate for better healthcare and schools, and as a new mom, I know firsthand the many challenges that California families and neighbors face." - Paula Villescaz

Paula: On the Issues

Paula's Priorities

ECONOMY:
Create More Economic Opportunity

HOMELESSNESS:
California’s #1 Priority

HOUSING:
Build More Homes

EDUCATION:
Support California Public Schools

HEALTH:
Expand Access to Quality Healthcare

CRIME:
Increase Public Safety

LGBTQ+:
Protect & Expand LGBTQ+ Rights

Paula's Priorities

ECONOMY: Create More Economic Opportunity

HOMELESSNESS: California’s #1 Priority

HOUSING: Build More Homes

EDUCATION: Support California Public Schools

HEALTH: Expand Access to Quality Healthcare

CRIME: Increase Public Safety

LGBTQ+: Protect & Expand LGBTQ+ Rights

ECONOMY:
Create More Economic Opportunity

HOMELESSNESS:
California’s #1 Priority

HOUSING:
Build More Homes

EDUCATION:
Support California Public Schools

HEALTH:
Expand Access to Quality Healthcare

CRIME:
Increase Public Safety

LGBTQ+:
Protect & Expand LGBTQ+ Rights