A man smiling while holding a blue medal in his hand. He is wearing sunglasses, a black cap with an orange patch that says 'DADVIES', and a white shirt. The background suggests an outdoor setting.

Let’s Move, La Verne

We can be healthier. Let’s use our beautiful city to bring about better community, activity, and movement!

Let’s Move La Verne!

We can use our beautiful city to bring neighbors together, encourage healthy activity and build a stronger sense of community. While I do not consider myself a “runner,” I have run a dozen half marathons and three full marathons. Few experiences have provided me with the sense of community and mutual support that comes from participating in a city-sponsored walk/run event. Three components of my “Let’s Move La Verne” initiative are:

  1. Create and maintain a La Verne Walk/Run Club similar to those in neighboring San Dimas and Claremont. This citizen-driven/city-supported Walk/Run Club would use parks and sidewalks in La Verne to keep our legs moving and build community. This would not be a city event, but I would advocate for city support.

  2. Establish an annual 1.5-mile, 5K and 10K walk/run that starts and ends near Bonita Avenue and D Street in District 1. The event would welcome participants of all ages and abilities, feature professionally planned courses, and create opportunities for local businesses and community organizations to participate. The event would showcase La Verne, strengthen community relationships and support local businesses. I would seek assistance from an expanded CERT program, local sponsors, community organizations and volunteers to minimize costs to the city. The goal would be to make the event at least cost-neutral while creating meaningful opportunities for local vendors and organizations.

  3. “Light Up Las Flores”—Lighted fields for practices and other youth activities are limited and largely confined to two locations. We should work with nearby residents to evaluate additional lighting that expands recreational opportunities and enhances public safety while minimizing neighborhood disturbance and light pollution.

Let’s Connect La Verne!

I have held several leadership positions throughout the city. In every position, I have prioritized connecting people and groups in La Verne to build stronger community. As a council member, I would use my knowledge of the culture of La Verne, the businesses and organizations in the city, my education and knowledge on collaborative governance, and my experience running a community-based nonprofit to work for the following improvements in our city:

  1. Protection of recreation spaces. As a city, we should make it easier and comfortable for people to congregate. I would advocate for reduced speed limits in areas our youth and senior congregate and recreate. Further, I would advocate strategic street closures that keep our residents and families safe during big community events. For example, our streets become incredibly unsafe on Halloween.

  2. Ensure access to a master calendar where residents know a single place they can go to find out all events happening throughout the city. This will involve the participation of all businesses, civic groups, and nonprofit organizations in the city.

  3. Promote intergenerational programs that connect our youth with our seniors. This will provide our students with mentors, our seniors with companions, and will increase public safety by ensure these vulnerable communities are a part of a formal network.