The 2024 Knott’s Peanuts Celebration runs through Feb. 25 with stage shows, live music, character meet-and-greets and themed food and merchandise at the Buena Park theme park.

ALSO SEE: 5 best things I ate at Disneyland’s Great Maple restaurant

I’m a huge fan of Mac & Cheese and consider the dish one of my five basic food groups.

By my count, 10 of the 21 Peanuts Celebration food and beverage items on this year’s Peanuts Celebration menu feature Mac & Cheese — making Knott’s the Cheesiest Place on Earth for the next few weeks.

“It’s kind of a secret menu,” Knott’s Berry Farm Vice President of Food & Beverage Laura Brubaker said of the preponderance of Mac & Cheese items. “We did advertise it to some degree, but not like we do with other events.”

ALSO SEE: Knott’s Berry Farm sets dates for 2024 festival lineup

Making Mac & Cheese the star of the culinary show made sense with the kids-centric Peanuts Celebration, according to Brubaker.

“If you like Mac & Cheese, why not put it into anything?” Brubaker said via email. “I thought it would be fun to hone in on this item. Mac & Cheese is very versatile and goes with a lot of different things — like burgers, with ground beef and on fries.”

Cheese has been a recurring theme during the annual Knott’s festival celebrating Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Schroeder, Peppermint Patty, Pig-Pen and the rest of the Peanuts gang from the newspaper comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz.

Grilled cheese — another kids menu staple — went over well as the culinary star of the Peanuts Celebration a few years ago, according to Brubaker.

ALSO SEE: Is Taylor Swift going to Disneyland after the Super Bowl? Swifties hope so

If Knott’s can have an entire festival dedicated to the Boysenberry, why can’t Knott’s have a Mac & Cheese festival as part of the Peanuts Celebration?

“Mac & Cheese has legs and many people love eating it,” Brubaker said via email. “I do think there could be a larger celebration dedicated to it, however this is a pilot this year and may grow.”

Here are all of the Mac & Cheese items on the menu at this year’s Peanuts Celebration.

1) Franklin’s Mac and Cheesy Noodle, Cheddar and Broccoli Soup (Ghost Town Bakery)

2) Schroeder’s Fluffy Breakfast Mac and Cheese Pancake served with a side of Bacon and Maple Syrup (Sutter’s Grill)

3) Lucy Van Pelt’s Mac and Cheese Waffle Cone topped with Pulled Pork (Sutter’s Funnel Cake)

4) Cornbread Funnel Cake with Mac and Cheese and Pulled Pork with a BBQ Sauce Drizzle (Sutter’s Funnel Cake)

5) Snoopy’s Mac and Cheeseburger with Burger Sauce (Wilderness Dogs and Drinks)

6) Linus’ Mac and Cheese Bites over French Fries served with a Spicy Aioli (Strictly-on-a-Stick)

7) Pig Pen’s Ham and Mac and Cheese Loaf (Boardwalk BBQ)

8) Jose Peterson’s Swedish Meatball on top of Mac and Cheese and French Fries (Papas Mexicanas)

9) Charlie Brown’s Burrito with Mac and Cheese, Ground Beef and Queso (Casa California Restaurante)

10) Fully Loaded Funnel Cake topped with a Cheesecake Batter and Mac Gummies (Log Ride Funnel)

For related news, see: Relentless storm leads to eye-popping rainfall totals in Southern California

The choice whether to close completely, close early or stay open during the heavy rains that have pummeled the Southland since Thursday has been a game-time decision each morning for the area’s weather-dependent theme parks.

Disney California Adventure moved up its closing time on Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 9 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Disneyland app.

Disneyland is set to close early at 8 p.m. on Tuesday to empty the Anaheim theme park of daily visitors so the separate admission Sweethearts’ Nite after-hours event can get started. Disney offers no refunds for Disneyland After Dark events due to inclement weather.

Knott’s Berry Farm and SeaWorld San Diego closed on Tuesday due to the rain, according to the parks’ social media accounts.

Knott’s tickets purchased for Tuesday are valid any day through Feb. 25.

SeaWorld’s Weather-or-Not program provides a free return visit when rain, thunder, lightning, hail, winds, heat, snow or a hurricane force the closure of the park.

Universal Studios Hollywood and Legoland California remained open on Tuesday despite the bad weather.

Universal Studios tickets are rain or shine with no complimentary admission to return another day when it rains.

Legoland California offers a “Rainy Day Promise” that allows visitors to return within a year when storms ruin the day.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the winter season.

The latest rainfall hammering Southern California is thanks to a Pineapple Express weather system carrying heavy rain from the tropical Pacific – specifically from the Hawaiian islands area.

• For related, see: Emergency declared as Southern California storm is called potentially catastrophic and life-threatening

Disneyland moved up its closing time on Monday, Feb. 5 from 10 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Disney California Adventure will also close at 8 p.m., an hour earlier than scheduled, according to the Disneyland app. Disneyland and DCA each closed an hour early on Sunday due to the rain.

Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain closed on Monday due to the rain, according to the parks’ social media accounts. Magic Mountain was closed on Sunday and Knott’s closed at 5 p.m. Sunday due to the rain.

SeaWorld San Diego also closed on Monday due inclement weather, according to the marine park’s website. SeaWorld’s Weather-or-Not program provides a free return visit when rain, thunder, lightning, hail, winds, heat, snow or a hurricane force the closure of the park.

• For related, see: Rain map: Orange County’s wettest spots from atmospheric river

Knott’s, Magic Mountain and SeaWorld often close on rainy days while Disneyland quietly closes early on rainy days that diminish crowds at the Anaheim theme park. Local parks typically make the decision whether to close each morning due to weather conditions.

Legoland California offers a “Rainy Day Promise” that allows visitors to return within a year when storms ruin the day.

Universal Studios tickets are rain or shine with no complimentary admission to return another day when it rains.

Knott’s closed on Thursday, Feb. 1 due to inclement weather, according to the Buena Park theme park’s official Twitter page. Knott’s tickets purchased for Thursday are valid any day through Feb. 25.

ALSO SEE: 10 rainy day closures cost Knott’s Berry Farm millions in early 2023

SeaWorld San Diego also closed on Thursday because of inclement weather and will reopen on Friday, Feb. 2, according to the marine park’s website. SeaWorld’s Weather-or-Not program provides a free return visit when rain, thunder, lightning, hail, winds, heat, snow or a hurricane force the closure of the park.

The latest rainfall hammering Southern California is thanks to a Pineapple Express weather system carrying heavy rain from the tropical Pacific — specifically from the Hawaiian islands area.

Other Southern California theme parks remained open despite the back-to-back storms forecast to wallop the Southland through early next week.

ALSO SEE: Bing Bong brings his rainbow wagon to Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel

Disneyland is set to close early at 8 p.m. on Thursday to empty the Anaheim theme park of daily visitors so the separate admission Sweethearts’ Nite after-hours event can get started. Disney Lovebirds will want to bring a raincoat, boots and an umbrella along with their romantic intentions.

Across the esplanade, Disney California Adventure is scheduled to remain open until 9 p.m. on Thursday.

Universal Studios Hollywood is scheduled to close at 6 p.m. on Thursday while Legoland California will stay open until 4:30 p.m.

Legoland California offers a “Rainy Day Promise” that allows visitors to return within a year when storms ruin the day.

Universal Studios tickets are rain or shine with no complimentary admission to return another day when it rains.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the winter season.

Glen Ralph Johnson was convicted Aug. 29 of first-degree murder with a sentencing enhancement for the discharge of a weapon causing death.

Johnson was convicted of killing 43-year-old Tyrone Portis of Buena Park on Aug. 1, 2021 at Laxore Street and Orange Avenue, near Beach Boulevard. Portis suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, Deputy District Attorney Harris Siddiq said in court papers.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Richard King denied a defense motion to strike the enhancement, which added 25 years to life in prison. Johnson’s attorney argued for a dismissal based on a psychiatric expert’s opinion as well a statement from the defendant’s sister about how childhood abuse affected Johnson.

“Defendant was 52 years old when the offense was committed,” King said. “The defendant knew what was right and what was wrong.”

King also rejected Johnson’s self-defense argument, which, he said, “was not supported by the evidence.”

King added, “I cannot see a connection between the childhood abuse and this crime.”

Johnson was out on bail for two weapons-related cases, including possession of a gun by a felon, before the killing, Siddiq said in court papers. Johnson pleaded guilty in those cases before sentencing on Friday.

“But for the defendant repeatedly arming himself with a dangerous weapon, he would not have been armed with a firearm at the time of the murder,” Siddiq said.

“The defendant himself testified that he carried a firearm or weapon on an almost daily basis, despite knowing that he has been prohibited by law from carrying a firearm since 1993 … The defendant clearly has no regard for the rules or laws and continues to arm himself with dangerous or deadly weapons, even though he is prohibited by law from doing so.”

Witnesses told police they saw a gunman get out of a white truck, approach the victim and then gun him down, Siddiq said. The suspect got back in his vehicle and left.

Other witnesses said they saw the suspect park his truck moments before the victim, who was in a Toyota Scion, honked, Siddiq said. Johnson walked over to the Scion and confronted the victim, who was standing face to face with Johnson before the shooting, the prosecutor said.

“The suspect then grabbed Mr. Portis with his left hand and then used his right hand to point a gun at Mr. Portis’s chest,” Siddiq said. “The suspect then shot Mr. Portis directly into the chest. After the shooting, the suspect ran toward his white truck and drove away.”

Another witness who heard the gunshot ran over and captured an image of the fleeing suspect’s license plate with his phone, Siddiq said. That witness also provided surveillance video footage to authorities.

A Johnson friend, a partner at a doughnut shop on Beach Boulevard, had called him the night of the shooting, apparently to ask him to help run off Portis, who was allegedly hanging around the shop despite being previously banned from the premises.

In his own testimony, Johnson said he shot Portis after Portis pulled a gun on him and fired the weapon but apparently missed. But no gun tied to Portis was found by police. Johnson’s attorney told jurors that another person could have taken it before officers arrived.

The Register staff contributed to this story.

The 2024 Knott’s Peanuts Celebration kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 27 and runs through Feb. 25 with stage shows, live music, character meet-and-greets and themed food and merchandise at the Buena Park theme park.

ALSO SEE: Knott’s Berry Farm barn destroyed by fire was birthplace of historic attractions

The “It’s Your Life, Charlie Brown” musical takes over the Calico Mine Stage during the day with the Peanuts star facing the shock of his life on the game show “It’s Your Life.”

In the evening, Calico Mine Stage hosts “Snoopy’s Legendary Rooftop Concert” with the Jelly of the Month Club indie rock band headlining the musical event.

The James Street Trio pays tribute to Peanuts music created by the Vince Guaraldi Trio at the patio of the Boardwalk BBQ restaurant.

ALSO SEE: 10 former Knott’s rides and attractions we miss the most

Budding artists can learn to draw Snoopy, Woodstock and other characters in the Peanuts Sketch School in the Bird Cage Theatre. In between art lessons, the Bird Cage hosts Charlie Brown’s Trivia Challenge where you can test your Peanuts knowledge.

The Peanuts Cowboy Jamboree in Calico Park features Wild West-themed games hosted by Franklin and Linus. Pigpen’s Pig Pen in the Ghost Town Livery Stables offers a chance to meet a few animals and the messiest Peanuts character of them all.

ALSO SEE: Knott’s Berry Farm adding 4 rides in Camp Snoopy makeover

A Franklin-focused gallery exhibit in Calico Town Hall examines the pop cultural significance of the newspaper comic strip character created by Charles M. Schulz in 1968.

The Knott’s seasonal celebration features more than 30 Peanuts-inspired menu items found throughout the park — including a host of mac-and-cheese menu items paired with pancakes, waffle cones, funnel cakes and burritos.

Usually the annual Knott’s Peanuts Celebration is centered in Camp Snoopy — which features more than a dozen kiddie rides including the Peanuts-themed Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies, Linus Launcher and Charlie Brown’s Kite Flyer.

But this year Camp Snoopy is undergoing a major makeover set to debut Memorial Day Weekend 2024 that will add a new family coaster and super-sized kids swing and update an off-road rally race and miniature train ride.

ALSO SEE: Knott’s Berry Farm sets dates for 2024 festival lineup

During the overhaul, the Camp Snoopy Theater is being reoriented with the relocated stage facing the midway and a shade cover over new log-style seating.

The Peanuts Celebration is part of the Knott’s Seasons of Fun — with Knott’s Boysenberry Festival (March 8-April 28), Knott’s Summer Nights (June 14-Sept. 2), Knott’s Scary Farm (Sept. 19-Oct. 31) and Knott’s Merry Farm (Nov. 22-Jan. 5) on the calendar for the remainder of the year.

In a press release issued this week, Frank Cirillo, a spokesman for the Ohio-based food company, said he realizes the products are well liked among consumers.

“We greatly appreciate the fans of the brand and look forward to continuing to serve them through our other offerings,” he said. “The decision to discontinue Knott’s Berry Farm was in alignment with our strategy to continuously review our portfolio and prioritize support to the areas of the business with the greatest growth potential.”

Representatives with Knott’s Berry Farm offered no comment.

The popular line of products include Knott’s’ Seedless Strawberry Jam, Boysenberry Preserves and Seedless Red Raspberry Jam, among other long-time favorites.

Fans are rushing to snag what they can while the products may still be on store shelves and in vending machines, according to a posting on allrecipes.com.

“Noooo! I’m buying every bag in my vending machine when I return to work Monday,” one cookie lover wrote.

“Gotta go to Big Lots now. that’s where I know they have them currently,” another fan said.

Fans of the products need not dispair, however, as the products can still be purchased through Knott’s Berry’s online marketplace and at the Berry Market at Knott’s Berry Farm.

J.M. Smucker acquired the Knott’s Berry Farm brand from ConAgra Foods, now Conagra Brands, in 2008, according to USA Today. Knott’s Berry’s line of products included “high quality jams, jellies and preserves in the retail, gift boxes, and foodservice channels,” according to a 2008 news release announcing the acquisition.

Knott’s Berry Farm had humble beginnings before it eventually morphed into the popular entertainment destination it has become today.

“What began as a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner restaurant in the 1920s has evolved into Knott’s Berry Farm, one of Southern California’s most popular theme park destinations,” the company’s website says.

Knott’s is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world and a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio.

Cedar Fair owns and operates 13 properties, consisting of 11 amusement parks, four separately gated outdoor water parks, and resort accommodations totaling more than 2,300 rooms and more than 600 luxury RV sites.

The company’s parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, Texas and Toronto, Ontario.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Jacob Woo Ho Lee

Current Job Title: Pastor

Political Party Affiliation: No party affiliation

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: California chairman of the National Korean American Republican Committee

City where you reside: Buena Park

Campaign website or social media: www.votejacoblee.com

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

Foreign affairs should be handled more on the federal level, but California should be involved when it can help the California economy and deepen cultural exchange.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

I agree that voters should be required to have ID in order to vote.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

We need to reduce government size and make the government more efficient, and we need to reevaluate spending on wasteful projects.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

Education, economic development and tax reduction.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

Public safety must take priority. Government should invest in growing family values in order to reduce and prevent criminal activity.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

Religious organizations should come together to use their significant resources to assist and educate the homeless population so that the homeless individuals can recover from their situation.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

I don’t believe there should be a minimum wage. If people truly need help, the government can assist, but we should leave it to the market to determine wages. People who have ability should receive more than the minimum wage.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

N/A

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

A multicultural and international business center that will attract global business and tourism, which I have experienced in revitalizing the Miami fashion district.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

Hire Christian counselors and help each family to have a good environment. Also, build facilities where they can receive recreation similar to senior citizen centers.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Respect the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

Korean ginseng tea.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Elizabeth “Beth” Culver

Current Job Title: Retired entrepreneur

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Cypress

Campaign website or social media: N/A

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

The governor’s responsibilities are simple: To support and defend both the Constitution of the U.S. and the state of California from invasions of enemies foreign and domestic as stated in the oath of office he vowed to abide by; secure safety for citizens first. California should have no role in international matters. That is the federal government’s role.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

Government-issued ID to vote should be required — no exceptions.

Non-citizens should never be allowed to vote. It is an insult to every lawful American citizen as well as unconstitutional. Only citizens have that right.

Return to precinct voting, no drop-off ballot boxes or mail-in voting. National holiday for voting (one day).

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

Close the border. Investigate the freewheeling, “double dipping” flow of money into social services with no accountability as there is a questionable duplicate of funds to/from similar resources. Or save $10 billion a year by defunding the bullet train which hasn’t laid down any track.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

– Prioritize the mental and physical needs of our veterans.- Adequately fund and train more police officers and first responders.- Necessary infrastructure updates of electrical, water and sewage.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

Not only should penalties be increased for child sex trafficking but be even more severe. Sex trafficking of children should be clearly defined and treated differently than other sex crimes. Sex trafficking is simply “slave trade” by another name.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

Defend and close the border. Remember the oath our elected officials took to defend and protect the border. Deport all foreign invaders. House veterans first.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

Prioritize citizens and industry specialties. Not all jobs are alike, nor should the pay be the same for all jobs. Some are entry-level with training and part-time jobs. Others are intern, hourly or temporary employment. Salaries should be at the discretion of the business owner, agreed upon with employees according to the job description’s required skills … not government.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

I suggest we make California energy independent again by accessing our abundant supply of natural gas which is environmentally friendly.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

Updating our infrastructures: power supply grids to meet increasing demands (not useless wind power) and better water resources management, including developing desalination plants like our Navy and other countries have.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

Research what organizations already provide care for residents, thus avoiding overlapping payments.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Government by the people, for the people. Restore the teaching of our Constitution in schools on Constitution Day, Sept. 17.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

Cold water and healthy food.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Sharon Quirk-Silva

Current Job Title: State Assemblymember

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: Fullerton City Councilmember and mayor

City where you reside: Fullerton

Campaign website or social media: www.sharonquirksilva.com

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

As the world’s fifth-largest economy, and the largest state in the world’s most influential country, California cannot ignore its global role. Within my district, whether from our vibrant Korean-American community to Little Arabia, I am regularly reminded of the impact world events can have on our communities at home. California can and should continue to promote the state globally, both to promote our economy and our shared values.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

Put simply, California has and should continue to be a leader in reducing barriers and making it easier to vote. In my time in the legislature, I have been proud to support many reforms, from making it easier to register at the DMV to creating opportunities to register on Election Day to mailing every voter a ballot to allowing ballots to be mailed up to Election Day to allowing voters to cast their ballot at any polling place in the county to creating a mechanism for voters to correct signature issues.

These reforms have increased the share of eligible voters who are registered, contributed to record-setting turnout in 2020 (which we hopefully will break in 2024) and steadily reduced the number of voters whose ballots are rejected, allowing for a fuller, more representative democracy.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

First, I have been proud to support efforts to expand and fund the state’s rainy-day funds during prior budget cycles. Current budget projections make it clear that clouds are in the sky and we may need to tap into some of those funds to address the current deficit.

Second, some one-time spending allocations, even for projects that I strongly support, may need to be delayed until the state is on firmer financial ground. The need to economize during difficult times is something every household is familiar with, and taxpayers should expect the same from their government.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

My current legislative priorities are:- Education: As a former teacher I am particularly focused on education issues.- Homelessness and housing: As a former mayor, I have a particular interest in issues of housing and affordability (particularly homelessness which has directly impacted my family).- Jobs and the economy: As the recent chair of the Arts and Entertainment Committee, I have focused on the unique role these play in the economy of Orange County and southern California.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

I voted in September for SB 14 to increase penalties for child sex trafficking. I have always viewed the importance of protecting the safety and well-being of children through the lens of a 30-year school teacher who was responsible for protecting a new classroom full of young vibrant lives every year. I believe in balanced solutions. I have opposed relaxing penalties for serious crimes while supporting investments in early intervention/prevention programs. We can both give law enforcement the tools they need while also addressing root causes. We can embrace that addressing systematic institutional racism will ultimately make all residents safer.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

As someone whose family has been personally impacted by homelessness and as the chair of the Select Committee on Orange County Homelessness and Mental Health Services, this is a top priority. We need comprehensive solutions, including expanding mental health services to those currently experiencing homelessness, ensuring all communities contribute to providing transitionary housing and lowering housing costs for all. I’ve written new laws to speed early intervention, improve state planning for homeless services and mandate better care for the most severely mentally ill people on our streets with stronger drug treatment requirements.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

I voted in favor of SB 525. If the last few years have taught us anything, it is the critical role that healthcare workers play, not only in protecting the individual lives of everyday Californians but in protecting the economic health of our state’s economy across so many other industries. We need to continue to promote economic opportunities, including for those at the bottom of the wage scale who too often do not share in the Golden State’s wealth.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

The state needs to continue incentivizing the adoption of renewables, greater energy efficiency, water conservation and the expanded use of low- or no-emission vehicles. However, we often focus on global problems and forget local solutions. One of my proudest achievements in the legislature to date was securing funding to preserve open space in Coyote Hills. It is not something that will make national headlines but preserves one of the few remaining open spaces in North County for all to enjoy.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

I have been leading the fight to establish Orange County’s first veteran’s cemetery. Things in Sacramento often take too long, but after 10 years that dream is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

In late 2022, I was proud to stand with those who fought to protect our country at the flag-raising event in Gypsum Canyon. This project has been an example of how government can still cooperate across political divides. As a Democrat, I have fought to secure $24 million in funding from the state and stood at the flag-raising next to Republican Supervisor Don Wagner who helped to secure $20 million in funding from the county. It will be a solemn day when a fight I began during my first term in the legislature finally leads to the first internments for Orange County’s proud veterans.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

We need to better recognize that problems of mental health, substance abuse and homelessness are inextricably linked. That is why I authored legislation streamlining access to services for those with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems. We need to do better in getting services to those in crisis.

We also need to embrace that it is cheaper, more effective and contributes to better outcomes if we can reach those with issues before they are in crisis. The need for those comprehensive solutions is one of the reasons why I voted to support the placement of the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond and Act on the March ballot and urge voters to support Proposition 1 in 2024.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Common sense cooperation yields the best results.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

None. It’s one of the reasons campaigning is bad for your health.