MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Chris Duncan

Current Job Title: San Clemente City Councilmember + business owner

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem

City where you reside: San Clemente

Campaign website or social media: Website: www.VoteChrisDuncan.com; Social: @chrisduncanca

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?

People in this district want action right here in our community, not overseas. I’m running for Assembly to solve our homelessness crisis, strengthen our schools, fight against crime and make California more affordable for the middle class. As the world’s fifth-largest economy, California can and should leverage its influence on critical issues such as trade, climate change and technological innovation. But in the Assembly, I will focus on advancing domestic, not foreign, priorities — that means reviving the California dream for our community by improving the lives of our residents right here in District 74.

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?

While political extremists are playing games with our democracy, I firmly reject attempts to interfere with Californians’ right to vote. Our voting system is secure. I support automatically registering anyone who is eligible to vote. No eligible voter should miss out on the opportunity to vote because of business, work or family obligations.

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.

Our schools and basic services are facing drastic budget cuts because career politicians like our current assemblymember talk a big game and then go to Sacramento and go MIA. The fact is, she’s done nothing to rein in out-of-control spending and protect vital services we rely on. I will.

I’ll fight for a full state audit of homelessness and a statewide study on waste, fraud and abuse so we focus on what’s working and stop wasting money on what’s not. I do not support cuts to our public schools or public safety.

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

As a former federal prosecutor, keeping children and families safe is my top priority. I worked to protect our community and go after drug smugglers in the Department of Homeland Security. On public safety, we need a representative we can trust. My opponent voted against funding to fight fentanyl and even campaigned for Trump’s re-election with a now-convicted Jan. 6 terrorist. That’s unacceptable.

As a father, I’m committed to strengthening our schools. California used to be the gold standard, and we’re falling behind because Sacramento representatives like my opponent have failed us. As a parent with three children in our public schools, I understand firsthand the critical need to avoid teacher layoffs, hold the line on class sizes and increase parental involvement in local school district decisions.

Finally, our community needs well-maintained roads, bridges, beaches and public transport systems alongside investments in housing, water resources and energy projects.

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’m a former prosecutor and a father of three young children. I know we can, and must, protect public safety and protect civil rights. It’s not either/or — it’s both. The legislature’s failure to increase child sex trafficking penalties was an embarrassment. The most heinous crimes against children deserve serious consequences. Period. Unfortunately, there were those in both parties who got this issue wrong, including the Republicans who were more interested in scoring political points than solving the problem. I won’t play those partisan games with public safety. I’ll listen to law enforcement, engage with the community and work across party lines to get things done — just like I have as the mayor of San Clemente where I added more police, and 100% of my public safety proposals passed with bipartisan support.

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 I mentioned above, regrettably, the state has spent a lot of money on homelessness without a long-term system in place to ensure the money is spent effectively. Spending millions to put homeless people in hotel rooms is not the long-term answer our residents deserve. Many homeless people simply lack affordable housing. We need to build more housing in a sustainable, affordable way so young people, medically disabled veterans and low-income families do not become homeless. That’s what I’ve done as mayor — and we were able to decrease our unsheltered population by 15%.

Other homeless people tragically suffer from mental illness or drug addiction. I support the new CARE courts program, in which a judge orders such individuals to a facility that can treat these conditions. And we need to let local governments enforce their laws if services are refused. Our residents deserve action on homelessness, not the status quo. Enough is enough. We need a change.

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?

California is just too darn expensive for working people and middle-class families. To help our residents afford to live here, I support raising the minimum wage, especially in a key industry like healthcare where we have a severe shortage of skilled workers and a growing senior population that must have reliable care.

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

As a city councilmember and mayor, I’ve championed community choice energy as a cornerstone of our environmental and climate policy. CCE breaks up the monopoly by San Diego Gas & Electric, offers lower rates than the utility companies and allows residents and businesses the choice to buy cleaner energy which will protect our environment for future generations.

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

In Assembly District 74, I believe the most vital capital improvement project that needs financing and completion is the sand replenishment along our coast. I’ll fight for our fair share of funding in AD 74 and prioritize sand replenishment projects — just like I’ve done as the mayor of San Clemente. My opponent is running for her third term in the Assembly and has nothing to show for it. I’ve delivered on my promises, and I will in the Assembly.

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?

I have a lot of hope for CARE courts program, which I’m glad to see Orange County is taking the lead in implementing, unlike other jurisdictions. It’s high time our state took mental health seriously, and that means hiring more behavioral health professionals, building more hospitals to support more psychiatric beds and creating parity between physical and psychiatric conditions. Right now, we don’t have enough of either, and people wind up in jail when they should be treated by health professionals. CARE courts is a complete paradigm shift that will allow people to get the treatment they deserve but only if we support it with the appropriate level of funding.

It’s too early to evaluate the results from the program, but we should be able to tell soon if it’s working such that it can be expanded to cover less severe disorders.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Do what is right, even if it’s at a personal cost.

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

Pizza.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Laurie Davies

Current Job Title: State Assemblymember

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: Laguna Niguel City Councilmember and mayor (2012-2020)

City where you reside: Laguna Niguel

Campaign website or social media: www.DaviesforCA.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?

I believe California does lead the way when it comes to environmental protection. California has stepped up its efforts to combat issues like coastal erosion. Our state has the opportunity to be a leader in this space for countries worldwide who are dealing with their own environmental challenges. Furthermore, as the fourth-largest economy in the world, we have a global responsibility to ensure our business environment here can help attract and lure international companies to bring jobs to our communities. Economic investment brings opportunities for California residents.

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 believe reforms need to be common sense and practical. Let’s start with cleaning the voter rolls on a consistent basis so people who no longer live in our community aren’t sent ballots. Furthermore, I think it is reasonable to ask people when they vote in person to present a valid form of identification. You have to show an ID when you buy products like alcohol, yet no requirement when voting for president of the United States. It’s a common-sense step.

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.

If you look at the report given by the Legislative Analyst Office, it estimates the state has about $8.6 billion in one-time temporary spending that can be halted in various programs. So I would start there. This step partners with looking at the excessive costs of some of the bills the governor has signed recently and temporarily halting those needed to be implemented.

Additionally, we should give serious consideration to auditing many of the state agencies and the existing programs that require continuous funding. If there are programs that can be temporarily halted, serious thought should be given to that option. Taxpayer money should not be funding antiquated or useless programs or services.

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

First and foremost, given that we are in a budget deficit, I’d love to see audits done on what state programs and agencies are living up to their potential and what ones can be repealed or reformed.

Next, I’d like to see more funding for coastal erosion programs administered by the state Parks and Recreation Department. Our coastline isn’t getting any bigger and we must act prudently to ensure we save our beaches and sand.

Additionally, I’d like to see more funding for more enforcement of the Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS). This program helps law enforcement take away illegal firearms from people legally deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Lastly, I’d love to see more funding for behavioral health resources, such as attracting more providers to our state.

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 believe the two are one and the same. If we increase penalties for heinous crimes, like human trafficking, you make our communities safer since those criminals are no longer roaming free. In addition, if we start giving more help and resources to those convicted of drug crimes, we keep our communities safer since we are helping people fight their addiction. Less users means less demand. Let’s punish the dealers and give treatment to users.

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?

The first thing we have to do when it comes to the homelessness crisis is to keep people in their homes who are most at risk of losing them. Take, for example, the renter’s tax credit. It has not been adjusted in years, yet rents have skyrocketed due to inflation. In Orange County alone, the average rent price is $2,590 a month. In the legislature, I have co-authored many bipartisan bills, such as SB 843, that try to improve and increase the amount for this credit.

If you want to go further, let’s reduce the red tape needed to even build homes. All the permits and filing fees deter developers from even wanting to build in our state.

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?

While I do believe our healthcare workers are unsung heroes in our communities, I do not believe we should start setting wage standards by industry. It should not be up to the governor or legislature to determine which set of workers do more or mean more to a community. I am all for pay increases for hard-working professions like our police, teachers, firefighters and healthcare workers. However, let’s make them across the board increases, not singled out.

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

Coastal erosion is an issue near and dear to my heart. Our community thrives off tourism and the economic revenue it brings us. If we lose our precious beaches and sand, what becomes of the small businesses that rely on those dollars to survive? Or what happens to city programs that need hotel tax revenue to help clean our streets or improve our infrastructure? This year, I authored and passed AB 882 to ensure local agencies and nonprofits can get expedited grant funding from the State Coastal Conservancy specifically for coastal erosion mitigation projects. The time to save our coastline is now.

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

As a former member of the Orange County Transportation Authority, I know firsthand how much railroads and lines mean to us. My office has worked closely with both OCTA and the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency to help find a solution to the environmental challenges the rail faces in San Clemente. This stretch of railroad is not only critical for transporting goods and services, but many people in Orange County use this option to travel along our coastline for work or quick trips. At the state level, I have advocated and worked with legislators from both parties on budget requests to help get this issue fixed.

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?

When we talk about mental health, the first thing that needs to be made clear is we have a severe lack of mental health professionals available in our state. I think one thing we can do is help increase the number of mental health providers available to our residents. Many states allow telehealth options for providers in other states with similar educational backgrounds or licenses to see patients in neighboring states. However, California regulations hamper this. We need to make it as easy as possible for residents to see providers, even if it is through remote options.

Since COVID-19, we have seen a rise in mental health issues in every age demographic, but specifically high in our teens and young adults. Allowing this group greater access to professionals is in the state’s best interest.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

An independent voice bringing common-sense solutions for California.

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

Trail mix.

The dedicated food week will feature deals and prix-fixe menus ranging from $15 to $25 for lunch, and $25 to $45 for dinner, a date-night lineup and even luxury menus offering a more tony experiences for $60 to $120.

New to this year’s lineup include Irvine’s Benny and Mary’s, Bloom Restaurant and Bar in San Juan Capistrano, Le Shrimp Noodle Bar in Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo’s Dizzy Bird and Oliver’s Trattoria in Irvine, to name a few.

This year’s week-long event will also highlight family-friendly dining, which is a great way at getting kids to learn about cuisine and dining out, and vegetarian dining, ideal for those who either eschew a carnivorous lifestyle or yearn for a more vegetable-forward menu.

The annual event is put on by the Orange County Restaurant Association. Diners can find participating restaurants’ menus and prices at www.OCRestaurantWeek.com.

This year’s restaurants are as follows:

1886 Brewing Company – Orange

399 Vietnamese Kitchen – Tustin

Anaheim White House – Anaheim

Angelina’s Pizzeria – Irvine

AnQi Bistro – Costa Mesa

Apola Greek Grill – Yorba Linda

Aria Kitchen – Irvine

AVEO Table + Bar – Dana Point

Avila’s El Ranchito – San Clemente, Santa Ana

Benchmark – Santa Ana

Benny and Mary’s – Irvine

Billy’s at the Beach – Newport Beach

Blaze Pizza – Newport Beach

Bloom, Restaurant + Bar – San Juan Capistrano

Bluegold – Huntington Beach

Bodega Laguna – Laguna Beach

Bottega Angelina – Laguna Niguel

Brio Italian Grille – Irvine

BRU Grill and Market – Lake Forest

Brunos Italian Kitchen – Brea

Cabo Wabo Beach Club – Huntington Beach

Cafe Sevilla Spanish Restaurant and Tapas Bar – Costa Mesa

Cambalache Grill – Fountain Valley

Cappy’s Cafe – Newport Beach

Casa Ramos – Santa Ana

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen – Brea

Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen – Irvine

Chapter One: the modern local- Santa Ana

Chelas Mexican Kitchen – San Clemente

Churriño – Costa Mesa

Citrus City Grille – Orange

Citrus Fresh Grill – Aliso Viejo

City Cruises Anchored by Hornblower – Newport Beach

Congregation Ale House – Santa Ana

CUCINA enoteca – Irvine, Newport Beach

CUCINA enoteca – Newport Beach

Descanso – Costa Mesa

Dizzy Bird – Mission Viejo

Eureka! – Irvine

Falasophy – Irvine

Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens- Corona Del Mar

Fermentation Farm – Costa Mesa

Five Crowns – Corona Del Mar

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar – Newport Beach

Fly N Fish Oyster Bar and Grill – Newport Beach

Gracias Madre – Newport Beach

Great Maple – Anaheim

Great Maple – Newport Beach

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken – Santa Ana

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ – (Huntington Beach, Tustin)

Haagen-Dazs – Irvine

Habana – Costa Mesa, Irvine

Hammer Burger – Santa Ana

Harborside Restaurant – Newport Beach

Hatam Restaurant – Mission Viejo

Haven Craft Kitchen + Bar – Orange

Henry’s Coastal Cuisine – Huntington Beach

High Horse Saloon – Fullerton

HoléSmokes – Costa Mesa

Il Fornaio – Irvine

Il Sole La Nuova Cucina – RSM

Indigo | Modern Indian Bistro – Huntington Beach

Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Laguna Hills

Izakaya Osen – Irvine

JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings- Irvine

Jars Sweets & Things – Laguna Niguel

Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen- Fullerton

Le Shrimp Noodle Bar – Costa Mesa

Left Coast Brewing – Irvine

Lido Bottle Works – Newport Beach

Lighthouse Cafe – Newport Beach

Little Sister – Irvine

Lola Gaspar – Santa Ana

Luciana’s Ristorante – Dana Point

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que- Brea, Lake Forest, Orange, Tustin)

Lumberyard Restaurant – Laguna Beach

Luna Rossa – Tustin

Maldon’s Bistro – Irvine

Market Broiler – Huntington Beach, Orange

Mayor’s Table at Lido House – Newport Beach

MESA – Costa Mesa

Mickey’s Irish Pub – Fullerton

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Santa Ana

Mozambique – Laguna Beach

Mr. D’s – Placentia

Muldoon’s Irish Pub – Newport Beach

Native Son – Santa Ana

Newport Landing – Newport Beach

NOVA Kitchen and Bar – Garden Grove

O Fine Japanese Cuisine – Irvine, Laguna Beach

O SEA – Orange

Oak – Laguna Beach

OC Fish Grill – Irvine

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge – Huntington Beach

Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Newport Beach

Oliver’s Osteria – Laguna Beach

Oliver’s Trattoria – Irvine

Pacific Catch – Tustin

Pacitas Modern Filipino Kitchen – Anaheim

Paradise Dynasty – Costa Mesa

Paul Martin’s American Grill– Irvine

Perla Mexican Cuisine – Santa Ana

Pieology The Market Place – Irvine

Pita Feast – Huntington Beach

Playa Mesa – Costa Mesa

Plums Cafe – Costa Mesa

Pressed – Newport Beach

Prime Cut Cafe – Orange

Pub Thirty-Two – Mission Viejo

Puesto – Anaheim

Puesto Los Olivos – Irvine

Puesto Park Place – Irvine

RA Sushi – Tustin

RAKKAN Ramen – Tustin

Rancho Capistrano Winery – SJC

Rangeen Kitchen – Laguna Niguel

Red O Restaurant – Newport Beach

Robata Wasa – Irvine

Rockin Baja Lobster – Newport Beach

Romano’s Macaroni Grill – Irvine

Rub Red’s BBQ – La Habra

Rumari – Laguna Beach

Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook. – Laguna Beach

Scratch Bakery Cafe – Laguna Hills, Scratch Bakery Cafe

SideDoor – Corona Del Mar

Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar- Costa Mesa

Simply Fish – Costa Mesa

Skyloft – Laguna Beach

Starfish – Newport Beach, Laguna Beach

StillWater Spirits & Sounds- Dana Point

Summit House Restaurant – Fullerton

Sundried Tomato American Bistro & Catering – SJC

Sweetgreen – Irvine, Tustin

Taco Rosa – Irvine, Newport Beach

TACOMPADRE – Santa Ana

Tacos TJ Style – Santa Ana

Tangerine Room – Anaheim

Taste of Beauty – Fountain Valley

Tea Maru – Irvine, Santa Ana

The Bungalow Restaurant – Corona Del Mar

The Country Club – Costa Mesa

The Crack Shack – Costa Mesa

The Peel Craftbar & Kitchen – Orange

The Pizza Press – Santa Ana

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar – Tustin

The Yellow Chilli Tustin – Tustin

Thirty Four Bar & Bistro – Irvine

Vacation Bar – Santa Ana

Villa Roma – Laguna Hills

Vine Restaurant & Bar – San Clemente

Whitestone Restaurant & Bar – Dana Point

Wild Goose Tavern – Costa Mesa

Woody’s Wharf – Newport Beach

Ysidora Restaurant and Lounge – SJC

Zabb Thai Cuisine – Newport Beach

ZOOD – Newport Beach