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Sunday, May 26, 2013
Natomas public safety activist runs for City Council
by Kathleen Haley, published on March 15, 2010 at 10:26 PM
Storyline: June 2010 Election
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angelique ashby
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Angelique Ashby is a Natomas neighborhood activist who views public safety as the city's top priority. Ashby, who is running for Sacramento City Council, has the support of two major local public safety unions: the Sacramento Police Officers Association and Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522.
The Sacramento Press is interviewing City Council candidates in advance of the June election.
Ashby is running for City Council in District 1, which is now represented by Councilman Ray Tretheway. The district includes the neighborhoods of North and South Natomas and Alkali Flat.
The 20-year Sacramento resident is a partner in a consulting firm that contracts with businesses and government agencies. She said she has worked on programs involving at-risk youth and parolees.
Ashby, 34, is also president of the Creekside Neighborhood Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, and a law degree from McGeorge School of Law.
If elected to the City Council, her key focus would be on public safety, which she described as an obligation. In her view, public safety encompasses flood and fire protection and police work.
Among other goals, she said she wants to help the City Council members communicate with each other.
Quality-of-life issues are important to Ashby. “The way I think that you address quality-of-life issues is that you listen,” she said. “You listen to what it is that people want.”
Another priority of Ashby’s would be the local economy. “We have got to bring jobs to Sacramento,” she said.
Ashby said she successfully directed the push for a Natomas community policing center — the Natomas Police and Community Resource Center was created in 2008. Ashby notes that she worked on plans to start the center without a budget. Land was donated for the center, which is operated by a group of more than 60 volunteers, she said.
The items in the center are also donated, she said, with the exception of phone and Internet.
“Those types of outside-of-the-box thinking, they ... release some pressure on having to come up with dollars in a budget that doesn’t have room, or having to create a new tax for something,” Ashby said. “Sometimes, you can just work a little harder, build a few more relationships and come up with some solid solutions.”
She also ran a drive to apply fees from developers toward a new fire station in Natomas, she said. Construction for he station, which will be located west of Interstate 5, will kick off in April, according to Ashby’s website.
In response to a question from The Sacramento Press, Ashby said she is receiving advice from political communications consultant Steve Maviglio on a volunteer basis.
Maviglio volunteers for Mayor Kevin Johnson on political issues, such as Johnson’s campaign for a strong mayor form of government. The Sacramento Press asked Ashby if she would be an ally of Johnson’s if she were elected to the City Council. “First of all, and very importantly, I consider myself to be an ally of every member of the council, including the mayor,” she said. “What they think of me is up to them. But why would anyone want to elect a person who doesn’t want to work with the city mayor? If it was Heather Fargo, my answer would be the same.”
Of the three candidates for the District 1 seat, Ashby is second to Tretheway in campaign fundraising. Tretheway took in $79,278 for his campaign last year, according to campaign statements.
Campaign statements show that Ashby raised $26,452 last year. Candidate Efren Guttierrez said earlier this month that he has raised about $2,000 for his campaign.
Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.
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Having the support of the police officers is something that she earned honestly with her impressive track record of partnering with our police department on a variety of initiatives.
We are currently one of the most dangerous cities in the State, behind only Stockton and Oakland. That means statistically it is safer in Los Angeles than it is in Sacramento. That is not a title to be proud of and it is certainly one I feel should be addressed.
In addition to the crime, Natomas has been built in a flood plain, now decertified and lacking any reasonable protections to the families who were told it was safe to live there.
Portions of Natomas on the west side of I-5 are outside of national maximum standards for fire and emergency response times.
These are the issues that have called me to action.
I have done many things as a leader in the community to find solutions, like creating the volunteer run Police & Community Resource Center (which served over 1500 people in the first year it was open) or building on-line email networks that connect neighbors via cyberspace (which we call "virtual" neighborhood watch). I also took the lead on fighting for the new fire-station, which will be built and equipped entirely by developer fees already collected. I have built partnerships with the schools, chamber of commerce and community associations that have become the foundation of communication and collaborative effort throughout the district.
I am a small business owner and a mother of two children. My husband and I chose this area as our home because we wanted to build a life for our family in a vibrant up and coming community. The vision of Natomas has not been implemented and instead it is full of broken promises, half built structures, roads and neighborhoods that don't connect and empty space where businesses, schools and parks were expected to flourish.
It will be difficult now, in the current budget, to address these issues - including the much needed levee improvements.
Like everyone else, I am disappointed that we are in this situation. We can't change the decisions of the past, but we can look to the future and work very hard to change our prognosis.
I look forward to the opportunity and am grateful for your support.
If you would like to learn more about this campaign or about the more than 250 community members who have joined the police and firefighters in endorsing me - please visit my website at www.AngeliqueAshby.com.
Kathleen, thank you for writing this story it was a pleasure meeting you.
You don't have to apologize. You had no way of knowing I wasn't being sincere in asking the question. Your comment did not offend me. (I took off part of my comment as well it was smart-alerk also and I apologize.)
Ashby did not endorse Johnson's campaign - even though it was expected. She also did not support Fargo.
So either she sat on the fence, or she could not support either, you would have to ask her why...in either case, She was NOT in Johnsons camp.
Johnson and Tretheway are controlled by developers. Most of the problems in Natomas are related to development and the wealthy insider developers.
bbbbmer is male. Ohh wait, I get it -- you made a tongue-in-cheek reference to his sexual preference. Clever.
The vast majority of Ashby's campaign contributions in 2009 have come from community members and partners within the district, while the incumbent's came primarily from special interests based outside the district (often outside city limits), and the other challenger raised only $100 and cannot gain any traction on his divisive platform.
She is a collaborator, not an agitator. She approaches problem-solving with an open mind and intent to build upon strengths.
The mistakes and broken promises in District One and the City of Sacramento as a whole didn't happen overnight and won't be solved overnight, but having an energetic, intelligent, articulate, and collaborative representative as our representative on the council going forward is a must, and Angelique Ashby exemplifies those traits.
And bbbbmer, I don't know enough about the people and issues involved in Land Park, where you live, and wouldn't presume to comment on them. You obviously are equally ignorant about my community and should do the same.
Personally, given that the police and fire unions are bankrupting cities and counties across the country an endorsement by these unions is an automatic endorsement of the opponent.
But this story isn't about that, and to use a single issue, such as associating the police officer and firefighter union endorsements as the sole reason NOT to vote for someone, is missing the greater picture.
You suggest that the reason the public safety associations' decisions to endorse Angelique Ashby is due to an assumption that a quid pro quo pact between them that trades the endorsements for fighting to ensure their retirement plans never change that is completely false and without any basis whatsoever.
I'm not suggesting that never happens with any candidate (particularly incumbents), but I am saying that has not happened in this case.
The reasons they endorsed Angelique are many and based on the successes that can be demonstrated under her leadership -- the incumbent and other challengers, past and present, have nothing to cite on those fronts except cheap lip service and in fact have bones in their closets that show how their actions or inactions have made District One a LESS safe place for the people who choose to live here.
By your logic, Angelique should have rejected the highly valued public safety endorsements, in spite of her many impressive accomplishments on public safety issues. Sorry, that makes no sense.
Rather than ignorant speculation about what those endorsements mean and suggesting they are the be-all/end-all negative decision factor in this election, I suggest you check out Angelique's Web site (http://www.AngeliqueAshby.com) to see what she has written on these and many other subjects relevant to District One voters, and if you are unclear on any position, you should have the intellectual integrity to send her an email and ask your question.
What people have you listened to? What is it that they say they want? Some of these comments blow me away considering I know many low income residents and folks working HARD with the people (as you work with LE) to address youth violence in Natomas and not one that I know has given you all the honor, praise and glory you and some who post have given you. I am not trying to let the air out of your bag, I just want to learn more about what appears (suggested by these comments) to be an angel of Natomas. If all this goes to your head, I'm afraid you'll be more like Johnson unable to see past your own opinions, views... with a one- hand washes the other attitude. I hope that I am wrong because right now after reading this public service/ infomercial announcement that you posted you are not appearing all that impressive. Can you PLEASE share more of who you spoke to and what you learned about quality of life issues? For goodness sake your previous comment sounds like nothing but a tell the people what they want to hear politican
Not sure if you have visited my website (www.AngeliqueAshby.com) there is a section called ‘My Story’ that details my life to this point. If you haven’t read it maybe when you get a moment you will. There is also a section about my experience and accomplishments that describes some of the things I have done.
In 1995, two years after I graduated from Sacramento High School, I had my son Nate. I was a single mom and we lived in low income housing in South Natomas. I used food stamps and subsidized childcare and worked full time while going to school and raising my little boy. Eventually, I made my way through UC Davis and then law school at McGeorge. During that time I worked at FamiliesFirst, a foster youth agency that cares for displaced children.
My father, who is now my business partner, has had a distinguished career in the world of children’s services. When we opened our business we did so as an opportunity to build programs for children and families, particularly foster youth.
In the end of law school I got married. My husband and I bought our house and within a year or so had my youngest son - Tyus.
I talk a lot about the support I have from police officers and firefighters because they are very important, especially at the City governance level, but I have spent much of my life working on programs for children and families.
As a consultant I have done many projects with organizations that serve low income families, especially youth. I designed one of the most success parolee reentry programs in the State. It has a very low recidivism rate and is based on the concept of building community around people exiting the prison system.
I believe in meeting people where they are at and trying to bridge gaps in service to offer chances to find success.
In law school I worked in the Public Defender’s Office and worked the homeless calendar by meeting with folks at Loaves & Fishes once a month, taking care of their legal concerns and representing them in court. It was an amazing experience and I learned a lot about homeless issues in Sacramento.
In the schools I have done many things like volunteer one day a week after school for an entire year to help start a performing arts class.
Last year I worked on a leadership team with a few other parents to take kids from Natomas Middle School to Washington DC. We raised enough money to take kids regardless of cost or ability to pay.
I have helped bring anti gun violence programs to Natomas Middle as well as sponsor the Natomas Jr Nighthawks football and cheer program with scholarships. I helped underwrite an entire traveling baseball team so that kids could play regardless of ability to pay.
Volunteering for the schools, youth sports, foster youth and homeless youth have been a part of my life since I was 12 years old and acted as the youth advisor on the board that established the California Runaway Hotline. Later at age 15, I was the youngest counselor to ever work for the hotline.
In this campaign I established a youth advisory committee for seniors in high school to have a voice and an opportunity to experience a local election. The students on the committee are very involved and have been tremendous reminders to me of why I want to help this City. By the way, I am the only candidate with a youth advisory committee.
We worked with Inderkum High School PTSA to help them raise money for Safe & Sober grad night and have found many ways to partner with parents involved at every grade level in Natomas.
This community needs to do more for our youth and I do not mean opening centers – I mean providing programs and opportunities.
You asked me about who I am listening to. The answer is anyone who has something to say. Last week I attended a Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association meeting where they told the candidates about specific concerns in their community (gang violence, graffiti, clean parks, access to a medical clinic, etc.). The incumbent did not even attend.
In North Natomas the communities are concerned about their schools and public safety (fire, police and flood protection).
My point is that the community members know which issues need to be addressed in their neighborhoods. It is my job to listen to them and then advocate on their behalf. That is what I think a good leader does.
As for Kevin, he is his own person. I do have some volunteers on my campaign who worked with him and many who did not.
I meant what I said about working with the mayor – I am looking forward to the chance to work with anyone and everyone willing to fight for Sacramento’s future – that includes you.
Thank you for asking me the questions, I appreciate the opportunity to answer.
I also attending many events given by Kim Briggs who works with many youth in the area with Challenging their Destiny. Many of the kids are from Inderkum and I'm aware of the ongoing feud with Grant.... and with many people working close to address the concerns. Yes, the community needs to do more for the youth. What types of programs are you referring to? what types of opportunities? It just seems you address extensively your background and address on the surface the questions I raised. I'm assuming, you do understand getting into office is not about YOU but about the community?
Yes, I asked you who you are listening to. And your answer, "anyone who has something to say" is well, not impressive. Their are some who can't invite you to come and hear them speak- they can't speak suffocating.... You have to get out and get to know, see, and hear them....
You mentioned, "Last week I attended a Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association meeting where they told the candidates about specific concerns in their community (gang violence, graffiti, clean parks, access to a medical clinic, etc.). The incumbent did not even attend." Yes, you and Guttierrez attended and both he and you spoke for about 10 minutes each answering constituents questions and the incumbent, Ray Tretheway didn't attend. You failed to mention it was because he was at another meeting- a prior obligation that Thursday night. You mention you are the only one with a youth advisory committee. I've seen Gutierrez as youth functions and know he also works with a youth advisory committee they were addressing education, youth violence, juvenile justice system. Heck, Gutierrez was at the meeting you referred to speaking of an emergency care clinic in South Natomas, where the only police sub-station has closed... larger fire station. I also know he works with many regarding public safety. I also believe, Tretheway and each council person has 2 youth assigned to a youth commission advising them as well.
You should be very proud of your accomplishments and where you were, where you came from and where you are now. It is to be admired. Like Johnson you made a way from little and that is to be respected. I am serious when I say job well done.
However, the fact that you overshadowed my questions with YOUR background and not the background of the people you've spoken with, learned from, listened to.... The fact that you were selective in sending out your message towards the Thursday meeting, youth advisory...., the fact I asked for your comment regarding quality of life and it appeared you don't really see me since your comment again appears to be to tell the people who may read the site about yourself... all that sends a red-flag for me combine that with SPOA and Johnson- in my opinion, as of right now, you are dangerous as an elected official. I look forward to getting to know you and perhaps I'll see that my first and continued impression of you is wrong.
Angelique's "I will listen to whoever has something to say" response is genuine. I have seen it first hand and I have experienced it myself. I was one of those with something to say and it felt like nobody was listening, except others like me trying to be heard, and it was extremely frustrating. She actually helped to transform me from being an agitator fueled by anger to an advocate fueled by passion and input from those around me. She actually inspired me to be a better listener as a leader in my own leadership positions here in the community (I'm a neighborhood association co-founder and a member of the crime and safety team she co-created).
I hope that helps to put that remark in perspective.
As for your comment about being "selective in her appearances," I can tell you that her appointment calendar is beyond crazy these days, figuring raising a family, running a business (involving frequent travel), and running the campaign. But she's out there and you'll catch her eventually.
Oh, one last thing: I heard the incumbent confirmed his attendance at last week's GNNA candidate forum, but then no-showed, citing a fundraiser conflict. Go look at the schedule for that fundraiser -- he could have made an appearance at both events. It's clear to me and many others that he blew off GNNA. Whether out of arrogance or concern for competing with Angelique is open to speculation.
Finally, I do want to be fair. I just wish others were also fair. Heck, Treathway is far from arrogant ... It's also not fair to speculate or suggest on the under that he's concerned for competing with Angelique. Heck he could of just been exhausted running here and there. I've gone to 2 different meetings in one day and sometimes my heart, head, mind just isn't in it and sometimes I can only mentally, emotionally, physically, attend one meeting even if time allows for me to attend another. Heck, the man is no spring chicken (since I'm no spring chicken I can see he may have had other reasons....) But again, I do appreciate our discussion and your passion towards District 1 and Ashby.
Is that in response to this excerpt that Angelique wrote? "Last week I attended a Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association meeting where they told the candidates about specific concerns in their community (gang violence, graffiti, clean parks, access to a medical clinic, etc.). The incumbent did not even attend."
Is your issue with the word "even"?
Remember, our understanding is that he confirmed he would be there, but then he did not show up.
I think it might have something to do with the fact that Tretheway performed very poorly and Angelique performed brilliantly at a councilmember candidate debate held at Heritage Park last month... That's not just my opinion -- ask any of the residents who attended at night and I'm confident they would concur.
Honestly, I thought Angelique's statement ("The incumbent did not even attend.") put it MILDLY.
Tretheway sells himself as the soft spoken environmentalist, yet he spearheaded the destruction of tens of thousands of acres of irreplaceable farmland. He fought the Army Corps on building tens of thousands of stucco crap boxes. He is involved with environmental groups - yet he takes almost all of his money from wealthy developers who want to rape the land and annex tens of thousands of more acres of farm land all the way up to Sutter County line. He allowed developers to dump all of the storm water from the roadways from their new developments into the Sacramento river without any mitigation or filtration, dumping millions of gallons of contaminated water into the ecosystem further harming the Sacramento Delta and the fish population.
I think that there is any doubt that Ashby will be in the pocket of the police and fire unions; but at least she is up front and honest about it, she is not trying to hide it.
Natomas needs a councilmember to fight for Natomas; Ashby will definitely fight for Natomas, hopefully not just for North Natomas.
The problem is, Tretheway and his campaign staff are dishonest about his accomplishments and even dishonest about his positions. For example, he was present for a press conference by the Natomas Chamber of Commerce and appeared at a podium under the "Keep The Arena in Natomas" banner, yet he voted to advance the railyard arena land-swap deal, a complete 180-degree turn. He also takes credit for good things that happen during his tenure, like our fire station breaking ground next month, even though the only part he played in the process was that of an opponent. Truth is, Angelique and other passionate community leaders are responsible for getting that station finally funded and built.
It's unfortunate, but that leaves the unpopular job of straight-setting Tretheway's dismal record up to the community, sometimes Angelique herself.
The more Tretheway lies, the more must call foul. Fortunately, the vast majority of District One voters we are reaching are hip to that reality.
I just hope someone who sounds as good as Ashby doesn't get too involved in the corrupt 'quid pro quo' that goes on in this town - especially with the mayor. It could hurt her in the end and that would be a shame. You sound smart and passionate Ms. Ashby - please don't get in too deep and lose your sense of self and your own convictions and become another tool in KJ's toolbox.
Besides the other concerns I raised I'm concerned with Maviglio's relationship with Ashby. I grew to not trust him as an assistant for Johnson and reading comments he would make.... Suddenly a leopard changes its spots? We're suppose to trust him now because Ashby (a fish out of water now among sharks) is working with him? I think it's also concerning to have a mayor with too many cronies on the deck. I think we really have to watch out and not throw caution to the wind. Heck, WHAT took Maviglio to Ashby? WHY did he stop being so outspoken for Johnson and quietly began supporting Ashby? If Johnson can't get his SMP surely we can't sit and watch the council become filled with yes men/ women to Johnson. I hate that I am so suspicious but to be honest Johnson and his strategist has given us plenty of reasons to carefully watch who runs for council seats. If we open the door to an evil we have to stand guard as greater evils will come through. IF I am wrong about Ashby I apologize BUT I certainly will watch her and not just her but everyone else running for council seats. Heck, Ashby already said she doesn't read blogs much (referencing this community news site) so what does she know about Maviglio besides what he's told her? What does she know about public safety besides a bias SPOA press release she may receive.... How informed is she if she doesn't read blogs much?? Heck, surely an NBA star has more than one winning game plan. Ashby might be great but she's among strategizing sharks....
Yuck....
The article does touch on this topic -- the question was asked and answered, albeit briefly.
Is she a Kevin Johnson "plant" who will robotically vote his wishes? No.
Will she vote on matters according to the totality of her experience, constituent input, research, facts, and what she believes is best for District One and the City of Sacramento as a whole? Yes.
Does our mayor support or endorse Angelique? You would need to ask him that. I know that he respects her and he appreciates the competition in the District One race. He wishes she had endorsed him when he was running for mayor, but she did not do so. She states in public all the time that she voted for Fargo in the primary and Johnson in the general/runoff, but she did not endorse him.
She has stated on numerous occasions that she had studied the strong mayor initiative in depth and had decided to vote against it on account of its many flaws. Does she think a charter review and revision is in order? Yes, she has stated so on many occasions -- but she does not support the specific initiative that would have appeared on the June ballot if a judge had not blocked it.
If you are a "single issue" voter and your issue is "not having a Kevin Johnson puppet in District One council seat," then Angelique is your choice. That does not mean she will never support something the mayor does.
She was quoted in the article that she will work with the mayor and council, whoever they are. She is not an obstructionist, but she is not afraid of confrontation when it is inevitable. She prefers to collaborate and solve problems but she has the courage to stand her ground -- stand OUR ground -- when the situation calls for it.