Issues

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

Southern California is the most disaster-prone region in the country, and Assembly District 42 sits at the center of that risk. From the Palisades, Woolsey and Mountain Fires to historic flooding, high wind events, earthquakes, and even hurricanes, the threats are growing and evolving. District 42 spans two counties, making coordination and communication even more critical when emergencies strike.

The next disaster isn’t a matter of if, it’s when. That’s why California needs a clear, coordinated strategy that strengthens local readiness, speeds recovery, and protects people and infrastructure before it’s too late.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Every resident of District 42 deserves to feel safe at home, at work, at school, and in our public spaces. But rising crime, retail theft, and a lack of adequate resources have left too many families and businesses feeling vulnerable. We need smart, balanced public safety policies that both hold offenders accountable and address the root causes of crime.

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

Housing and homelessness issues in California have reached crisis levels due to a combination of low housing stock and incomes not keeping pace with the soaring cost of living. The next generation cannot afford to live in the region, nor can the workforce we depend on. Seniors looking to downsize can’t find affordable smaller homes, and those living paycheck-to-paycheck are often only one emergency away from losing stable housing.

Deborah’s boots-on-the-ground experience in local land-use planning, along with running a weekly homeless shelter for nearly 20 years, has given her front-row insight on the housing solutions our district needs.

JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

The high cost of living, post-pandemic recovery, artificial intelligence, and other shifts have upended the job market and economic development in recent years. Protecting and growing our region’s economic strength takes laser-sharp focus and steady leadership, and Deborah will bring her proven experience as a local leader to the State Legislature.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Climate change is no longer a distant threat: it’s here, and our communities are living with the consequences. The Woolsey, Mountain, and Palisades Fires are recent examples of how climate-driven disasters are striking with greater intensity each time. Add to that historic droughts, flooding, and windstorms that knock out power and put lives at risk, and this district is on the frontlines of the crisis.

Deborah knows that we can’t just respond to disasters without addressing the root causes of these extreme climate events, and she has a track record of making a tangible reduction in our climate footprint. She will expand upon that experience in the State Legislature, continuing to fight for realistic, affordable pathways to a sustainable future that benefits everyone.

EDUCATION

Assembly District 42 is rich with diverse educational institutions, from vibrant preschools and K-12 schools to a top-tier community college to stellar four-year universities. These schools don’t just educate our young people – they anchor our neighborhoods, strengthen our economy, and reflect the values of our community.

Every student in our district and across California deserves access to a world-class education in a safe, supportive environment. But too often, our schools are asked to do more with less, as state budgets swing from boom to bust. We need a more stable, long-term approach to funding education so that every district can plan for the future, retain great teachers, and give students the resources they need to thrive.

HEALTHCARE

Every person deserves affordable, comprehensive healthcare, and Deborah will fight to ensure cost and access are never barriers to care. As medical expenses have skyrocketed over the past few decades, too many families are forced to drain savings, go into debt, or skip care altogether. Deborah will work to lower out-of-pocket costs, expand coverage, and hold insurers accountable. She’ll also focus on expanding our healthcare workforce, strengthening mental health and substance use treatment, and pushing for real transparency in pricing.

OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIVITY

As an avid hiker who has traversed nearly every trail in our local mountains, Deborah has always been a champion of open space, conservation, and connectivity. As your next Assemblymember, Deborah will work to ensure our region remains a statewide model for preserving coastal bluffs, protecting mountain trails, and safeguarding critical habitats.

Contact: info@deborahkleinlopez.com