Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Victoria Garcia

Current job title: Councilwoman / Construction Attorney / Mother

Political party affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: San Fernando City Councilwoman; San Fernando Transportation & Public Safety Commissioner

City where you reside: San Fernando

Campaign website or social media: victoriaforca.com

It’s no secret that California will play an outsized role in AI development and regulation. That was a big topic for the legislature this year, but what is one way you’d like to see the legislature tackle concerns about bias or transparency in the AI space or encourage innovation and start-ups? (Please be specific in your response, and keep your answer to 200 words or less.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. AI development and regulation will likely continue to be debated. There are sophisticated actors on all sides, thus, it is crucial our representatives advocate for those they were elected to represent: their community. I am concerned about potential job displacement, the manner that information is collected from individuals and then sold and used by others, and the potential for bias or made up information emanating from AI. 80% of the workforce may be affected by a reduction in jobs available due to AI technologies, and last year, thousands of technology leaders in AI signed a letter warning that AI technologies present “profound risks to society and humanity.” We would be wise to understand why they issued that warning.

Before California voters this year is a proposition to increase the state’s minimum wage to $18 per hour, the nation’s highest, by 2026. Do you support increasing the minimum wage in this way? Why or why not? (Please keep your answer to 150 words or less.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. The needs of those earning minimum wage, and the businesses that provide such jobs, need to be considered when assessing the impacts of this proposition. The minimum wage needed may be different for different areas of California. We must carefully consider hardships when small businesses are required to increase wages immediately, without time to adjust. If raising the minimum wage in this manner would result in layoffs or less hours for workers, then I would urge grave consideration. We must also consider whether this makes a dent in inflation and the cost of living, or increases it.

This year, California faced a large budget deficit that put a strain on lawmakers’ ability to fund certain programs and projects going forward. What is one thing you believe the state should do to avoid such large deficits in the future? (Please be specific in your answer, and limit it to 150 words or less.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. California must be accountable in its spending. Shockingly, California does not know whether the 24 BILLION dollars it spent on homelessness programs was even effective. It wasn’t tracked properly. I will advocate for transparency, proper tracking, and accountability in State spending. California could also avoid such large deficits by not spending more than it has, by reviewing reports issued by the non-partisan Legislative Analyst’s Office, and by promoting policies that allow our local businesses to grow and thrive, thereby increasing revenue for the State. Those are all priorities and principles that I will champion as an Assemblymember.

Speaking of the budget, there are multiple proposed bond measures before voters this year. Is the state in a good place to issue bonds for state programs and infrastructure projects? Should certain programs or projects be prioritized over others? (Please be specific in your response, and keep your answer to 200 words or less.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. Sacramento is out of balance and out of touch. There is a supermajority in both chambers of our Capitol and joined with the executive branch has unfortunately led to a legislature and State government that has been able to exist without proper checks and balances, without sufficient accountability, and which has led to dysfunction in our State with the dire results that we see on our streets. Both sides are crying out for balance and I will bring that balance. It is crucial that the State prioritize public safety and infrastructure projects that benefit all residents, resources for families and children with special needs, and support for our senior citizens and veterans.

Cost of living is high on the list of concerns among voters, particularly among younger people. What is one bipartisan proposal you have to alleviate concerns about high prices or the cost of living in California? (Please be specific in your response, and limit it to 200 words.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. There are many things that the state can do to alleviate the pain that the high cost of living is extracting on voters. California can provide an increased tax credit to home owners and renters so that residents are able to recover some of their exorbitant housing costs. California can pause or lower the gas tax and the continued increases to our car registration fees. California can lower the taxes and red tape around small businesses so that they can grow and more residents can become small business owners and entrepreneurs. California can cut programs that don’t produce results and can refuse to fund six-figure salaries for nonprofit directors that receive government grants and return that money to taxpayers or redirect the funds to programs that do help our community. With an Assemblymember that prioritizes the needs of the community, we can change things.

The legislature this year considered recommendations from a first-in-the-nation task force that considered how California could atone for past racism and discrimination against Black people, including potential compensation. What do you believe is the role of the state in atoning for the atrocities committed against Black people? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. I believe that California should do what it can to atone for any role it had in atrocities committed against Black people.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently ordered state agencies to remove homeless encampments on state property and urged cities to follow through. What else do you propose the state do to help eradicate homelessness? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. Our State representatives should join the governor’s call to action and actually remove homeless encampments from state property, such as behind and along freeways. I voted to prohibit homeless encampments on public property in the City of San Fernando. I propose that other cities do the same. My opponent, who serves with me on the San Fernando City Council, would not join the vote to adopt an ordinance in the City of San Fernando to prevent encampments on public property. She voted No. Fortunately, the majority of the San Fernando City Council had the desire and fortitude to pass this ordinance, which was greatly desired by our community.

Similarly, Gov. Gavin Newsom has urged county leaders to take advantage more of a new state law that makes it easier to place someone with severe mental health or substance abuse issues into conservatorships, an effort to keep more people out of homelessness. But local leaders in Southern California have said they need more time and resources to build, fund and staff more mental health facilities. Is there anything the legislature could — or should — do to aid communities struggling to find the resources to properly provide this type of mental health support? (Please be specific in your answer, and limit the response to 200 words or less.)

I would like to preface every response by stating: My District is suffering disproportionately from the high cost of living, inflation, the lack of public safety services, and the epidemic of homeless encampments in our communities. Relief for these issues are priorities in the District and they are therefore my priorities as well. Claims that more time and resources are needed to build, fund and staff more mental health facilities need to be vetted. And the homes and buildings that have already received state funding to provide housing to those experiencing homelessness, yet remain vacant, need to be accessed. We can no longer take claims on their face. A thorough review of the funding, as well as resources and housing that have been funded, needs to occur for a complete and accurate picture regarding what the State can accomplish.

What’s the No. 1 song on your playlist while you’re on the campaign trail?

Look Out Weekend by Debbie Deb – It just always works