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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: Juan Carrillo
Current job title: Assemblymember
Political party affiliation: Democrat
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: Palmdale City Council and Palmdale School District Board Member
City where you reside: Palmdale
Campaign website or social media: https://votejuancarrillo.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.)
To boost innovation and startups, the legislature could create AI innovation hubs that offer tax breaks and grants to new companies working on ethical AI. These hubs would provide crucial resources like funding, mentorship, and shared workspaces. By building a supportive environment, California can draw in top talent and investment in the AI industry. At the same time, the state can set clear rules to promote transparency and fairness, making sure AI advancements stay aligned with our values and ethical standards.
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.)
California’s high cost of living makes it essential that workers can earn a wage that supports their basic needs. However, many small businesses are already struggling to make ends meet and may not being able to absorb these added costs. Ultimately, this will be up to the voters – I will respect the decision they make and work to ensure implementation is handled in a way that supports workers and businesses alike.
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.)
California’s budget cycles are notoriously cyclical, with periods of surplus followed by deficits. To avoid large deficits in the future, the state needs to do more to save during times of surplus. Existing laws prevent legislators from putting more into the rainy-day fund, we should explore reforms that will allow the state to strengthen our ability to save during good time and ensure we’re better prepared for economic downturns. By taking these steps, we can better flatten the curve and protect key programs and services during lean years.
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.)
Issuing bonds can be a smart way for California to fund key projects and boost the economy, especially when times are tough. Bonds help us invest in infrastructure like roads, housing, and water systems, which not only create jobs but also provide long-term benefits for the state. However, we need to be smart about which projects we prioritize—focusing on those that deliver the most value for Californians. When we have a budget surplus, we should aggressively pay down those bonds to avoid piling on debt. This balanced approach allows us to keep building what we need without putting too much strain on our budget down the line.
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.)
One bi-partisan approach to addressing California’s high cost of living is to focus on increasing the availability of market-rate starter homes that are affordable by design. By streamlining the process for building smaller, more efficient homes, we can promote homeownership for working families, seniors, and younger people who are struggling to find affordable housing. These homes can be designed with simplicity and practicality in mind, reducing costs without sacrificing quality. This not only helps bring down housing prices but also strengthens communities by giving more people a path to homeownership. By working across party lines, we can address the housing shortage in a way that benefits everyone, ensuring that Californians have access to housing they can afford without relying solely on government-subsidized programs.
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.)
While we can’t change the past, we must acknowledge the lasting impact of racism and discrimination against Black people. The state has a responsibility to address these historical wrongs by actively working to dismantle systemic racism in our institutions and creating policies that promote equality and opportunity. Although the proposal for compensation wasn’t able to get done this year, we should continue to be aggressive about prioritizing investments in education, job training, and economic empowerment to lift up Black communities and ensure equal access to opportunities for future generations. By focusing on long-term solutions that level the playing field, we can move forward together, fostering a more just and inclusive California for all.
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.)
In order to truly address homelessness, we must stop the finger-pointing and start working together. The state provides significant resources, but there is relatively little to show for all of those dollars. It’s time to see real, visible progress on this issue. Homelessness is different from city to city, and person to person, but we cannot afford to keep using this complexity as an excuse and just keep throwing money at the issue. The state should focus on ensuring that resources are being used effectively to get people off the streets and into housing and support programs. By fostering collaboration and demanding results, we can begin to make meaningful strides in eradicating homelessness across California.
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.)
A small but highly visible portion of the homeless population suffers from severe mental health or substance abuse issues, and they often resist efforts to enter supportive housing. These individuals need treatment in specialized behavioral health facilities, but the problem is there simply aren’t enough acute and subacute psychiatric treatment beds available. As a result, many end up in hospital emergency rooms on 72-hour involuntary holds without receiving proper care. The legislature should step up by helping to fund the expansion of residential treatment facilities across the state. By increasing capacity, we can ensure that people with severe mental illness are taken off the streets and placed in appropriate treatment programs, giving them a real chance to reclaim their lives. This will also relieve pressure on emergency rooms and provide a more effective response to the mental health crisis within the homeless population.
What’s the No. 1 song on your playlist while you’re on the campaign trail?
El Morado by Ricardo Arjona
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: Juan Carrillo
Current job title: Assemblymember
Political party affiliation: Democrat
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: Palmdale City Council and Palmdale School District Board Member
City where you reside: Palmdale
Campaign website or social media: https://votejuancarrillo.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.)
To boost innovation and startups, the legislature could create AI innovation hubs that offer tax breaks and grants to new companies working on ethical AI. These hubs would provide crucial resources like funding, mentorship, and shared workspaces. By building a supportive environment, California can draw in top talent and investment in the AI industry. At the same time, the state can set clear rules to promote transparency and fairness, making sure AI advancements stay aligned with our values and ethical standards.
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.)
California’s high cost of living makes it essential that workers can earn a wage that supports their basic needs. However, many small businesses are already struggling to make ends meet and may not being able to absorb these added costs. Ultimately, this will be up to the voters – I will respect the decision they make and work to ensure implementation is handled in a way that supports workers and businesses alike.
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.)
California’s budget cycles are notoriously cyclical, with periods of surplus followed by deficits. To avoid large deficits in the future, the state needs to do more to save during times of surplus. Existing laws prevent legislators from putting more into the rainy-day fund, we should explore reforms that will allow the state to strengthen our ability to save during good time and ensure we’re better prepared for economic downturns. By taking these steps, we can better flatten the curve and protect key programs and services during lean years.
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.)
Issuing bonds can be a smart way for California to fund key projects and boost the economy, especially when times are tough. Bonds help us invest in infrastructure like roads, housing, and water systems, which not only create jobs but also provide long-term benefits for the state. However, we need to be smart about which projects we prioritize—focusing on those that deliver the most value for Californians. When we have a budget surplus, we should aggressively pay down those bonds to avoid piling on debt. This balanced approach allows us to keep building what we need without putting too much strain on our budget down the line.
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.)
One bi-partisan approach to addressing California’s high cost of living is to focus on increasing the availability of market-rate starter homes that are affordable by design. By streamlining the process for building smaller, more efficient homes, we can promote homeownership for working families, seniors, and younger people who are struggling to find affordable housing. These homes can be designed with simplicity and practicality in mind, reducing costs without sacrificing quality. This not only helps bring down housing prices but also strengthens communities by giving more people a path to homeownership. By working across party lines, we can address the housing shortage in a way that benefits everyone, ensuring that Californians have access to housing they can afford without relying solely on government-subsidized programs.
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.)
While we can’t change the past, we must acknowledge the lasting impact of racism and discrimination against Black people. The state has a responsibility to address these historical wrongs by actively working to dismantle systemic racism in our institutions and creating policies that promote equality and opportunity. Although the proposal for compensation wasn’t able to get done this year, we should continue to be aggressive about prioritizing investments in education, job training, and economic empowerment to lift up Black communities and ensure equal access to opportunities for future generations. By focusing on long-term solutions that level the playing field, we can move forward together, fostering a more just and inclusive California for all.
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.)
In order to truly address homelessness, we must stop the finger-pointing and start working together. The state provides significant resources, but there is relatively little to show for all of those dollars. It’s time to see real, visible progress on this issue. Homelessness is different from city to city, and person to person, but we cannot afford to keep using this complexity as an excuse and just keep throwing money at the issue. The state should focus on ensuring that resources are being used effectively to get people off the streets and into housing and support programs. By fostering collaboration and demanding results, we can begin to make meaningful strides in eradicating homelessness across California.
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.)
A small but highly visible portion of the homeless population suffers from severe mental health or substance abuse issues, and they often resist efforts to enter supportive housing. These individuals need treatment in specialized behavioral health facilities, but the problem is there simply aren’t enough acute and subacute psychiatric treatment beds available. As a result, many end up in hospital emergency rooms on 72-hour involuntary holds without receiving proper care. The legislature should step up by helping to fund the expansion of residential treatment facilities across the state. By increasing capacity, we can ensure that people with severe mental illness are taken off the streets and placed in appropriate treatment programs, giving them a real chance to reclaim their lives. This will also relieve pressure on emergency rooms and provide a more effective response to the mental health crisis within the homeless population.
What’s the No. 1 song on your playlist while you’re on the campaign trail?
El Morado by Ricardo Arjona
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making
The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using ‘Content here, content here’, making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as their default model text, and a search for ‘lorem ipsum’ will uncover many web sites still in their infancy.
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