Meet Karla
My Journey in Seaside: A Commitment to Community and Growth
As a lifelong resident of Seaside, CA, my connection to this city runs deep. Despite leaving several times, Seaside always pulls me back to our little city by the sea. Here’s why I am dedicated to enhancing our community:
A Deep Connection to Seaside
Growing Up in Seaside: I was raised in the vibrant, eclectic Seaside of the 80s, surrounded by love, laughter, and a strong sense of community. Even after many departures, Seaside remains my true home.
Why This Matters: My enduring bond with Seaside fuels my commitment to our city and drives my efforts to contribute meaningfully to our community.
Education and Athletics Shaping My Path
My Education Journey: I completed my K-12 education through the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, attending Seaside schools and graduated from Seaside High.
Passion for Sports: As a student athlete, sports were more than a passion—they were a bridge connecting generations of wisdom to the youth and fostering community spirit.
Why This Matters: The lessons learned through education and athletics have instilled in me values of dedication, teamwork, and a strong community focus.
Football and Lifelong Memories
Football Experience: Starting at age 13 with the Seaside Raiders and continuing through high school, football provided some of my most cherished memories.
Why This Matters: These experiences not only shaped my character but also deepened my connection to Seaside, creating lasting bonds with our community.
Returning Home and Reconnecting
College and Beyond: After pursuing higher education and competing in Track & Field at California State University Northridge, I returned to Seaside to reconnect with familiar faces and beloved local spots.
Why This Matters: Returning home reinforced my love for Seaside and solidified my desire to contribute to its ongoing growth and vitality.
Proud Mother and Community Advocate
Family Life: As a proud mother of three Kings, Daniel (14), Elijah (13), and Hezekiah (4); my commitment to Seaside is also about ensuring a bright future for my children and all local families.
Why This Matters: My role as a mother motivates me to work towards a thriving community where every family can flourish.
My journey through Seaside has been deeply enriching, and I am dedicated to giving back to the city that has given me so much. Together, let’s work to make Seaside an even better place for all.
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- Fast forward to today, I am a proud mother of 3 beautiful Kings whose families have deep seeded roots in Monterey County. I proudly volunteer with many local non profit organizations, small businesses, and serve as a commissioner for the Parks & Recreation commission in the city of Seaside. Through avenues of employment I’ve had the opportunity to be in many negotiation spaces with public and private sectors in all industries throughout Monterey county. This has given me a broad overview of not only the working and moving pieces of the city of Seaside but also Monterey county.
- In 2020 I had the chance to sit at the table of the collaborative program, named “VIDA” (Virus Integrated Distribution of Aid). The program was developed and began in January 2021 reaching over 7,000 individuals each month. I developed the policies and procedures for data collection that yield over $4 million dollars in federal, state, and local funding to our county to continue this program until 2024-2025 fiscal year. The VIDA program was able to create permanent county jobs, educate, and provide certifications to our CHW’s.
- The Seaside Council will benefit from the perspective of a working parent and community organizer. Together we need to address climate issues, urgent housing, economic mobility and water supply challenges. I am ready to take on these issues head on and make Seaside a priority to Monterey county. I hope to earn your endorsement to move our progress as women forward and usher in a new era of politics for the advancement of ALL of Seaside.
My Commitment to Seaside: Experience, Service, & Vision for Our Future
I am deeply committed to Seaside through my volunteer work with local nonprofits and small businesses, and as a commissioner on the Parks & Recreation Commission. My diverse experiences negotiating with public and private sectors across Monterey County have given me a comprehensive view of our city’s challenges and opportunities.
Volunteering During Crisis
COVID-19 Response: In 2020, while managing life with a newborn, I took immediate action to support our community by volunteering with the VIDA (Virus Integrated Distribution of Aid) program. This initiative, which began in January 2021, has reached over 7,000 individuals each month.
Why This Matters: My role in shaping policies and training helped secure over $4 million in local, state, and federal funding. The VIDA program has not only provided essential services but also created jobs and offered education to our Community Health Workers (CHWs), who serve our most vulnerable populations.
Broad Experience and Local Insight
Professional Background: My career has involved negotiating and developing policies with various sectors, giving me valuable insights into both Monterey County and Seaside.
Why This Matters: This experience allows me to understand and address our city’s unique needs effectively, from climate issues to housing, economic growth, and water supply challenges.
Ready to Lead
A New Approach: With my background as a working parent and community organizer, I am eager to bring a fresh perspective to the Seaside Council. My goal is to tackle our pressing issues with a focus on advancing the needs of all Seaside residents.
Why This Matters: I am committed to fostering a new era of government oversight that prioritizes effective solutions and community-driven progress.
I am ready to take on these challenges and ensure that Seaside thrives. I ask for your support and vote to help move Seaside forward with a new, inclusive approach to governance.
