Camarillo’s small-town character is one of the reasons people love living here, and I believe we should preserve that character as much as possible while also meeting our housing obligations and planning responsibly for the future.

Growth should be thoughtful, balanced, and shaped by the needs of the community. New development should consider traffic, water availability, public safety, schools, parks, infrastructure, and the effect on existing neighborhoods. Residents should have meaningful opportunities to participate before major decisions are made, not after plans are already moving forward.

I support the principles behind SOAR and the protection of open space and agricultural land. Camarillo should not solve every housing challenge by expanding outward or approving development that permanently changes the character of the community.

At the same time, we should be open to creative housing options within appropriate areas. Smaller apartments, studios, micro-units, accessory dwelling units, and mixed-use housing may help provide more attainable options for single adults, seniors, young workers, and people who do not need or cannot afford a large home. However, smaller housing does not automatically mean affordable housing. Projects should be evaluated carefully to ensure they provide real community benefit rather than simply smaller units at high prices.

Responsible growth means meeting housing needs without abandoning good planning. It means protecting neighborhoods, preserving open space, using existing land wisely, and making sure development works for the people who already call Camarillo home.