My wife and I have lived in Morongo Valley since our retirement in 2015. I have vacationed and camped here since my teens. I love living up against the mountains bordering Sand to Snow National Monument, watching the ridges changing color at sunrise, the sky over San Jacinto Peak at sunset, the wildlife and blooms as the seasons change, and fellowship with the great people who live in this area.

I began volunteering with Mojave Desert Land Trust shortly after moving here, mostly monitoring their properties throughout the desert. In 2017, I helped with the establishment of a local chapter of California Native Plant Society, and have been on the Mojave Desert Chapter's board since then. I've spoken at various meetings with government officials regarding land use issues, and talked with many people at community events. At the beginning of 2020 I was honored by being invited to join the board of Morongo Basin Conservation Association.

My main focus is land use and preservation – we can't have native plants, wildlife, or the expansive views we all enjoy without land, specifically undisturbed and restored habitat. We also need the water resources, clean air, and dark night skies to keep this land healthy and livable. We are fortunate to live in one of the most pristine and diverse environments remaining in California. If we all work hard, we can keep it that way.