CAMTB 2026 Legislative Recreation Questionnaire

Elections

September 30, 2026

The California Mountain Biking Coalition 2026 Legislative Recreation Questionnaire is one part of CAMTB’s effort to inform voters in the 2026 General Election. This is a neutral guide: it is a response to a questionnaire posed to all candidates in the 2026 Legislature. E.g. all Assembly Members and half of the Senators (those with even numbered seats).

We are also endorsing select candidates and ballot issues. See our CAMTB Endorsements Posts to learn more.

The responses from the Legislative Questionnaire are provided verbatim below. We welcome responses from candidates who have not yet responded.

Want to know what district you live in? Use these tools: Find Your California Representative and Find Your New Congressional District.

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California State Senate
California State Assembly
US Congress, California

California State Senate

California State Senate District 2

Damon Connolly

Party: Democratic

Website: www.damonconnolly.com
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027509366516
Instagram: www.instagram.com/connolly4senate
Twitter/X: x.com/Damon_Connolly

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

My favorite outdoor activity has always been biking. I ride to get around town and for recreation, and for years I have taken on an annual car-free challenge using my bike, buses, and trains instead of driving alone. Biking gives me exercise, helps reduce emissions, and gives me a firsthand view of what works — and what does not — in our transportation and trail networks. It is also simply one of the best ways to experience the extraordinary public lands and open spaces we have in Northern California.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I have a record of treating trails, outdoor access, and active transportation as important parts of California’s environmental, health, and economic future. I worked with CAMTB to author ACR 152, recognizing June 2024 as California Mountain Biking Month and the sport’s contributions to recreation, stewardship, and local economies. I also helped craft Proposition 4, the $10 billion climate bond, which includes major investments in parks, outdoor access, trail improvements, land conservation, and wildfire resilience. In the Assembly budget process, I also fought to protect funding for the Active Transportation Program when it faced major proposed cuts.

My state work builds on years of local experience with parks and open space, including service on the Marin County Open Space District and work on the Marin County Road and Trail Management Plan. I believe we can expand responsible recreational access while protecting the natural and cultural resources that make these places special.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, California’s outdoor recreation economy generates $87.9 billion and supports over half a million jobs. At the same time, deferred maintenance remains a persistent challenge, exemplified by the $1.2 billion backlog at California State Parks.
Do you support expanding funding for parks, trails and other recreational infrastructure? If so, please detail how you intend to prioritize this issue within the state budget.

Yes. I helped advance Proposition 4, which dedicated substantial funding to parks, outdoor access, non-motorized trails, wildfire resilience, and deferred maintenance. Now the priority is ensuring those dollars get out the door efficiently and reach projects that improve access and maintain the resources we already have.

I would continue using the budget and oversight process to protect core parks and trail funding, reduce the deferred-maintenance backlog, and make sure rural and underserved communities receive a fair share of investment. Bond funding is an important start, but California also needs stable ongoing resources for maintenance, so we are not continually allowing infrastructure to deteriorate and then paying more to repair it later.

CAMTB represents 45 nonprofit volunteer stewardship organizations that build and maintain 5,000 miles of multi-use trails on public lands across California. Unfortunately, bureaucratic red/green tape and agency capacity limits frequently stall this vital work.
If elected, what specific steps will you take to reduce administrative barriers at agencies like California State Parks, so we can fully leverage volunteer stewardship to improve our state’s recreational resources?

Volunteer stewardship is an enormous public asset, and government should make it easier — not harder — for responsible organizations to put people to work maintaining trails. I would support clearer and more consistent statewide processes for volunteer stewardship agreements, designated agency points of contact, predictable review timelines, and multi-year agreements for organizations with a demonstrated record of responsible work. For routine maintenance, agencies should develop standardized best-management practices that allow appropriate projects to move forward efficiently without recreating the same review process every time.

I also support adequate staffing for State Parks and other land-management agencies so applications and partnerships do not sit on desks because no one has the capacity to process them. Streamlining should not mean weakening environmental review; it should mean making government more predictable, coordinated, and capable of reaching decisions in a reasonable timeframe.

Modern sustainable trail design principles recognize that thoughtful planning can protect natural and cultural resources while simultaneously enhancing the user experience. Yet, some land management agencies have been slow to adopt these best practices and train their staff accordingly.
If elected, how do you intend to modernize agency policies and prioritize workforce training to ensure California leads in sustainable trail design and responsible recreation?

California should be a leader in sustainable trail design. I would support updating agency trail policies and technical guidance to reflect current best practices in drainage, erosion prevention, habitat protection, wildfire resilience, accessibility, and user safety, while ensuring cultural and Tribal resources are protected from the beginning of project planning.

That also requires investing in the people doing the work. I would support regular training for land managers and field staff and stronger partnerships with nonprofit stewardship groups, Tribes, local agencies, and experienced trail professionals who can bring practical expertise into state decision-making. My experience with Marin County’s Road and Trail Management Plan showed that recreational access and environmental stewardship do not have to be competing goals when planning is thoughtful and stakeholders are at the table.

Tief Gibbs

Party: Republican

No response received

California State Senate District 4

Jaron Brandon

Party: Democratic

Website: www.votejaron.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/togetherwithjaron
Instagram: IG.com/votejaron
YouTube: VoteJaron

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Hiking, camping. Buckeye hot springs.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I've grown up in the mountains and understand the connection between community improvements like trail and recreation with small town economic development and fire safety. I want more people to be able to experience the outdoors, have the tools to be respectful for the areas, and expand options.

Linda R. Price

Party: Republican

Website: www.lindapriceforsenate.com

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I enjoy spending time outdoors, including walking, enjoying parks and open spaces, and experiencing the natural beauty California has to offer. When I was younger, I was a member of Western Wheelers and enjoyed recreational cycling. Outdoor recreation provides important benefits to individuals, families and communities, including opportunities for exercise, relaxation, family time and connecting with nature. I believe well-maintained parks and trails contribute to the quality of life in our communities and should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I believe California's parks, trails, open spaces and public lands are valuable community resources that should be protected, maintained and responsibly managed. As a candidate, I will support access to outdoor recreation while also emphasizing safety, responsible stewardship and accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent.
I believe government should work with local communities, recreation users, land managers and volunteer organizations to find practical solutions rather than creating unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. Volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to maintaining our public lands should be treated as partners.
My approach is straightforward: preserve what we have, maintain it properly, make responsible improvements where they are needed, and make sure public resources are being used effectively for the benefit of California's families and communities.

I support funding for parks, trails and recreational infrastructure because these resources contribute to the quality of life in our communities. I would prioritize funding for safety, maintenance and the preservation of existing parks and trails.
At the same time, I believe California must be accountable for how taxpayer dollars are spent. Before increasing spending, I would want to make sure existing funds are being used effectively, unnecessary administrative costs are being reduced, and that our priorities are clearly established. I also support partnerships with local governments, nonprofit organizations and volunteers to help maintain and improve these valuable resources.

I would work to simplify unnecessary permitting and administrative requirements while maintaining appropriate protections for public safety and natural and cultural resources. Volunteer organizations that are willing to invest their time and expertise in maintaining public trails should be treated as partners, not burdened with unnecessary red tape.
I would encourage state agencies to establish clearer, more consistent procedures for working with qualified volunteer organizations, improve communication between agencies and volunteers, and identify opportunities to move routine approvals more efficiently. I would also support measuring the results so we know where these partnerships are working and where additional improvements are needed.

California should promote responsible trail design that protects our natural and cultural resources while providing safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities. I would support updating agency policies when existing practices are outdated or unnecessarily restrictive and ensuring that staff have the training they need to make sound decisions.
I would encourage agencies to work with experienced trail organizations, local communities and other recreation stakeholders when developing and maintaining trails. Sharing expertise and best practices can help agencies make better decisions, reduce unnecessary delays and ensure that public lands are managed responsibly for current and future generations.

Scott Sakakihara

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Senate District 12

William Brown Jr.

Party: Libertarian

Website: williambrownsd12.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBrownSD12
Twitter/X: @WhoIsWBrown

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially activities that let me step away from work and simply enjoy California. Outdoor recreation gives me an important opportunity to spend time with family and friends, exercise, decompress, and appreciate the incredible natural resources throughout our state.

I also believe access to outdoor recreation contributes to healthier communities. Parks and trails provide people of different ages and income levels opportunities for physical activity, recreation, and connection with their communities. Protecting that access while responsibly maintaining these resources is important to me personally and as a candidate for State Senate.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I want trail- and recreation-minded voters to know that I view outdoor recreation as both a quality-of-life issue and an important part of California's economy. I believe Californians should have reasonable access to public lands and recreational opportunities while we remain responsible stewards of the natural and cultural resources entrusted to us.
My approach is rooted in practical governance. We should maintain the recreational infrastructure we already have, remove unnecessary regulatory barriers that block responsible improvements, empower local communities and nonprofit organizations, and ensure taxpayer dollars produce measurable results. Conservation and recreational access do not have to compete. With thoughtful management, we can accomplish both.

Art Hodges

Party: Republican

Website: www.arthodgesforsenate.com
Facebook: Art Hodges For Senate
Instagram: ArtHodgesForSenate
Twitter/X: @BishopArtHodges

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 10 and currently own seven—one Honda Goldwing and six off-road dirt bikes. I’m a certified scuba diver, a licensed pilot (not current), and I own an airplane I’ve landed on desert dirt strips. I also camp, RV, run four-wheelers in the sand dunes, and have climbed Half Dome twice from the backside. Over the years I’ve water-skied, owned a boat, sailed, and bicycled.
These activities give me time in nature, real relaxation, recreation, fellowship, exploration, and adventure. More than anything they have been the way I’ve bonded with family and raised my kids (and now grandchildren) to love the outdoors.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

We must preserve the opportunity for outdoor activity of every kind—off-road, camping, hiking, riding, and exploring. Good stewardship of the land matters, but plants and animals do not trump people. Families have a right to use and enjoy public lands.
For years my family and friends spent Thanksgiving at Glamis camping, dune-bugging, and four-wheeling. Those trips weren’t just recreation; they were how we built memories, taught kids responsibility, and stayed connected to the land. I will fight to keep places like Glamis, our desert trails, and multi-use recreation areas open instead of slowly closing them through regulation and neglect.
I am not a career politician. I am an outdoorsman who has ridden dirt bikes since childhood, landed planes on desert strips, and raised a family that loves the same places you do. In the Senate I will work to protect access, support responsible use, and put working families and recreation ahead of extreme restrictions.

Yes. California’s outdoor recreation economy generates tens of billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Families, veterans, and working people depend on open trails, dunes, and parks. A $1.2 billion maintenance backlog at State Parks is not an excuse to close places—it is a reason to fix them.
I will support targeted funding that keeps existing parks, OHV areas, and multi-use trails open, safe, and usable. Priority should go to deferred maintenance, trail upkeep, and access—not new restrictions dressed up as “stewardship.”
I will also watch the budget for attempts to starve outdoor recreation and then declare areas “unsustainable.” That is a tactic, not management. Places that have served generations of families should stay open. I will oppose using funding decisions to shut down trails and open areas that have given Californians years of outdoor experience and memories.
Responsible funding means keeping people on the land, not locking them out.

I am for re-examine state regulations across the board to find ways reduce all regulations, red tape, closures, etc. I’m for less government not more.

Common sense. Off-roaders and conservationists can and should coexist. Thoughtful trail design already shows we can protect natural and cultural resources while keeping land open for people to use.
As a pastor for 40 years, I believe we should be good stewards of God’s creation. I also believe He made us to enjoy it—not to lock it away. Agencies should train staff in modern, sustainable trail practices that improve durability, reduce erosion, and keep multi-use access instead of defaulting to closures.
I will push land-management agencies to adopt proven design standards, train the workforce that actually builds and maintains trails, and stop treating recreation and stewardship as opposites. Responsible recreation and healthy land are not enemies. California should lead by keeping people on well-designed trails, not by slowing every project in the name of process.

Steve Padilla (Incumbent)

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Senate District 20

Caroline Menjivar (Incumbent)

Party: Democratic

No response received

Tony Rodriguez

Party: Republican

Website: tony4senate.com
Instagram: tony4senate

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hiking, walking, and exploring the mountains around Los Angeles. After spending many years in the military, I’ve always appreciated being outside and staying active. For me, being outdoors is a way to clear my head, stay healthy, and spend time with family. It also reminds me why protecting our parks, open spaces, and quality of life is so important. We need communities where families have safe and accessible places to get outside, exercise, and enjoy time together.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I want trail and recreation-minded voters to know that I believe our parks, trails, and open spaces are an important part of our quality of life. I support keeping them safe, clean, accessible, and maintained so families can enjoy them. As a longtime Los Angeles resident and Army veteran, I understand the value of being outdoors and having places where people can hike, walk, exercise, and spend time with their families. Families First means protecting the places where families can enjoy the outdoors together. I also believe we need responsible development that doesn't unnecessarily destroy our open spaces or take away access to the trails and recreational areas our communities depend on. I will listen to the people who use these areas and work to protect them for future generations.

Yes, I support expanding funding for parks, trails, and recreational infrastructure, but I also believe we have to be responsible with taxpayers' money. Our parks and trails are an important part of our communities and our quality of life. They give families a place to exercise, spend time together, and enjoy the outdoors. They also support thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to California's economy. As a State Senator, I would make maintaining what we already have a priority before creating new programs. I would support funding for deferred maintenance, trail safety, accessibility, restrooms, fire prevention, and basic infrastructure. I would also want clear accountability and regular audits to make sure the money is actually being spent where it is needed. My approach is Families First: protect our parks, maintain what we have, invest where it matters, and make sure every taxpayer dollar is being used responsibly.

If elected, I would work to cut through the unnecessary red tape that keeps volunteers from doing work that they are willing to do for free. I would push state agencies to create a simpler, faster process for approving volunteer trail projects, establish clear timelines for permits and approvals, and designate staff to work directly with volunteer organizations so projects don't sit on someone's desk for months. I would also look at standardizing agreements, environmental review requirements, and insurance requirements where possible, while still protecting our environment and public lands. We have Californians who are willing to donate their time, experience, and labor to maintain our trails. We should be making it easier for them to help—not burying them in paperwork. My approach is Common Sense, Common Ground: work with the volunteer organizations, remove unnecessary barriers, maintain accountability, and get people back out on the trails doing the work they volunteered to do. Families First means making sure our families have safe, clean, and accessible places to enjoy the outdoors.

If elected, I would expect our state agencies to use modern, proven practices instead of continuing to do things simply because that's the way they've always been done.
I would work to improve coordination between agencies such as California State Parks, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other land management agencies so they are not working in separate silos. Too often, a trail project can get delayed because different agencies have overlapping requirements or are not communicating with each other.
I would push for a single point of contact and coordinated review process for trail projects whenever possible, with clear timelines and defined responsibilities for each agency. Agencies should be talking to each other early in the process rather than waiting until a project is already stalled. I would also support updating trail design standards and providing ongoing training for agency staff in sustainable trail construction, erosion control, habitat protection, accessibility, and responsible recreation. We should also learn from the people who actually build and maintain trails, including volunteer stewardship organizations, local communities, and outdoor recreation professionals. I believe we can protect our natural and cultural resources while still giving Californians better opportunities to enjoy our parks and public lands. Good planning should accomplish both. As a State Senator, I would push for better communication, clear accountability, and measurable timelines so good projects don't get stuck in bureaucracy. Common Sense means getting agencies to work together, using the best available practices, and getting projects completed responsibly. Families First means protecting these resources today so our children and grandchildren can enjoy them for generations to come.

California State Senate District 22

Mike Netter

Party: Republican

No response received

Susan Rubio (Incumbent)

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Senate District 24

John Erickson

Party: Democratic

Website: www.johnerickson4senate.com
Facebook: JohnErickson4Senate
Instagram: johnericksonwh
Twitter/X: johnericksonwh
YouTube: @JohnErickson-SD24

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I am an avid cyclist. CicLAvias all around the area, with friends, solo. I bike almost daily. I also walk my dog Winnie through my community every day. On weekends and holidays, I am hiking—Fryman, Santa Monica Mountains, etc. Connecting with nature, and the outdoors in general, clears my head, keeps me fit, and is a wonderful way to embrace, understand, and connect with my community. It creates spontaneous connection with my neighbors, and shows me what residents see and experience every day.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

The Palisades Fire burned through trails and parkland many of us love, and restoring that access is part of my fire recovery agenda, alongside proactive brush clearance and wildfire prevention. Too many neighborhoods in Los Angeles County have no parks or trails nearby, and as a state senator, I'll push to change that. As a renter, a cyclist, and someone who has spent my career turning environmental commitments into actions, I am committed to protecting our amazing bike trails. As a West Hollywood councilmember and mayor, commissioner on the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, and director with the Clean Power Alliance, I have a track record of protecting our environment and have led regional climate action work, which included Metro expansion, bike safety improvements, and e-bike charging stations, and working with legislators to come up with clean power alternatives and to lower utility rates. As someone who believes that the best policies are those crafted with those impacted by them, I will turn to you all for ideas and input on future policies to benefit mountain bikers. My endorsements from Jane PAC and the Sierra Club speak to my record on climate action, and to me, preserving and expanding bike trails is part of that.

Yes. Outdoor recreation is a major part of California's economy and our quality of life, and the maintenance backlog puts both at risk. As mayor, I helped build a $31 million surplus while expanding city services, so I know sound budgeting and investment in public spaces work hand in hand. In Sacramento, I'll fight to protect park funding when budgets get tight, and to make sure Prop. 4 climate bond dollars reach trail and park repair, including trails damaged in the Palisades and Woolsey fires. I'll also push for steady maintenance funding, instead of relying on one-time grants. This will produce savings in the long run. It costs much more to rebuild a trail that has washed out than it does to maintain one.

Volunteers build and maintain thousands of miles of trail in this state, and red tape shouldn't be what stops them. Cutting red tape and making the permitting process less cumbersome is a core part of my platform. State Parks should have standardized volunteer and partner agreements, so groups aren't renegotiating the same terms project by project, and should set clear timelines for reviewing routine maintenance. I’d look to ensure State Parks have staff whose job is coordinating with volunteer partners, since limited agency capacity is often the real bottleneck. I'll also meet with stewardship groups to hear where projects get stuck, and work with agencies and the legislature to address it.

Sustainable design protects the land and makes for better trails, and California should be setting the standard. I'll push State Parks and other land managers to update their trail design standards to reflect current best practices and review them regularly so they don't fall behind again. That has to come together in partnership with stewardship groups like yours, who have built this expertise in the field and should help design and lead it. I'll also look at connecting that training to green jobs and workforce programs, so we're building a pipeline of trail professionals. Done right, this means trails that hold up through fire and storm seasons, fewer costly repairs, and a better experience for everyone who uses them.

Brian Goldsmith

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Senate District 26

Sara Hernandez

Party: Democratic

No response received

Sarah Rascón

Party: Democratic

Website: www.rasconforsenate.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rasconforsenate
Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/rasconforsenate

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Being outdoors in nature is where I find respite. Friends and I love to hike at our regional open spaces and national recreation areas. Much of my career has been dedicated to environment, open space, conservation, wildlife and habitat preservation because of the multiple benefits nature brings, mental and physical health well-being, and to the natural environment.

I'm also a cyclist. I ride for both necessity and recreation, and I serve on the board of CicLAvia, which opens up our streets for people to walk, bike, and connect with their neighbors car-free. Being out on a bike or a trail is not only freeing but rejuvenating, and reminds me why protecting access to open space matters so much. To me, time spent outside isn't just personal; it's part of what drives my public service.

Party: Republican

Website: www.shaderforsenate.com
Facebook: @rhondashaderforsenate2026
Instagram: @shaderforsenate
Twitter/X: @shaderforsenate
YouTube: @shaderforsenate

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Hiking, walking, Golf, sightseeing state parks. Nature and moving my body reset my mind and bring me peace and fun. My family members ride off road, camp and do recreational shooting.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

Nature was created to be enjoyed and there is room for all outdoor enthusiasts if we all do our part to care for the land

Yes. When a bill or budget is brought before me I will be a well balanced vote keeping in mind all parties that use these amenities.

I would be a voice of reason in balancing environmental needs and outdoor recreation users efforts.

I would need further education on what is being done currently to know in detail what I would do to modernize policies. I can tell you that I believe in many was California policy and agency on environmental issues has gotten out of control and I support reigning that in.

Avelino Valencia

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Senate District 36

Chris Duncan

Party: Democratic

Website: www.votechrisduncan.com
Facebook: @chrisduncanca
Instagram: @chrisduncanca
Twitter/X: @chrisduncanca

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Living in San Clemente, the ocean and our coastal trails are part of daily life for my family. I surf when I can get out, and my wife and I regularly take our three kids hiking and biking on the trails through San Clemente and up toward the San Mateo Creek watershed. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, time outdoors with my kids is where some of our best conversations happen, away from screens and schedules. It also keeps me grounded in what this district actually looks like and who lives here, which matters as much in public service as any briefing book.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I am a former Mayor of a coastal city who has spent my career fighting to protect the natural spaces that define Southern California. As Mayor of San Clemente, I championed Community Choice Energy and led our City Council in supporting a permanent ban on new offshore oil drilling because I understand that our coastline and open spaces are not just scenery, they are core to our economy, our health, and our quality of life.
I want trail and recreation voters to know that I see parks, trails, and public lands as essential infrastructure, not a discretionary line item that gets cut whenever the budget tightens. SD-36 includes some of California's most valuable coastal and natural resources, from the San Clemente and San Onofre coastline to the canyons and open space of South Orange County, and I will fight in Sacramento to ensure this district's trails and recreational assets get the investment and protection they deserve.

Yes, without reservation. An $87.9 billion economic engine that supports over half a million jobs should not be left to erode through deferred maintenance. That backlog is not just an inconvenience for trail users, it is a slow-motion economic and public health cost that grows more expensive to fix every year it goes unaddressed.
I will prioritize this by pushing to establish dedicated, protected funding streams for parks and trail maintenance that are insulated from annual budget volatility, rather than treating recreational infrastructure as the first thing cut when revenues dip. I support directing a meaningful share of climate and resilience bond funding toward trail and park infrastructure, since well-maintained natural lands provide real climate benefits including wildfire risk reduction and habitat resilience. I will also advocate for closing corporate tax loopholes and reforming underperforming corporate tax credits to help fund this backlog, rather than accepting deferred maintenance as a permanent condition. Outdoor recreation infrastructure should be budgeted with the same seriousness as roads and bridges, because for the communities that depend on it economically and personally, it is exactly that kind of infrastructure.

Volunteer stewardship organizations like CAMTB's member groups are doing work the state cannot afford to do alone, and it is counterproductive for agency bureaucracy to slow down people who are showing up to build and maintain public trails for free. I will push for streamlined, standardized permitting processes for volunteer trail work across California State Parks and other land management agencies, so that a stewardship group is not navigating a different, unpredictable approval process in every jurisdiction it works in.
I will also advocate for increased agency staffing specifically dedicated to processing volunteer stewardship agreements and trail project approvals, since much of the delay stewardship groups experience comes from agencies being understaffed relative to the workload, not from the underlying rules being unreasonable. I support establishing clear, published timelines for agency response to volunteer project proposals with accountability when those timelines are missed, and creating a more formalized, ongoing relationship between the state and established stewardship organizations like CAMTB's members, so that trusted, experienced groups are not required to relitigate their credibility on every new project.

California should be the national leader in sustainable trail design, not a state where agencies are playing catch-up to best practices that have been established for years. I will push for state land management agencies to formally adopt current sustainable trail design standards as official policy, rather than leaving adoption to the discretion of individual regional offices or park units, so that best practices are consistent statewide.
I will also advocate for dedicated funding for staff training in sustainable trail design and
construction, including partnerships with organizations like CAMTB and other trail stewardship groups that already have deep, practical expertise the state should be drawing on rather than developing training programs from scratch. Agencies should be required to consult with experienced multi-use trail stewardship organizations during trail planning and design phases, not just during construction or maintenance. Protecting natural and cultural resources and building a great user experience are not competing goals, and California's land management approach should reflect that modern understanding rather than outdated design practices that treat them as a tradeoff.

Tony Strickland (Incumbent)

Party: Republican

No response received

California State Senate District 38

Laura Bassett

Party: Republican

No response received

Catherine Blakespear (Incumbent)

No response received

California State Assembly District 2

Michael Greer

Party: Republican

Website: www.mikegreerassembly2026.com

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Softball, fishing, hiking, canoeing. The opportunity to participate in these activities grounds me reality and the beauty of the outdoors. Outdoor activities gives one a perspective of being one with yourself and your surroundings. I'm always more thoughtful and at peace with myself. They lead to a more healthful and exciting lifestyle. I have travelled the country doing everyone of these activities and I will continue to do so until I die on a softball field or casting a line in the water.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I believe in having public access to public lands. I do not believe that turning management of public lands over to tribal or environmental groups in order to restrict access by legislative measures without public input is the right process. I believe that all legislation should have public input and transparency. I believe in letting taxpayers keep their money in their wallets (Affordability). I believe that when they take the money out of our wallet we should know how, who, and why (Accountability). All citizens should have the opportunity to pursue the California Dream, instead of the Nightmare we have now (Achieveability).

Unfortunately the state hands out money to nonprofits without accountability. I believe and will push for audits to see where and how the money is being spent. The current legislature refuses to audit programs and until that happens we will continue to see recreational infrastructure suffer. I will work to make sure that projects are prioritize and the public is aware of the projects that will be funded and by whom, then holding the respective agencies accountable. We are currently seeing some groups attack outdoor activities of those that believe in using the public lands for recreation. I believe all outdoor activities are and should be available to the public and not restricted by land agencies and management.. I currently use an ebike but my son who mountain bikes where ever he goes keeps telling me not to go on his trails.

The organizations need to be part of the solution and not just administrative, non-elected bureaucrats. There are areas in state parks that are not conducive to mountain bikes, but there are areas that can be opened up. It would not be a "one size fits all approach" that is being used in the state legislature right now.

There is more to suitable and sustainable trail design than just open access. I would like to be put on a committee that has some influence on how our natural resources, land, and parks are used. I've been on trails that have been opened to trail bikes and trails I hope will never have trail bikes on them. Trails need to be examined from design to how it affects others out enjoying nature in the same location. Kind of like lakes that are not allowed engines and those that do. It depends on many different circumstances and conditions and I would take them that way. I would certainly be more open to listening and helping than my opponent who thinks trails should be paved with a stripe down the middle for two way traffic.

Chris Rogers (Incumbent)

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Assembly District 3

Dom Belza

Party: Republican

No response received

Jamie Johansson

Party: Republican

No response received

California State Assembly District 4

Cecilia M. Aguiar-Curry (Incumbent)

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Assembly District 5

Neva Parker

Party: Democratic

Website: www.nevaparkerforassembly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NevaPRose/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nevaparker4assembly/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NevaMParker

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

The community I live in has an extensive network of bike paths and walkways that wind their way through neighborhoods and open spaces, and I enjoy walking and riding my bike along those paths. I also enjoy hiking, and my husband is an avid mountain biker. I am also an amateur photographer and enjoy taking pictures while I am on my hikes. I also enjoy concerts in the park.
Each activity not only provides physical benefits but also provides an opportunity to learn more about my community and its natural environment, and to spend time with my family and friends. My husband and I can both foster our hobbies (photography for me, mountain biking for him), and my time outdoors is mentally and emotionally healing. Outdoor activities create a sense of community and a feeling of connectedness that cannot be replicated otherwise.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

That I understand that advocating for outdoor recreation has a profound impact on other policy areas. Protecting outdoor spaces and our ability to enjoy them touches on health care and aging, the environment, disability rights, mental health, jobs, and so much more. I would like voters to know that I believe fighting for those spaces is foundational to the job of a legislator.

Party: Democratic

Website: www.ericlucan.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ericlucan
Instagram: instagram.com/ericlucan
YouTube: youtube.com/@EricLucanForAssembly

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Biking, hiking, skiing, and soccer. We are fortunate here in California and especially in the North Bay. Enjoying the outdoors and outdoor activities is ultimately what led to me serving as a Parks Commissioner for nearly 20 years and put me on a path to city, county, and now state government. And, regularly returning to and enjoying the outdoors helps keep me balanced and inspired.

Party: Democratic

No response received

Andre Sandford

Party: Democratic

Website: www.andresandfordforassembly.com
Facebook: Andre Sandford for California State Assembly District 18
Instagram: Andre_I._Sandford
Twitter/X: ASandford4AD18

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Basketball has always been one of my favorite activities. I enjoy playing because it keeps me active, helps relieve stress, and gives me an opportunity to connect with other people. Basketball has also taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, communication, and perseverance.

I also enjoy walking, hiking, and spending time in parks and other outdoor spaces. Being outdoors gives me an opportunity to recharge, stay physically active, and appreciate the importance of having accessible recreational spaces in our communities.

Party: Democratic

Website: www.dawnaddis.org
Facebook: @addis4centralcoast
Instagram: @addis4centralcoast
Twitter/X: @addis4cc

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Some of my favorite outdoor activities are hiking, biking, and surfing. Living on the Central Coast, my family and I have made many memories enjoying our incredible coastline, trails, and open spaces together.

For me, getting outdoors is a way to stay active, recharge, spend time with family, and stay connected to the natural beauty that makes the Central Coast such a special place to live. These experiences have also reinforced for me how important it is that Californians have access to safe, welcoming outdoor spaces and trails. Protecting our coast, open spaces, and opportunities for outdoor recreation means ensuring that more people and families can experience those same physical, mental, and community benefits for years to come.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I believe protecting California’s open spaces and expanding responsible public access should go hand in hand. One effort I am especially proud of is championing and helping secure $42 million to preserve Wild Cherry Canyon, approximately 2,200 acres of beautiful coastal open space near Montaña de Oro. That investment is now moving forward and will help permanently conserve this landscape while creating opportunities for sustainable public access.

I have also advocated for the broader land conservation across the Central Coast, including the newly forming Toro Creek Preserve.

I truly believe that conservation and recreation can reinforce one another. By protecting these landscapes and thoughtfully planning sustainable trail access, we can preserve them for future generations while giving more Californians opportunities to experience and appreciate our public lands.

Yes. Investing in parks, trails, and recreational infrastructure is essential to ensuring Californians can safely access and enjoy the outdoors. Well-maintained trails and parks support public health, strengthen local economies, protect natural resources, and help ensure that our public lands remain accessible for future generations. When we defer maintenance, we risk losing access while allowing costs to grow.

In 2024, I served on the Legislature’s Climate Resiliency Bond Working Group and helped craft the $10 billion Climate Bond ultimately approved by California voters. I supported investments that protect our natural resources and expand outdoor access. The final bond dedicates $700 million to park creation and outdoor access, including $100 million to expand recreational opportunities and improve existing or create new nonmotorized trails, and $175 million to address deferred maintenance at California State Parks.

As a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, I’ll continue to work collaboratively with my colleagues, state agencies, local communities, and advocates to prioritize these investments and pursue funding thats sustainable.

California’s volunteer trail organizations provide tremendous value to our public lands, and we should look for ways to make it easier for responsible stewardship organizations to partner with the state while maintaining important environmental protections.

I support bringing trail organizations, California State Parks, and other land managers together to better understand areas that may delay routine trail maintenance and restoration. I’m interested in exploring opportunities to make these processes more efficient, particularly for the organizations that CAMTB represents.

I have met with organizations including Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship in May about conservation and public access, and I look forward to continuing these conversations and learning from their on-the-ground experience.

I support modern trail standards that protect our natural and cultural resources while providing safe, high-quality recreation. That means making sure State Parks and other land management agencies have access to current best practices and that staff receive the training and resources needed to put them into practice.

I also believe experienced trail builders and stewardship organizations should be part of these conversations. As a legislator, I will support opportunities to strengthen agency training, encourage collaboration, and help ensure California’s approach to trail planning and management continues to evolve with proven practices.

Shannon Kessler

Party: Republican

Website: kesslerforca.com
Facebook: facebook.com/shannon.kessler1
Instagram: instagram.com/kesslerforca
Twitter/X: @skessler1
YouTube: youtube.com/@Realshannonkessler

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Some of my favorite outdoor activities are mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. I grew up on the West Coast, and these are how I stay grounded.
I benefit immensely from the exercise, but even more from the mental and spiritual health the outdoors provides. Time on the trail or in the water clears my head, reconnects me to this place we call home, and reminds me why well-maintained, sustainable trails and public access matter. Those hours outside are not a luxury — they are how I stay strong as a mom, small-business owner, and someone who wants to keep these places open for the next generation.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I am not talking about the outdoors from a briefing book. I live it.
I mountain bike, hike, ride horses, surf, and stand-up paddleboard on the Central Coast. I know what it means when a trail is well built and well maintained — and what it means when access gets delayed, restricted, or taken away. Those hours outside are how I stay grounded as a mom, small-business owner, and candidate.
Here is what I want you to know about my candidacy:
I will fight for more trails and better trails — sustainable, multi-use, and actually open to the people who use them. That includes working with local trail stewardship groups, not around them.
I will work to cut the red tape that slows trail construction, maintenance, and access. Good trails should not take a decade of process to exist.
I believe access and stewardship go together. We protect the land by using it responsibly and keeping it open — for mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and families — not by locking people out.
I will defend our coast and public lands from industrial projects that would harm the very places we ride, hike, and recreate. The Central Coast’s trails, beaches, and open space are not expendable.
I listen to the people who actually dig, ride, and care for these trails. If you are a trail-minded voter, you should know I will be a partner in Sacramento — not another obstacle.

Yes. I support funding for State Park trails and other recreational infrastructure — and I will treat it as a real budget priority, not a talking point.
California already spends more than it takes in. The answer is not to keep adding new taxes first. The answer is to stop wasting money and put existing dollars where they actually reach the ground: trail construction, maintenance, and access.
Here is how I would prioritize it:
First, protect and target existing funding for parks, trails, and outdoor recreation so it is not raided for other purposes. Maintenance and deferred work on trails people already use should come before glossy new announcements.
Second, cut the red tape and process costs that eat trail dollars before a shovel ever hits dirt. If it takes years and a mountain of bureaucracy to repair or build a trail, taxpayers and riders both lose. I will work to get more miles of sustainable trail per dollar spent.
Third, partner with the local trail stewardship organizations that already do this work. They stretch public money farther than Sacramento ever will. State funding should support that on-the-ground capacity — not replace it with more layers of government.
Fourth, treat recreational infrastructure as part of a healthy outdoor economy and quality of life on the Central Coast — State Parks, multi-use trails, and access that families, mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians can actually use.
I will not vote to grow government for its own sake. I will fight to fund the trails and parks Californians already love, keep them open, and make sure the money is spent on dirt, not delay.

Yes – and this is one of the clearest places where Sacramento is getting in the way of good work.
CAMTB’s member organizations and volunteers already build and maintain tens of thousands of miles of multi-use trails. The problem is not a lack of people willing to dig. The problem is red tape, green tape, and agencies that lack the capacity — or the flexibility — to let trained stewards do the work.
Here is what I will do:
I will work to streamline permitting and volunteer agreements at California State Parks and other land-management agencies so that a qualified stewardship group is not stuck in months or years of the permitting process for trail maintenance that should be routine. Maintenance and repair should not be treated like a brand-new development project.
I will push for clearer, standardized partnership agreements between State Parks and nonprofit trail organizations. Volunteers need predictable rules, timely approvals, and a single point of contact — not a maze of overlapping reviews.
I will support cutting duplicative environmental processes for work that is already designed to protect the land: reroutes that reduce erosion, drainage fixes, brush clearing for fire and safety, and sustainable trail rebuilds. Stewardship is conservation. The process should recognize that.
I will press agencies to use scarce staff time to enable volunteers rather than bottleneck them. If a trained local organization is ready to maintain a trail, the state should get out of the way and let them work.
I will listen to the groups that actually hold the shovels — including Central Coast trail stewards — and use oversight, budget language, and legislation to fix the barriers they identify, not the ones Sacramento invents.
I am a fiscal conservative and an outdoor user. I will not throw more money at a broken process. I will fight to remove administrative barriers so that volunteer stewardship can do what it already does best: improve California’s trails and keep them open.

Sustainable trail design is common sense: plan it well, protect the land and cultural resources, and give people a better ride or hike. California should already be leading this. Too often, our land-management agencies are behind — due to outdated policies, slow training, and staff who are not equipped to use the practices that volunteers and professional trail builders already know.
Here is how I would modernize that:
I will push California State Parks and other land agencies to update their trail policies so they reflect current sustainable design standards — drainage, alignment, user experience, and resource protection — not outdated manuals that produce rutted, failing trails and more closures later.
I will prioritize workforce training that is practical, not another layer of Sacramento theory. Train the staff who actually approve and manage trails. Bring in the people who already build sustainable miles: stewardship organizations, professional trail designers, and experienced local volunteers. The expertise is already in the field. Agencies should use it.
I will support policy that treats good design as prevention. A well-built trail costs less to maintain, does less damage, and stays open. That is fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship in one.
I will work to make responsible recreation the standard — multi-use where it works, clear expectations for users, and trails designed so they last. Modern policy should help agencies say yes to better trails faster, not hide behind process.
I will not create a new bureaucracy to study trails. I will use oversight, budget direction, and legislation to require agencies to update their practices, train their staff, and partner with organizations already doing this work on the ground.
California should lead in sustainable trail design because we have the land, the riders, and the volunteers. What we need in Sacramento is the will to modernize the agencies so they catch up.

California State Assembly District 31

Annalisa Perea

Party: Democratic

No response received

Jim Polsgrove

Party: Republican

Party: Democratic

No response received

Michael MacDonald

Party: Democratic

Website: www.michaelmacdonaldforassembly.com
Facebook: @MichaelMacDonaldAD38
Instagram: @macdonaldforassembly
YouTube: @MichaelMacDonaldAD38

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Some of my favorite outdoor activities are hiking, walking our local trails, spending time at the beach, and getting outside with my husband and our dogs. One of the things I value most about living in Ventura County is how easily we can access our coastline, mountains, trails, and open spaces.

For me, getting outdoors provides a chance to recharge, stay active, and reconnect with the community and environment around me. It has also given me a real appreciation for the importance of maintaining and expanding safe, sustainable access to our public lands.

I believe trails and open spaces are an important part of our quality of life. They support physical and mental well-being, connect people with nature, and create opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors. We should invest in our trail systems, protect the lands that make them possible, and support the volunteers, organizations, and land managers who do the work of maintaining them for future generations.

Party: Democratic

No response received

Victoria Mageno

Party: Republican

Website: magenoforassembly.org

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Some of my favorite outdoor activities include walking, hiking, and spending time in nature with family and friends. These activities provide both physical and mental health benefits by helping me stay active and reduce stress. I also enjoy being outdoors because it allows me to disconnect from daily responsibilities, gain perspective, and improve my overall sense of well-being.

Party: Democratic

Website: www.ashleybrownforassembly.com
Instagram: @ashley.brown323

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Cycling is one of my favorite outdoor activities. I genuinely enjoy getting on my bike, exploring our communities, and experiencing California from a perspective you simply don't get from inside a car. Riding gives me time to clear my mind, stay physically active, and reconnect with the outdoors.

I also enjoy our parks, trails, and open spaces. Outdoor recreation contributes to both physical and mental well-being, and I believe every Californian, regardless of income or ZIP code, should have access to safe, welcoming places to enjoy the outdoors.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I want trail and recreation-minded voters to know that I am not only a supporter of cycling, I am a cyclist. I understand firsthand the value of safe trails, connected bike infrastructure, parks, and protected open spaces.

As an Assemblymember, I will support investments that expand recreational access while protecting California's natural resources. I also want underserved communities to have greater access to trails, cycling programs, parks, and outdoor recreation. These are quality-of-life investments that strengthen our health, communities, local economies, and environment.

Ayanna Davis

Party: Democratic

Website: www.ayannadavis.com
Facebook: AyannaForCA
Instagram: AyannaforCA

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Some of my favorite outdoor activities are golfing, gardening, and swimming. I enjoy the balance that each one brings. Golf gives me an opportunity to slow down, spend time outside, and enjoy the company of others. Gardening is especially rewarding because there is something meaningful about putting your hands in the soil, caring for something over time, and watching it grow. Swimming helps me stay active while also giving me time to clear my mind and recharge. I would also like to spend more time biking, particularly as California continues to expand opportunities for safe and accessible cycling.

For me, outdoor recreation is about more than exercise. It is about having access to spaces where people can connect with nature, spend time with family and friends, and take care of their physical and mental well-being. Those opportunities should be available to people in every community, regardless of their ZIP code or income.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I believe access to parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities is an important part of building healthy and connected communities. My background in public education has taught me that where a person lives should not determine the quality of opportunities available to them.

As a former School Board member, I have seen firsthand how investments in communities can create opportunities for young people and families. As an Assemblymember, I would bring that same focus to our state's parks, trails, and recreational spaces.

I also believe we have to think about recreation as both an investment in quality of life and an investment in California's economy. Outdoor recreation supports businesses, workers, tourism, and local communities across our state. The Bureau of Economic Analysis' latest data show that California remains one of the nation's largest outdoor recreation economies.
My focus would be on maintaining the infrastructure we already have, expanding access where communities are underserved, supporting responsible trail development, and making it easier for government agencies and community volunteers to work together.

Yes. I support sustained investment in parks, trails, and recreational infrastructure, including addressing deferred maintenance. California cannot continue to invest in new recreational assets while allowing existing infrastructure to deteriorate.

California State Parks has previously identified more than 5,000 deferred-maintenance projects totaling approximately $1.2 billion, demonstrating the scale of the challenge.
Within the state budget, I would prioritize funding based on several factors: public safety, the condition of existing infrastructure, access for communities that have historically lacked recreational opportunities, accessibility for people with disabilities, environmental stewardship, and the ability of projects to serve multiple communities and users.

I would also look for opportunities to leverage state investments with federal, local, nonprofit, and volunteer resources. Every state dollar should be used strategically, and partnerships can help us extend the impact of those investments.

Volunteers are an important part of California's trail and recreation system, and government should make it easier, not harder, for qualified community organizations to contribute.
If elected, I would work with California State Parks and other relevant agencies to identify the specific administrative barriers that delay volunteer-led trail projects and develop more consistent statewide processes for partnerships, approvals, project scopes, and volunteer agreements.

I would also support clearer points of contact within agencies so volunteer organizations know who is responsible for moving a project forward. Where appropriate, agencies should establish standardized templates, timelines, and guidance so organizations are not repeatedly navigating the same administrative process from scratch.

California already has programs and resources focused on trail planning, management, volunteerism, and training. The goal should be to build on those systems and make them more accessible and responsive to local stewardship organizations. I would also encourage agencies to measure where projects are getting delayed and why. If we can identify recurring bottlenecks, we can address them systematically rather than asking volunteers to simply be more patient.

California should lead by example when it comes to sustainable trail design. Good trail planning should protect natural and cultural resources while creating trails that are safe, accessible, enjoyable, and financially sustainable to maintain.

California State Parks already has a Trails Handbook that provides guidance on sustainable trail planning, design, construction, and management, including practices intended to reduce maintenance costs and minimize impacts on natural and cultural resources.

As an Assemblymember, I would support regularly updating agency standards to reflect current research, technology, accessibility practices, climate considerations, and lessons learned from trail managers and stewardship organizations. I would also support making sustainable trail design and responsible recreation training a regular part of professional development for state employees whose work affects trails and public lands.

That training should not be limited to agency employees. Where appropriate, California should expand opportunities for local governments, nonprofit organizations, and volunteer trail stewards to access the same best practices and technical resources. California State Parks already provides statewide trail education and technical assistance, as well as ongoing training opportunities.

Ultimately, responsible recreation requires partnership. State agencies, local communities, conservation organizations, recreation users, and volunteer stewards all have a role to play. My goal would be to make sure California has the policies, workforce, and partnerships necessary to maintain our trails for generations to come.

Lydia Gutiérrez

Party: Republican

Website: www.vote4lydia.com

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Cycling, swimming, and body surfing

Party: Democratic

Website: www.votejessielopez.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoteJessieLopez
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilmember_jessielopez

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I love spending time outdoors with my family, whether that's walking or biking through Santa Ana's parks and neighborhoods, or getting out to nearby open spaces and trails when I can. These moments outdoors give me a chance to slow down, recharge, and stay connected to the people and places I represent. Growing up in a park-poor city, I've also come to deeply value how important access to green space and outdoor recreation is for physical and mental health.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I've spent my career fighting to preserve and expand public land and green spaces in Santa Ana. As a councilmember, I've secured funding to make our parks safer and better maintained, invested in open space, and worked to make sure not only wealthy people have access to the outdoors.

I see trails, parks, and open space as essential infrastructure for cities. My time in Santa Ana has shown me that communities without green spaces are often the ones hit hardest by pollution, heat, and the effects of climate change. Expanding and protecting trails and public lands is part of how we address that inequity.

If elected, I'll bring that same commitment to the State legislature, advocating for funding and policies that increase access to trails and open spaces for all Californians, and protecting the public lands we already have for future generations.

JJ Galvez

Party: Democratic

Website: www.jjgalvez.com
Facebook: @JJGalvez | https://www.facebook.com/people/JJ-Galvez/61580806135886/
Instagram: @jjgalvez.4u | https://www.instagram.com/jjgalvez.4u/

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Mountain biking, hiking, and camping. I also enjoy taking my Jeep offroading at times, but would much rather be on bike wheels. Besides exercise, the main benefit is my mental health. There is something special about being out in nature. It recharges me mentally, not just physically.

I am fortunate to live in Silverado, CA, a rural community in Southern California right at an entrance to Cleveland National Forest. It's amazing to be able to pedal straight to trails from my house.

I am grateful to be running in an Assembly District that includes so many recreation opportunities, from public trails in the Santa Ana Mountains to bike parks like Vailocity at Vail Lake.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

That being outdoors is one of the pillars of my personal life. My wife and I specifically chose to move to a place like Silverado because of its proximity to nature.

Riding a mountain bike or hiking a trail are activities crucial to my wellbeing. Check out this Instagram post, for example: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dby1jKVS8uv/

Running for office is very demanding, and more so when you also have other responsibilities in life. In my case, I am running at the same time as I hold a day job and serve as treasurer of the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District. But getting out there for a ride grounds me and re-inspires me.

That's why I am committed to supporting parks, trails, and more recreation infrastructure. In the summer of 2025, I organized my community to protest against proposed sales of public lands in the OBBBA Act. In office, I will push for funding and resources for our public lands.

Especially at a time of so much social polarization and digital isolation, getting outdoors is an incredible unifier. I've met conservatives and liberals on trails. Being outside brings people together. We need more of that.

Yes. A $1.2 billion maintenance backlog means we've been building and acquiring faster than we've been caring for what we have. As Treasurer of the Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Park District, I've worked through budget cuts, and deferred maintenance is always the easiest thing to cut and the most expensive to ignore. A trail that gets a small repair this year can become a closure in five years.

In the state budget, I would push to treat maintenance as ongoing base funding instead of a one-time item that competes for attention every year. I would ask State Parks for a public, prioritized list of backlog projects so the Legislature can fund the highest-risk items first. I would also favor funding that matches state dollars with local, federal, and volunteer contributions, so each dollar covers more trail.

I would also fund wildfire prevention on the land we already manage. I'm a fan of natural fuel reduction, including targeted grazing with goats and sheep, along with prescribed burns and hand thinning. Reducing fuel before a fire starts protects forests and trails, and it costs less than rebuilding afterward.

Volunteers already do work that agencies don't have staff to do. The problem is that agency capacity is the bottleneck. A volunteer group can be ready to build or repair a trail and still wait months for someone to review the paperwork.

I would start by sitting down with CAMTB and its stewardship organizations, because they know where the process breaks better than I do. As a public servant, I see input and collaboration as the job. I would want to solve these problems with you, not hand down fixes from Sacramento.

From there, I would take three steps. First, ask State Parks to report publicly on how long stewardship agreements and routine maintenance approvals take, since a problem nobody measures doesn't get fixed. Second, push for a standard partnership agreement and a named contact at each district, so groups aren't starting from scratch each time. Third, fund the staff positions that process these approvals, because streamlining doesn't help if no one is left to review the paperwork.

I'm also a supporter of California's Service Corps programs. Volunteering on public lands should be an easy, well-supported path for anyone who wants it, and I think the state should look at how to recognize that service, including in how we think about benefits and opportunity as the economy changes.

Trail design has changed a lot, and agencies should be given the support to keep up with it. Well-built trails drain properly, hold up to use, and protect the land around them. Poorly built ones erode, get widened by users going around problems, and cost more to fix later.

I would support dedicated funding for training State Parks staff on current sustainable trail standards, delivered in partnership with the groups that already have this expertise, including CAMTB's stewardship organizations. I would also want agencies to review their trail policies on a regular schedule, so they reflect current practice and not whatever was standard when the policy was written. Trail planning should use field data, such as use counts and maintenance records, along with input from the people who ride and maintain these trails every week. I would want CAMTB and other trail groups at the table when those policies are written, not consulted after.

Kate Sanchez (Incumbent)

Party: Republican

No response received

California State Assembly District 72

Chris Kluwe

Party: Democratic

No response received

Gracey Van Der Mark

Party: Republican

No response received

California State Assembly District 73

Cottie Petrie-Norris (Incumbent)

Party: Democratic

No response received

Urson Russell

Party: Republican

Website: ursonrussell.com
Facebook: Urson Russell for Assembly
Instagram: urson_russellforca
Twitter/X: @ur4ad73

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Hiking and golfing are two of my favorite outdoor activities. Disconnecting from the day-to-day grind of life and running businesses is important and both activities are an opportunity to unplug and reset.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I very much support the use of all outdoor activities and its one of the best reasons to live in California.

Safety for people enjoying these activities and preservation of these public spaces has to be front and center. There is room for everyone and government can help deliver solutions that work for everyone.

The first step is listening to the people who actually use these spaces and I would make sure as an elected representative that you are heard.

I would like to audit every State expenditure to first see where our money is being spent. Based on reporting, California has plenty of money. The problem is how its being managed.

I think funding for maintenance and improvements of our State parks is a vital obligation for State government because these are shared public open spaces that any Californian can take advantage of.

Everything in California takes longer because of the multi-layer bureaucratic agencies involved to make any decision. I would support a Cal State Parks plan to help reduce the time and red tape, encourage good stewards to be involved especially when we have volunteers who care enough to give their time and energy, and do my best to be a voice for the people who continue to get nowhere in Sacramento.

The first thing I would propose in the legislature is to change those agency bodies (outside of law enforcement) to a "recommendation" agency vs ones that have authority or even legal coercive power. We don't elect these agency representatives and we should only have to work with our Legislative and Executive representatives to achieve public benefit.

Public spaces are for everyone but the balance of preserving as much of the natural environment is what makes it worth it for people to go there in the first place.

Sacramento doesn't have a plan and seems to operate on authority and impulse. We need voices in Sacramento that hear the issues and do something now because Government owes solutions and not more delayed decisions.

California State Assembly District 74

Laurie Davies (Incumbent)

Party: Republican

No response received

Sergio Farias

Party: Democratic

No response received

California State Assembly District 75

Gerald Boursiquot

Party: Democratic

Website: www.geraldforassembly.com
Facebook: geraldforassembly, gboursiquotca
Instagram: geraldforassembly, gboursiquotca
Twitter/X: geraldforassembly, gboursiquotca

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Running Hiking

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

That California green spaces are prt of what make California a great place to live start a family and thrive. I want to protect and preserve all green spaces. So that we maintain the beauty that is California.

Andrew Lawson

Party: Republican

Website: www.lawsonforcalifornia.com
Facebook: Andrew Lawson
Instagram: LawsonforCalifornia
Twitter/X: @andrewlawson619

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

When I can find the time I like to hike and go for walks on the boardwalk. The obvious benefit is cardio which helps burn fat.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I am not a career politician

If the parks are generating that much revenue, I believe all the revenue should go toward the necessary maintenance. The extra revenue can then be used for other items after.

Cutting red tape is a part of my platform. I don’t understand why the state agency doesn’t allow for my volunteer stewardship. I am open to receiving legislation and supporting legislation that is necessary to cut the bureaucracy out of government.

Again, I am open to clawing back regulations as well as reforming policies so it works for everyone. Reach out to me and we can talk about what you believe is necessary.

LaShae Sharp-Collins (Incumbent)

No response received

US Congress, California District 2

Jared Huffman

Party: Democratic

No response received

Robin Littau

Party: Republican

Website: www.littauforcongress.com

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I enjoy gardening, hiking, kayaking, camping, road trips, horseback riding, visits to the ocean, and exploring new places. I love nature, the solitude reconnects me to the Creator, its restful, refreshing and a reset. My favorite family memories are from being outdoors.

Party: Democratic

No response received

John McBride

Party: Republican

Website: www.johnmcbrideforcongress.com
Facebook: JohnMcBrideCa9
Instagram: JohnMcBrideCa9
Twitter/X: JohnMcBrideCa9

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I enjoy down hill skiing and golf, but I have not had the opportunity to do either in years

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I am a coach, (I served as a strength and conditioning coach for over 40 years) not a politician. Anything that gets and keeps people moving, especially when creating activity habits when we are young that we can continue into our older years, should be funded for maximum safety and opportunity.

Funding for parks, trails and other recreational infrastructure is necessary to provide safe and functional upkeep of the varied land uses for all recreation.

This really is a state issue and not a federal issue. I am in favor of minimizing unnecessary and costly regulations for pretty much every area of government. Often private citizens when given the opportunity can do a far better job that government entities.

Again, this is more of a state than a federal issue. Future generations need to be trained in how to develop sustainable and responsible recreational facilities.

US Congress, California District 10

Mark DeSaulnier

Party: Democratic

No response received

Jeff Frese

Party: Republican

Website: www.freseforcongress.com
Facebook: facebook.com/freseforcongress
Instagram: @freseforcongress
Twitter/X: @VoteFrese
YouTube: youtube.com/@freseforcongress

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Hiking. I'm on the EBMUD trails all over Moraga and Lafayette. It clears my head, and it reminds me that what we have out here is worth taking care of.

Party: Democratic

Website: www.angelica4congress.com
Facebook: Angelica4CA
Instagram: angelica4US
Twitter/X: angelica4US
YouTube: angelicaduenasforcongress3154

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

I’m a lifelong resident of the working-class suburb of Sun Valley where there are few green spaces. But I enjoy walking and bike riding. Taking a leisurely walk relaxes me. I enjoy people watching and just looking around at my environment. I also like to cycle. I’ve used Lime bikes and Metro bikes to get around Los Angeles. The ease and comfort of using two wheels at times instead of driving is a bonus.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

Having access to green spaces and recreational locations is critical. Organizations such as Streets for All and CicLAvia are strong advocates for building a transportation revolution in Los Angeles. They are fighting for bus lanes, bike lanes, and pedestrian improvements. If elected, Angélica Dueñas will continue to support efforts to make our city more public transit friendly while developing green spaces for all Angelenos to enjoy.

Brad Sherman

Party: Democratic

No response received

Larry Thompson

Party: Republican

Website: www.larrythompsonforcongress.com
Facebook: @LarryThompsonForCongress
Instagram: @larrythompsonforcongress32
Twitter/X: @LarryCongress
YouTube: @larrythompson2847

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Golf. Keeps me limber and sociable. Fishing. Relaxes me. Swimming. I live in Malibu.

Party: Republican

Website: electmitchclemmons.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitchforcongress
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clemmonsmitch/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/socalmitch

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Roller Skating, Snowboarding, and inline downhill trail skating

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I will advocate and vote for more investment in open spaces for public use.

Genevieve Angel

Party: Republican

Website: www.angelforcongress.com

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Engaging in outdoor activities like snowboarding, hiking, biking, and fishing provides a powerful combination of physical conditioning, mental restoration, and cognitive enhancement.

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

Because outdoor recreation is both a lifestyle and a major economic engine, I will secure robust funding to repair existing trails, build missing trail connectors, and update crumbling facilities. Support policies that put financial investments in outdoor spaces, such as state and federal grants that fund local park projects, community pathways, and bike lanes.

I will influence how federal funds and grants are allocated to states like California. I need to be elected and be part of the appropriations committee to affect local community infrastructure. I intend to secure federal spending bills for improving water systems, local roads, and community facilities first. For recreational infrastructure, I will acts as a bridge to help California cities and local governments apply for federal grants—such as those through the National Park Service or the Land and Water Conservation Fund—to rehabilitate neighborhood parks and multi-use pathways.

For too long, Sacramento's bloated bureaucracy has gotten in the way of the very people who want to take care of our state. Our California State Parks are a treasure, but right now, well-meaning volunteer groups and trail organizations are drowning in paperwork, environmental over-reviews, and months of administrative delays just to clear a fallen log or fix a washed-out trail. We need to standardize and modernize the memorandum of understanding (MOU) process. Currently, a local trail group might wait six months to a year just to get a volunteer agreement approved by park lawyers. I will mandate that California State Parks implement a streamlined, digital 'Fast-Track' certification for established non-profit stewardship groups. If a group has certified sawyers or trail builders, their approval to work should be granted in days, not months.

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was designed to stop major polluters, but today it is routinely weaponized to stall basic trail maintenance and park restoration projects. I will introduce legislation to create a categorical exemption under CEQA for routine trail maintenance and habitat restoration performed by recognized volunteer organizations. Routine upkeep shouldn't require a multi-year, multi-thousand-dollar environmental impact report. The bottom line is that the government doesn't have a monopoly on good stewardship. When citizens want to donate their own time, money, and sweat equity to improve our parks, the state's job is to get out of the way and say 'thank you.' I will make sure that happens.

Nanette Diaz Barragan

Party: Democratic

No response received

US Congress, California District 45

Derek Tran

Party: Democratic

No response received

Chuong Vo

Party: Republican

Website: www.vo4congress.com

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Mountain Biking.. it provides great exercise and gets in touch with mother nature.

Party: Republican

Website: www.belleforcongress.com

What are some of your favorite outdoor activities, and what benefit(s) do they provide to you?

Safety & exercise & Fun

What are the main points you want trail and recreation-minded voters to know about you and your candidacy?

I love waking, bike rides are cool and talk to daily.

Yes

Remove Admin reg to permits and time and costs.

Yes.

Juan Vargas

Party: Democratic

No response received

Last updated: 09/30/26 21:08