My story is a typical All-America tale. It is as story full of struggle and perseverance, but it is a happy one.
I grew up in Morgan Hill, back in the 1980’s when it was still a very small town. I have seen all of the changes we have experienced here, at the tail end of Silicon Valley, over the last 40 years. I went to school at Paradise Valley Elementary, Martin Murphy Middle and high school at Live Oak; so yes, I am a nut. And like many kids I played Pony Baseball and other sport offered in our community.
I Received an Associate degree in Honors Liberal Arts from West Valley and later studied Political Science at Pepperdine University, Texas A&M University and San Jose State. While in college I actually worked in Downtown Morgan Hill for a time and was able get a feel for the needs and challenges of businesses there.
After getting my Bachelor’s Degree I did what many people do, I went to work in a field that had nothing to do with what I studied in college. For 13 years I worked in construction management, specializing in design, development, contract negotiations of large multi-family residential construction projects.
While I was still working full-time I decided to do something kind of crazy, I went back to school. For over 4 years I went to Law School at night and ended up graduating near the top of my class. When it came time to take the Bar, I only took 1 day off before the exam and was fortunate enough to pass on my first try.
Since being admitted to the California State Bar I have worked in civil and family law where I have fought for the rights of people across the South Valley.
However, the most important event and luckiest chance encounter of my life happened during my first year in Law School. One morning, while on a run, I crossed paths with an old friend from Live Oak when her little dog Lola walked right up to me. A few months later, I asked Melissa out and we went on our first date. We had our second the next day and I knew I had found the love of my life. Within 6 months I asked for her hand and by the beginning of the next year we were married. So, this is our happily ever after.
Things got even happier when, after a good deal of struggle, Melissa and I had twin baby girls; although to be honest, Melissa did most of the work. Those two little ones, along with my wife, are a constant blessing in my life for which I will never feel worthy. They are the reason why I am running for City Council. I want this place that we call home, to be the best that it can be for my family and all of the families and residents of Morgan Hill.