Anna Caballero (left), assemblywoman for California’s 28th District, asks Redman Foundation President Geoff Scurfield about the history of the Redman-Hirahara farm during a visit to the Lee Road Victorian on Thursday. Caballero was in Watsonville on Thursday visiting constituents.

State Assemblywoman Anna Caballero was in Watsonville Thursday visiting constituents, talking about what she’s been doing in Sacramento since being elected in November, and generally impressing her audience.

Watsonville senior activist Lorraine Stucki hosted Caballero for a two-hour lunch at her home before the assemblywoman toured the Redman-Hirahara House project and finished the day visiting with Watsonville High Principal Murry Schekman.

While at Stucki’s house, the former mayor of Salinas talked about her recent experiences in Sacramento and said she has taken a hard line on spending.

In her first term, Caballero has been appointed to serve as the chair of the Committee on Local Government and as a member of the committees on Appropriations; Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy; Water Parks and Wildlife; and the Joint Legislative Budget Committee. 

“I have had some knock-down, drag-out sessions with senators who didn’t want a freshman assemblymember telling them what to do with their bills,” said Caballero. “I enjoy this job. It’s a huge learning curve.”

Caballero said she had some modest spending bills in the works, focusing on youth violence prevention and affordable housing. One bill provides money to libraries for teen literacy programs. Another bill provides funding for a pilot apprenticeship program for a vocational education police program.

“These are bills that will provide resources to communities,” said Caballero. “So many of our youth are dropping out of school, hanging out on the streets and scaring people. We need to address this with statewide programs.”

“She listened to everyone’s concerns, all of them,” said Betty Bobeda, who attended the lunch at Stucki’s. “I am impressed with her patience.”

Watsonville Police Capt. Manny Solano was also at the lunch. “It says something when you have a pretty busy assemblywoman who takes her time to come out to a home and talk to local people and get us involved and informed,” he said. “I was impressed with her availability.”

After lunch, Caballero visited with some of the board members of the Redman Foundation, who talked to her about their plans to turn the Redman-Hirahara ranch into a cultural and visitors center. The group showed her the home and then talked about their plans for restoration and efforts to raise money. Caballero offered both advice and encouragement.

“It’s amazing. I’ve driven past this house so many times and never knew,” she said. “I think there are some really good factors that bring in a lot of possibilities. I think this is a great project.”

Board members were equally excited about Caballero’s earnest enthusiasm for the project and the assistance and cooperation she showed the group.

“She’s great. I was impressed,” said Dean Coley, vice president of the Redman Foundation.

Caballero said she would be coming back to Watsonville in the coming weeks and would announce a time when constituents could meet with her.

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*Photo by Jon Chown*

(Published in 8/3/07 edition)



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