Anna Caballero has been a leader in the fight to protect our agricultural economy and increase water supplies for Valley farmers. She played a key role in the passage of California’s historic water package, working to ensure that Valley farmers will have the water they need and that families will have clean and reliable drinking water.

Caballero has been a strong advocate for public safety and gang prevention, most recently playing a role in the passage Chelsea’s law to ensure that serious sex offenders who harm children stay behind bars.

Anna started a local gang prevention program more than a decade ago when she saw that local communities had nowhere to turn. Without government money or intervention, Caballero helped parents and community leaders launch a program to stop youth from joining gangs. Anna believes we can help ourselves without relying on government.

This common sense, no-nonsense approach to public safety earned Caballero the California State Sheriff’s Association’s 2009 Legislator of the Year award.

Anna knows that we must protect the Valley’s economy and affordability so that families can live and raise their children here. It’s why she led the way on the state’s $10,000 new homebuyer tax credit, helping first time and new homebuyers with the opportunity to own their own home and be a part of our communities.

And as a former mayor, Anna understands what “local control” really means. She supports shifting more authority and funding for our public schools back to the local level, where parents can see how their money is spent and where local officials can be held accountable.

It’s why the California League of Cities recognized her commitment and advocacy with an annual award.

Anna Caballero was elected to the State Assembly in 2006. She previously served as the Mayor of Salinas, on the Salinas City Council and as a planning commissioner.

Born to family of copper miners, Anna earned her bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego and a law degree from UCLA. She moved to the Valley 30 years ago to practice law and served as the Executive Director of the gang prevention program, Partners for Peace. Anna is also a wife, mother and grandmother, and married to Juan Uranga.