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I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.

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I'm a third generation Mexican-American.

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My grandparents and parents
grew up on the east side of Los Angeles.

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I went to Georgetown University.

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I was in the School of Foreign Service.

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I spent a year abroad in Spain
and attended

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the University of Seville.

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And eventually went to law school
at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

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Served in the city attorney's office
for over 18 years

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before joining Parks and Recreation
in the city of Los Angeles.

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So, moving to Seattle

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has been a wonderful life change for me
and my entire family.

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It's an exciting moment and chapter,
both in my professional and personal life

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to start fresh in this amazing city.

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I absolutely love parks

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and open spaces, the environment
and all of the recreational opportunities

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that the park system provides
for the public.

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It's something that I'm passionate about.

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I really love getting into nature,

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just getting the ability
to find some respite.

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I love to run.

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I also love to swim,

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to play racket sports.

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I firmly believe that
now more than ever is the time to amplify

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the narrative that parks are essential infrastructure

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 to the fabric and the health and wellness of our city.

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So we need to continue to invest in them
so that we continue

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to cultivate them for generations to come.

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I love to remind our staff
that we're in the business of

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helping to grow children
and to cultivate adults

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and to deal with the stress
and anxiety of life,

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but also to really take responsibility
for our aging population and

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make sure that they also to have spaces
that are safe and welcoming.

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And that's what One Seattle is all about.

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It's the city departments, it's the city
partners, it's the neighborhoods, it's

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the community groups coming together under
the umbrella of making Seattle great,

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making Seattle shine.