“I met Susie ten years ago at the most challenging time of my life. I was in jail facing 11 open misdemeanor drug cases, had been living unsheltered for years along the San Lorenzo River levee, and potentially facing years of ongoing incarceration as a result of my substance use disorder. The day I was to be arraigned on all my charges, Susie stood next to me to face the judge. As the newly appointed manager of the Downtown Accountability Program (DAP), she served as my fierce advocate, helped me stay out of jail, get sober, and be present for the birth of my first child. She held my baby in court as I graduated from DAP and has been present in my life ever since. I am now ten years sober, employed, housed, and raising my two children in Santa Cruz County. I still connect with Susie to get advice about job prospects and value her mentorship. She always answers my calls, even ten years after our short journey together. Susie’s experience running the DAP, working in the criminal justice system, and helping countless individuals trying to navigate recovery in our community will be invaluable if she is elected a City Councilmember.”