The Issues
- Home
- The Issues
LOCAL
Law and order
Open for business
Community parks and beaches
Accountable finances
Local control of housing
L - Law and Order
In Huntington Beach, law and order isn’t about politics, it’s about quality of life.
To me this means families feel safe walking to the beach or around one of our 78 parks, small businesses can operate without fear of theft or harassment, and first responders have the support they need to do their jobs effectively and professionally.
As a city built on tourism, entrepreneurship, and strong neighborhoods, Huntington Beach depends on public safety that works, not ideology, not experiments, and not policies written far from our community.
Support for Local Law Enforcement
Huntington Beach has one of the most professional and respected police departments in California.
I believe in:
- Fully staffing and funding HBPD
- Ensuring officers have modern tools, training, and support
- Backing community policing that builds trust and accountability
- Respecting officers while holding everyone to the same high standard
Public safety starts with presence, prevention, and partnership, not reaction after the fact.
Safe Streets, Beaches, and Parks
Residents and visitors deserve to enjoy Huntington Beach without intimidation, disorder, or unchecked nuisance activity.
That means:
- Enforcing laws and ordinances that keep parks, beaches, and public spaces clean and safe
- Addressing illegal encampments responsibly
- Reducing reckless e-bike behavior that endangers families and seniors
- Protecting public spaces so they serve the whole community
Compassion without enforcement fails everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
Accountability in the Justice System
When laws are not enforced, behavior escalates, and neighborhoods suffer.
I support:
- Consequences for repeat offenders
- Ending the revolving-door approach to theft, vandalism, and assault
- Coordinating with county and regional partners to restore accountability
- Standing up to state policies that undermine local public safety
Local government must advocate for residents even when Sacramento doesn’t listen.
A Pro-Business Approach to Law and Order
Small businesses are the backbone of Huntington Beach.
Law and order means:
- Protecting businesses from retail theft and vandalism
- Enforcing laws consistently and fairly
- Making it easier for business owners to operate without fear
- Recognizing that safe streets = strong local economy
When businesses thrive, jobs stay local and families stay rooted.
Common-Sense, Local Control
Huntington Beach rejects one-size-fits-all policies imposed from the state.
We believe:
- Public safety decisions should be made locally
- City leaders should listen to residents and business owners
- Policies should be guided by data, results, and real-world experience
Law and order is not extreme, it’s foundational.
O - Open for Business
Huntington Beach thrives when local businesses thrive.
From restaurants and retail to surf shops, manufacturers, and family-owned services, our city’s economy depends on entrepreneurs who take risks, hire locally, and invest in the community. Being open for business means city government works with business owners, not against them.
Cutting Red Tape
Local government should be a partner, not an obstacle.
I support and have been working on:
- Streamlined permitting and inspections
- Faster approvals and clear timelines
- Consistent enforcement without arbitrary rules
- Reducing unnecessary fees and duplicative regulations
Every day a business waits is a day of lost revenue, lost jobs, and lost momentum.
Supporting Small & Family-Owned Businesses
Huntington Beach is not built on corporate chains, it’s built on people.
I believe in:
- Protecting mom-and-pop businesses
- Encouraging locally owned restaurants and retailers
- Keeping dollars circulating in our community
- Listening to business owners before passing new regulations
Strong local business equals a strong local tax base without raising taxes.
Tourism, Events, and the Coastal Economy
As a world-class beach city, Huntington Beach must:
- Promote responsible tourism
- Support special events that drive foot traffic
- Balance residents quality of life with economic opportunity
- Keep our downtown vibrant and safe
Economic vitality and community pride go hand in hand.
C - Community, Parks, and Beaches
Huntington Beach’s identity is rooted in neighborhoods, beaches, and shared public spaces. Our parks, trails, beaches, and community events are not luxuries they are essential to our way of life.
Protecting Public Spaces
Public spaces must serve families, residents, and visitors alike.
That means:
- Clean, safe, and accessible parks and beaches
- Regular maintenance and responsible investment considering the native landscape
- Enforcing rules so shared spaces remain welcoming
- Preventing misuse that drives families away
A park that no one feels safe using is a park that has failed its purpose.
Investing in Families and Youth
A healthy community invests in the next generation.
I support:
- Youth sports and recreation programs
- Safe routes to parks and schools
- Family-friendly community events
- Programs that strengthen connection and belonging
Strong communities are built face-to-face, not through bureaucracy.
Environmental Stewardship Local and Practical
I believe in protecting our coastline and environment through:
- Responsible coastal management
- Local solutions, not state mandates
- Clean water, maintained infrastructure, and smart planning
- Balancing conservation with access and enjoyment
Huntington Beach can lead by example without sacrificing common sense.
A - Accountable Finances
Every dollar the City spends belongs to the residents.
Accountable finances mean living within our means, prioritizing essentials, and respecting taxpayers who work hard for every paycheck.
Fiscal Responsibility
I believe in:
- Balanced budgets
- Long-term financial planning
- Avoiding unfunded mandates and risky obligations
- Saying “no” when spending doesn’t deliver value
City Hall should manage money the same way families and small businesses do.
Transparency and Oversight
Trust comes from openness.
I support:
- Clear and accessible financial reporting
- Independent audits and oversight
- Asking hard questions before approving spending
- Measuring results, not intentions
Protecting Residents from State Cost-Shifting
Too often, the state pushes costs onto cities.
Huntington Beach must:
- Push back against unfunded mandates
- Protect local budgets from Sacramento politics
- Advocate for fairness in regional and state funding
Local taxpayers should not be a blank check for state failures.
L - Local Control of Housing
Housing policy should be shaped by residents, not dictated by Sacramento.
Huntington Beach understands its geography, infrastructure, environment, and neighborhoods better than any state agency.
Responsible Housing Growth
I support:
- Housing that fits the character of our community
- Infrastructure-ready development
- Protecting coastal and environmental resources
- Planning that considers traffic, water, and public safety
Growth must be innovative, measured, and sustainable.
Opposing One-Size-Fits-All Mandates
State housing mandates often ignore:
- Environmental impacts
- Traffic congestion
- Strain on schools and services
- Community input
Local government must stand up for residents when top-down policies go too far.
Preserving Neighborhoods
Residents deserve a voice in what happens next door.
I believe:
- Neighborhoods matter
- Zoning decisions should involve the community
- Density should not be forced without planning
- Local character should be protected
Housing policy should balance opportunity with livability.
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GRUEL FOR CITY COUNCIL 2026, ID# 1484047
3843 S Bristol St. #604, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Ask@Gruel4Council.com
