PETITION TO ELECT LESLIE WEST FOR A THRIVING RICHMOND!

Join the movement to transform Richmond, California, and unlock its full potential with Leslie West as your Mayoral advocate! Leslie West is committed to bringing realistic and impactful initiatives that will drive progress and uplift the community. Here’s how Leslie plans to lead Richmond into a brighter future:

1. Strengthening Homeless Services (HMIS-COC):
Leslie West will partner with Governor Newsom to enhance Richmond's Homeless Management Information System - Continuum of Care (HMIS-COC). By securing restricted grants for local NGOs, she aims to evaluate and improve the City’s service delivery to those experiencing homelessness. This includes identifying gaps in the system, ensuring access to essential services from local NGOs, and facilitating seamless referrals from the Social Services Agency. With this approach, we can reduce lapses in care and provide vital support to our most vulnerable residents.

2. Project Clean Air:
Leslie West understands the importance of clean air for the health and well-being of Richmond’s residents. Embracing innovation, she proposes the implementation of hydroponically grown landscaping options and rooftop gardens. Studies have shown that hydroponic plants are more effective at purifying the air compared to traditional soil-grown plants. By adopting this bold initiative, Richmond will take a significant step towards cleaner air and a healthier environment for all.

3. Capital Improvements and Housing Equity:
Leslie envisions a Richmond that thrives with inclusive and equitable housing options. Her plan addresses blight and aims to enhance living conditions by replacing outdated "project" style housing with high-rise, multi-family units. These units will feature innovative hydroponically grown rooftop gardens, promoting sustainable agriculture and commerce. By utilizing tax-exempt permanent loan programs, Leslie’s approach not only addresses chronic homelessness but also creates a vibrant and attractive cityscape that fosters social integration and uplifts the lives of residents.

4. Equitable Access to Education:
Leslie West is committed to ensuring that every student in Richmond has access to high-quality education, regardless of their background. She plans to address disparities by ensuring fair and equal dissemination of funds across all districts within the city. This includes the complete reconstruction of outdated schools like Stege Elementary and expanding Stege's acreage by including a recreational center with amenities like swimming pools. During this construction, Making Waves Charter School will provide transportation and educational services to affected students. Leslie also aims to create scholarship programs funded by private donations from entities like Chevron, offering immigrant children pathways to higher education. By working with federal agencies, Leslie will also establish a pilot student visa program tailored for Richmond’s immigrant youth, providing them with the opportunity to continue their education in the United States.

5. Tangible Relief Programs:
Through her NGO, Leslie West has made a significant impact by matching federal funds with local Social Services Agencies. Her groundbreaking "Frontline NGO Program" provides comprehensive care for crime victims, the homeless, and those enrolled in assistance programs like SNAP, CalWORKs, or GA. This includes crucial programs like CALVCB Assistance, Snap Assist, Emergency Shelter, and Crisis Transportation. With Leslie’s leadership, no one in Richmond will be left behind, and those in need will find the help they deserve.

6. Governmental and Private Partnerships:
Leslie West has built strong partnerships with key organizations and secured substantial funding for essential community programs. Collaborations with entities like the Alameda County Family Justice Center, DA’s Office, WEAVE, Oakland Elizabeth House, and Heritage Oaks Psychiatric Hospital demonstrate her commitment to building a supportive network for the community. She has also secured approximately $300k per year from the California Office of Emergency Services and partnerships with Federally Funded Hotel Voucher Programs for Domestic Violence Victims, along with sponsorships from renowned brands like Burlington Coat Factory. These efforts ensure that resources reach those who need them the most.

7. Promoting Unity and Statewide Initiatives:
Leslie’s vision extends beyond Richmond. She plans to leverage federal funding and private sponsorships to promote statewide initiatives like Listo California Disaster Preparedness. By bringing culturally-responsive, age-appropriate, celebrity keynote speakers to citywide events, Leslie will inspire positive change and secure additional funding for essential programs. With her leadership, Richmond will be a model of resilience and readiness for the future.

8. Metropolitan Housing Affordability

Rent Control Based on Public Salaries: Cap rents in the City of Richmond so they do not exceed 40% of the combined monthly salary of city officials, including the mayor ($3875) and city council members($1402). For apartment complexes and homes, rents should decrease by 25% per room, making housing more affordable for families and individuals. This measure would also be applicable to single-family residences. For houses that exceed more than four bedrooms the owner is allowed to charge the average for the additional room. Each room may not exceed the breakdown of the entire cost of the home which does not exceed 40% of that combined monthly income level for a public officials.Maximum housing cost will look something like this. ($1402*5+3875/6=$7655.83 *.4= $3063.00 Rent Cap $765.75 per Room)

Four bedroom: $3,063.00

Three Bedroom:$2,297.25

Two Bedroom: $1,531.50

Studio or One Bedroom: $765.75

Richmond's history is one of resilience, diversity, and strength. With Leslie West at the helm, we can build a future where everyone has access to the support, opportunities, and growth they deserve. Together, let’s embrace this vision and elect Leslie West for a stronger, united Richmond!

Sign the petition today and be part of the change!

 

ABOUT LESLIE S WEST

Hello, I'm Leslie West, and I'm thrilled to announce my candidacy for mayor in 2026! My journey is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to our community. As the granddaughter of Utah's first registered field slave to run for the Senate in 1966, I carry a legacy of breaking barriers and advocating for justice.

Born in Oakland and raised in the Greater Bay Area, I attended school in Berkeley and have lived in both Richmond and Oakland. My roots in this community run deep, and my dedication to service began early. I attended church on the Southside of Richmond, where I served as President of the Youth Department, Youth Announcing Clerk, Secretary of Sunday School, Choir Member, and Sunday School Teacher for 15 years.

At the age of 15, I faced the harsh reality of homelessness, spending 11 years sleeping from pillow to post. Despite these challenges, I worked as a technical writer, bringing $60 million in contracts to the Bay Area from 2011 to 2016. I paid for hotel rooms, sacrificing and discounting my services to build a thriving partnership between the East Bay and San Francisco. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the struggles many in our community face and strengthened my resolve to create meaningful change.

My professional journey includes serving as a junior aide to Mayor Tom Bates of Berkeley, working as a purchaser for the US Department of Labor, and contributing as a payroll assistant with the Berkeley Unified School District. Before graduating from Berkeley High School of Justice and Ecology, I completed UC Berkeley's pre-engineering program and earned membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Additionally, I hold 10 certificates from Stanford in the overview of regulatory environment.

Now, I'm ready to bring my diverse experiences and passion for community to the forefront as your mayoral candidate. My vision for Richmond is one of inclusivity, innovation, and unwavering support for all residents. Together, let's build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Stay connected and learn more about my journey by following me on social media www.instagram.com/leslieswest and visiting my LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-w-226336108 Join me, and let's unlock the full potential of Richmond!