First, yes, that’s a play on a late 60’s sitcom that I remember fondly. Just one detail of who I am.
I’ll expand my story here based on further discussions with the people of our district. For now, my life in a chronological nutshell:
- Born in 1961 and grew up in conservative household, by which I mean that both my parents were liberal democrats in Berkeley.
- Youngest of 5, with 4 older sisters, all close to this day. My father was an architect, my mother an English major.
- I showed an aptitude for mathematics at an early age, something my parents encouraged, including math classes at the fabulous Lawrence Hall of Science from around age 9.
- We did a lot of car camping growing up, including two weeks almost every year at Juniper Lake in Lassen, gorgeous. I’m really looking forward to visiting Chester and surrounding areas for the campaign.
- Admitted to UC Berkeley in 1979, then left in my second year. I like to blame (or credit) Bill Slotman, a wonderful history professor, for suggesting that I write a paper on the Free Will debate between Luther and Erasmus in the 1500s. What? But it was my choice.
- Jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, twice.
- Started a career in electronics and computer technology, back when a 10 megabyte hard disk was a big deal.
- Moved into software, where I developed my career for the next 45 years.
- Worked for Olivetti for several years, which allowed me to visit Italy several times, wonderful experience.
- Later worked with several Japanese companies, with many trips to Japan, also wonderful.
- Married and moved to Sacramento, where my son was born in 1993. Lived there about 20 years, until 2009 divorce.
- Started piano at age 40 with my son when he was 7. Fantastic experience, still loving it. I inherited the family’s 100-year-old studio high Baldwin, wonderful instrument.
- Started work in cryptography, a growth field in 2009. About 15 patents, mostly related to data protection.
- Took up skydiving more seriously, with about 150 jumps.
- Remarried in 2015 and living happily in Santa Rosa ever since, near to our 3-year-old grandson.
- Decided to run for Congress in March 2026.
- Retired on April 17, 2026, after a long and rewarding career.