In the solidly blue 67th Assembly district, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva is seeking reelection to the California Legislature — and she faces retired entrepreneur Beth Culver.
Culver, a Republican from Cypress, has served as president of the Valley Christian Business Association and served on a prison ministries board with the California Institute for Women, according to her candidate statement. She was a business entrepreneur for 50 years.
Quirk-Silva, a Fullerton Democrat, has represented Orange County in the state Assembly since 2012. Prior to her time in the legislature, Quirk-Silva served as the mayor of Fullerton.
As someone whose family has been directly affected by homelessness, Quirk-Silva said this is a top priority for her. In 2018, Quirk-Silva’s younger brother, Raymond William “Billy” Jaso, who lived on the streets, died after being struck by a car.
“We need comprehensive solutions, including expanding mental health services to those currently experiencing homelessness, ensuring all communities contribute to providing transitionary housing and lowering housing costs for all,” said Quirk-Silva, who chairs the Select Committee on Orange County Homelessness and Mental Health Services.
Homelessness and mental health are “inextricably linked,” said Quirk-Silva.
“It is why I have carried legislation to speed early intervention and mandate better care for the most severely mentally ill people, getting them the help will benefit both those in need but also our larger community by reducing those sleeping on the streets,” she said.
Culver, in a questionnaire posed by the Register, offered a very different solution when asked how the state could eradicate homelessness.
“Homeless encampments will return as soon as the elections are over,” she said, tying homelessness and immigration together. “Easy solution: Defend and close the border.”
Culver said homeless people are “squatters” supported by “money stolen” from taxpayers.
“They’ve illegally broken into our country and rewarded with freebies, housing, unearned money for housing our citizens can get,” she said.
The candidates also differ when it comes to how to bolster future budget deficits for the state.
Culver said closing the border and ending social services for undocumented immigrants would help the state save significant money.
Quirk-Silva, meanwhile, said the state needs to continue to build on efforts to expand its rainy day fund.
AD-67 includes Los Angeles and Orange counties, including Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton and La Palma.
According to the latest state data, Democrats account for 45.7% of all the registered voters in the district, while 27.4% are Republicans and 24.3% are no party preference voters.
Find out more about Culver and Quirk-Silva — and other candidates on your ballot — with the Register’s Voter Guide. Both candidates were sent questionnaires and in their own words, detailed their plans on various issues, from artificial intelligence to the state’s minimum wage and from the state budget to bond measures. You can also find what’s on their playlists as they’re on the campaign trail.
