Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Roberto David LaCarra
Current job title: Community College Professor
Political party affiliation: Democratic
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: North Hollywood
Campaign website or social media: lacarraforsenate.com
Do you believe balancing the state budget should rely more on spending cuts, new revenue streams or a combination? Tell us how you would propose tackling California’s projected budget deficit. (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
A combination. I oppose budget proposals that cut social safety nets like Medicaid or Medicare to fund tax cuts, which are “disastrous” for the state debt. I strongly oppose any bill that increases the deficit while harming vulnerable Californians.
For you, what’s a non-starter when talking about budget cuts? Why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
It is a “non-starter” to cut core social safety net programs specifically to fund tax cuts for billionaires.
What are the top three most pressing issues facing the state, and what would you propose, as a state legislator, to address them? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
1. Public Safety
2. Public Schools and Colleges
3. Affordability
What specific policy would you champion in the statehouse to improve the cost of living for residents? Would you see this having an immediate impact on Californians or would it take some time? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Housing and cost-of-living relief aimed at supporting low-income families and protecting long-term residents from displacement.
There have been numerous efforts made in the state legislature to curtail federal immigration enforcement in California, from prohibitions on agents wearing masks to banning federal officers from future employment in a public agency. Do you see any area where the state could better protect its residents from the federal government’s widespread immigration crackdown? Would you prefer the state work more hand-in-hand with the federal government on immigration? Where does the role as a state legislator fall into your beliefs here? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Reform U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and tone down aggressive tactics to enforce laws.
Health care costs — like in many other areas — are continuing to rise. What policies, specifically, would you support or like to champion that could lower premiums or out-of-pocket expenses? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Expand affordable health care and treat health care as a human right.
Would you support expanding state health care programs to ensure more residents — including those who are not citizens — are covered? How would you propose the state fund such an expansion? Or, how would you propose the people who cannot afford health care still get the necessary care they need without expanding state programs? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Reduce costs, expand mental health services and protect California Medicare for citizens and non-citizens.
As part of combating homelessness, elected officials often talk about the need to prevent people from losing their homes in the first place. What policies or programs should the state adopt to make housing more affordable for renters and homeowners? What do you propose the state do to incentivize housing development and expedite such projects? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
Increase affordability through tenant protections and expand the housing supply.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in 2023 authorizing state energy regulators to penalize oil companies making excessive profits. But the California Energy Commission put off imposing the penalties last year after two oil refineries, which represent nearly a fifth of California’s refining capacity, said they would shut down operations. Those announcements prompted many to be concerned about soaring gas prices. What do you think of the commission’s decision? And how would you, as a state legislator, propose balancing California’s climate goals with protecting consumers from high gas prices at the pump? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I support a middle-ground energy policy that aims to balance aggressive climate goals with protecting consumers from high gas prices by supporting a “responsible” transition to clean energy, rather than an immediate abandonment of fossil fuels.
In 2024, voters approved Proposition 36 to increase penalties for certain drug and retail theft crimes and make available a drug treatment option for some who plead guilty to felony drug possession. Would you, as a legislator, demand that more funding for behavioral health treatments be included in the budget? How would you ensure that money is used properly? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I support a balanced approach that pairs stricter enforcement against drug trafficking, specifically targeting fentanyl and synthetic drugs, with increased investment in treatment and recovery services.
What role should the state play in ensuring hospitals and doctors are providing gender-affirming care to LGBTQ+ residents? Similarly, what role do you believe the state could play should other states adopt policies that restrict that care? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I support LGBTQ+ rights and the transgender community and will advocate for access to gender-affirming care and oppose any state-level restrictions.
Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Do you believe it’s the state’s responsibility to regulate social media use? Why or why not? And what specific restrictions or safeguards would you propose as a state lawmaker? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I support bipartisan regulation of social media, focusing on mental health protection, limiting algorithmic targeting of minors and increasing transparency.
Artificial intelligence has become a ubiquitous part of our lives. Yet public concerns remain that there aren’t enough regulations governing when or how AI should be used, and that the technology would replace jobs and leave too many Californians unemployed. How specifically would you balance such concerns with the desire to foster innovation and have California remain a leader in this space? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I take a pro-development stance on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for California to lead in technology while opposing restrictive regulations. I advocate for “appropriate guardrails” rather than pauses or moratoriums on AI development.
Statistically, violent crime rates in California is on the decline, but still, residents are not feeling safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in the state legislature in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I emphasize a balanced approach by a combination of targeted law enforcement, community-based violence prevention, and “common sense” gun safety regulations, while rejecting calls to “defund the police.”
What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)
I am willing to voice common-sense perspectives, regardless of whether they align with my own party. I want to be authentic, supportive, and a great listener to my constituents.
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