Hello, my name is Catalina Sanchez. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Gridley taxpayers. I was born and raised in Gridley, graduated Head Start out in “the Camp,” and attended and graduated from Gridley schools (GHS, Class of 2006). Growing up in Gridley, my dedication to the performing arts and community service was born and bred. Started choir and playing the flute in band in 5^th grade under Mr. John Haeberle, joined flag team and choregraphed routines while at Sycamore and GHS, and performed in the One Act Plays and in the Renaissance Faire dinners. As a Gridley youth, I fundraised selling “World’s Finest” candy bars to go to Woodleaf in 6^th grade and again, fundraised in 8^th grade to travel to Washington D.C. after September 11^th in 2002. I developed my public speaking skills and confidence by participating in the Rotary Club and Lion’s Club speech contests. I served others over the years by caroling for our Seniors during the holidays at the Hovlid nursing facility back in early 2000s, did yard clean ups for our elders’ homes, and washed their cars.

I attended Butte College, transferred to Chico State graduating with a B.A. in Public Administration and Political Science, and a Minor in International Relations. I earned my Master of Science in Law (M.S.L.) degree from McGeorge Law School. My first job out of Chico State was working as a legislative aide in the California State Legislature. In the aftermath of the Camp Fire, I worked in the private sector alongside State agencies to clear 10,000 properties of fire debris. I currently work as a policy consultant for Corbin and Kaiser, an all-women government affairs firm representing non-profit organizations in Sacramento. I am approaching a decade of working in public service, in some shape or form.

I have built a life towards service to community and helping those open to help. That is community and human decency. We support our victories, lend opportunities to build ourselves up, and have empathy towards those experiencing challenges. These values guide my decisions as your Councilmember. My main priority is workforce and personal development for Gridley residents to advance careers and opportunities. My American philosophies are to pursue individual economic freedom and provide small businesses opportunities for growth, while preserving local government control. Together, this will allow your City government to continue providing affordable and reliable tax-funded services and activities to ensure that every resident enjoys a safe, healthy, and quality life in the City of Gridley.

Someone told me look at what you did as a kid growing up that made you feel passion and know dedication to find that “purpose” and “why” in your life. Reflecting on my life growing up in Gridley, my commitment to the Gridley community gave me the foundation for who I am and how I am. This is one of the reasons I ran for Gridley City Council. Gridley has built me into the Latina and Woman that I am today. I will fight fiercely to preserve what Gridley has given me so that all future generations may live their American dream in GRIDLEY, CALIFORNIA: A wonderful place to grow up, challenge ourselves, and live safely while each of us works hard to accomplish our goals.