Advisory Board Spotlight
Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes
Interview
What are your proudest accomplishments?
Since entering office, I have been working to ensure that western Riverside County receives its fair share of resources from Sacramento. To date, I have had 23 pieces of legislation signed into law. In addition, we were able to deliver over $1 billion in state funding towards district improvements and opportunities to the hardworking Californians that I was elected to represent.
What advice do you have for public policy students?
Get involved. Each of you has the power to rise above the noise and fulfill every one of your
dreams. Whether it is by speaking up on issues of importance, volunteering, serving on a board or commission, or running for public office, anyone has the ability to make a difference.
Post medical school, what type of specialty do you see yourself going into? What are your plans?
After medical school and completing a Family Medicine residency I will be working with the underserved in either the Inland Empire or the Central Valley. While I do want to work with patients for the entirety of my career, I want to get involved with policy creation and implementation. So much of the health of our communities is determined before someone steps into the clinic. I have always been interested in obesity and all of the diseases that can coexist with this epidemic. While education has been, and always will be important, poor health outcomes need to be addressed with policy. The built environment and food regulations will be primary areas of focus to decrease the current skyrocketing trend.
What do you think is the most pressing policy issue of the day?
As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy, there
is no higher priority for me than improving the quality of life for all Californians. Our committee
seeks to advance a prosperity agenda for every region within our state, including the people and
businesses located in often-underserved regions like the state’s inland counties. Cross-sector
partnerships can play a key role in addressing the income and opportunity disparities experienced by Inland California. Working together, I am confident that we can redefine the economic landscape of our communities.
Fun fact: According to the California State Library, I am the first California Legislator to give birth
to triplets while in office.
2019 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award Recipient
Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes was proud to accept the 2019 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Cervantes graduated from UCR with a BA in political science in 2009, before completing an executive education program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. In November 2016, Cervantes was elected to represent California’s 60th Assembly District, which includes the cities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, and Riverside, and the unincorporated communities of Coronita, El Cerrito, and Home Gardens.
As the youngest Assemblymember, and one of seven members of the California LGBT Caucus currently serving in the state legislature, Cervantes has been a trailblazer. As a legislator, she has secured millions towards veterans, small businesses, and early childhood education centers at Norco College, as well as parks and greenspace throughout the district. During her time in office, she has authored multiple pieces of legislation that have been signed into law and help protect California’s veterans, seniors, students, and families. Cervantes currently serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy.
“I am proud to say that I am a Highlander, and that I come from the Highlander family,” Cervantes said. “To be able to advocate on behalf of UCR every single week in Sacramento – it goes without saying, but this is a dream job.”