One of the major reasons why I moved to Brisbane is its bond with the environment, especially to San Bruno Mountain.  We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to take a short walk from anywhere in town and be on a trail. I’ve taken my children on the mountain ever since they were just a few months old and we still explore its canyons frequently.  Every time I’m on the mountain, I come away with a deep gratification of how blessed we are to have this gem in our own backyard.  The mountain is a source of pride and identity for Brisbane, so I strongly support the City’s policy to purchase open space in the Brisbane Acres and Mountain Watch’s efforts to protect it from invasive species.  As a Planning Commissioner, the needs of the environment have always been embedded in my decisions, whether towards enhancing the habitat along the Bay at Sierra Point or collaborating with the Open Space & Ecology Committee regarding open space in the Baylands.  Brisbane has always understood the value of nature as a necessity to an enriching life. I believe that the incorporation of nature into the very fabric of where we live is one of Brisbane’s greatest attributes: a model we must follow in all future development and one we must share with other communities in the region.