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Puraci recognized by Senator Mike Morrell for her career in education
(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— INLAND EMPIRE—- Cristina Puraci, President of the Redlands Unified School District Board of Trustees, released the following statement announcing her candidacy to succeed State Senator Mike Morrell (R-Rancho Cucamonga) in California’s 23rd District:
“The Inland Empire was once an affordable place to live and raise a family. However, the out of control, rising cost of living in our region has diminished our quality of life,” said Puraci. “How much longer must we listen to Sacramento politicians push the same failed policies while our children, friends, and neighbors leave California for a better life? As your next State Senator, I will advocate for common sense solutions that will lower our cost of living, strengthen public safety and reduce homelessness, attract high-wage jobs, improve education for our youth, and protect our environment while preserving our Constitutional liberties.”
Cristina has dedicated over 15 years to the education field as a teacher and community activist. She was elected to the Redlands Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2016 and currently serves as the President. Cristina is also a member of several boards and committees including the San Bernardino County Drug and Gang Task Force and the Redlands Cultural Arts Council. An active community leader, Cristina is involved in several local organizations, like Refresh & Renew and Hands of Mercy, which provide food, clothing, and shelter to veterans and the homeless.
Honored for her professional and civic leadership, Cristina has earned numerous awards including the WHO award (We Honor Ours) from the California Teachers Association. In 2017, Cristina was recognized by Senator Mike Morrell and Senate colleagues at the state capitol. “From humble beginnings, Cristina came here with admiration and respect for our Constitution, wanting to embrace the freedoms and opportunities that can only be found here in America,” remarked Morrell. “It was an honor to acknowledge her and the contributions she and her family have made to our community.”
Cristina has been a resident of the Inland Empire since immigrating to the United States in 1992. After attending San Bernardino Valley College, Cristina transferred to California State University, San Bernardino where she earned her bachelor’s degree before earning her master’s degree in Education from National University. Cristina lives in Highland with her husband of 27 years, Adrian, who is also a teacher. Together they have one son, Sebastian, who teaches biology, a daughter-in-law, Simina, and one grandson, Kevin.
State Senator Mike Morrell currently represents the 23rd District but reaches term limits in 2020, making this an open seat. The 23rd Senate District includes all or parts of Banning, Beaumont, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Cedar Glen, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Crestline, Homeland, Hemet, Highland, Lake Arrowhead, Loma Linda, Menifee, Mentone, Nuevo, Phelan, Pinion Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, Wrightwood and Yucaipa.
