Eric Lucan
DemocraticQ1 California is rich in natural resources (i.e. oil, with California being the 7th largest oil producing state in the nation) and, as of June 2025, conserves 26.1% of its lands and 21.9% of its coastal waters. Given California’s resources, what policies would you pursue or continue, if any, in regard to land management and use?
“Both Marin and Sonoma are leaders and examples in the protection of public lands and natural resources, with many strategies that can be scaled throughout the state.
Simply acquiring open space or expanding conservation easements is important, but lands need to be properly managed and maintained as risks of wildfires continue to increase. Reaching our 30x30 goal is more than just a stat, it is a longterm commitment to sustainable management. Below are some policies to pursue and continue:
- Sustainable practices for working lands (farming, forestry, ranching)
- Co-management agreements with tribal nations
- Coastal protection - expanded Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with a focus on kelp forests”
KEYWORDS: 30x30, co-management, kelp forests, marin protected areas
Q2 California is one of the leading states with the most data centers which are important facilities for processing and storing data. However they also have several environmental and health impacts, such as significant water usage and noise pollution, which can lead to decrease in net economic gains. What policies, if any, do you support in managing existing data centers or establishing additional data centers?
“California has a critical role to play for both existing and new data centers. I support the package of bills that were recently signed into law by the Governor to ensure transparency and reporting for data centers, especially with regard to water and energy use and the greater impact for the general public. While land use decisions often reside at the local level, reporting and transparency standards are best implemented at a state level rather than project by project.”
KEYWORDS: data centers, transparency, water usage, energy usage
Q3 In 2025, approximately 33% of students in K-12 schools across California met or exceeded science standards, and teacher shortages have resulted in districts hiring teachers with substandard credentials in math and science. What evidence-based policies, if any, would you follow to increase science proficiency and access to quality education across the state and why?
“One way to address this is through the establishment of more 4 year STEM programs at our High Schools. The STEM program at San Marin High School in Novato is a model that can be replicated. It is also critical that these programs be implemented equitably and not just at high resources school districts and campuses. At revenue limit districts, programs like these can be a draw for high schools to boost enrollment which then supports the program. Also, 4 year STEM programs will also help attract and retain science and math teachers.”
KEYWORDS: STEM, San Marin High School, retention, recruitment
Q4 Healthcare is an important resource to Californians, with publicly supported programs such as Medi-Cal providing coverage covering roughly half of all Californians including 14.5 million low-income residents. According to the Center on Healthcare from West Health-Gallup, California has an overall healthcare grade of “C” over the categories of cost, quality, and access, with gaps in rural health coverage, environmental health threats, workforce shortages, and affordability challenges. What policies, if any, do you support to address the healthcare of Californians and why?
“This is becoming even more challenging with some of the state changes for Medi-Cal eligibility and of course the massive cuts under HR1. Our community clinics / Federal Qualified Health Centers serve roughly 20-25% of California residents, many of whom are enrolled in Medi-Cal. Making it easier for these clinics to assist counties with the enrollment process and also allowing for same day billing (such as primary care and behavioral care) will lead to better outcomes for the most vulnerable residents.
I have also joined with CPCA and our Community Health Centers in opposing Prop 44.”
KEYWORDS: FQHC, community health centers, No on 44
Q5 Infectious disease outbreaks in California, like measles and foodborne illnesses, are on the rise and have had significant impacts on the state’s health, agriculture, and produce economy. In some counties in California, vaccination rates are low, making communities potentially vulnerable to measles outbreaks. Furthermore, California is responsible for over a third of the US’s fresh produce, which is a common source of foodborne illness. What policies, if any, do you support for implementing preventative measures and mitigating strategies against outbreaks?
“It is critical that California continues to push back on changes by the federal administration to change vaccination guidance that is not based on science. Combined with loss of funding, it will continue to be a challenge to do the outreach and education needed, but when local communities and county health departments have the right resources, it can be done. Over the years, Marin County has had some of the lowest vaccination rates, but now boasts one of the highest. This has happened at the local level through outreach and advocacy over many years.
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/video/investigations/marin-county-vaccination-rates/3946390/
The budget will continue to be tight, but I would support additional resources to support local jurisdictions to increase vaccination rates and reach herd immunity. It can be done, but needs to be supported locally and resources should be linked to outcomes.”
KEYWORDS: vaccination, Marin County
Q6 Distrust in science has been on the rise among the general public and policymakers, which has been associated with changes in federal funding for scientific research. In order to bridge this gap, how do you think scientists and policymakers can work together to strengthen their communication?
“While there may be some growing distrust in science in some pockets, here in California and especially in our local communities, I continue to see an even stronger passion and commitment by many to stand up, fight back, and advocate. Rather than give up and give way to some of the national rhetoric, I see an opportunity to continue to mobilize and double down on our values. As a policymaker, I will continue to engage with our scientists and give them a platform and a voice.”
KEYWORDS: trust the science, follow the science
Q7 Access to public transportation is associated with less air and noise pollution, fewer harmful chemicals, and overall healthier communities. However, many transit agencies, such as BART in the Bay Area, are facing financial deficits due to a decline in ridership. What policies, if any, do you support that would address California’s public transit infrastructure?
“It all comes down to ridership and transit agencies must be laser focused on the rider. There are 27 transit agencies in the Bay Area and for the past 10+ years, I have served and previously chaired two of them: Marin Transit and SMART. Coming out of the pandemic, both SMART and Marin Transit were #1 and #2 in the entire Bay Area for ridership return. How did we do it? The SMART train was still relatively new to passenger service and even with a tight budget and declining fare revenues during the pandemic, I led an effort to introduce free fares for youth and seniors. It was just too difficult and cumbersome to obtain a discounted clipper card and many simply chose not to ride because of the barriers. The free fare program was expected to result in even more lost fare revenue, but we actually saw fare revenues increase and ridership skyrocketed.”
KEYWORDS: seamless transit, free fares, SMART Train
Q8 Funding for research in California has dropped by millions in the past year with an ongoing possibility for more reductions. Yet, University research is a major economic driver. For example, according to the University of California, they generate about $14 of economic value for every dollar invested. What policies, if any, do you support to invest in research? What role do you envision science research playing in the state economy?
“I fully support Senate Bill 895, a $7.5 billion bond measure to fund science and health research at our universities and institutions and I am committed to advocating for the passage of the bond in 2028. This should be our collective top priority to support investments in research.”
KEYWORDS: SB 895, research bond