A Lifetime of Service. A Vision for Reform.
Eric has worn the badge with honor for over 30 years and has been serving his communities since childhood. Eric continued to contribute his entire adult life as a youth baseball, football, soccer, and basketball coach; and as a volunteer in many areas of community service including but not limited to providing food, clothing, coaching, and rebuilds.
However, Eric’s story is not just about his resume. It is about perspective. He has lived the realities that shape Los Angeles County today. As an Angeleno, a Marine veteran, and the son of a law enforcement officer, Eric has seen the system from every side. He has also felt the sting of being racially profiled in his own community. That lived experience drives his belief that public safety must be both fair and effective.
A Proven Leader at Every Level
Eric began his career as a police officer in Compton in the early 1990s, serving during one of the most challenging eras in the city. In addition Eric has:
Served with the Pasadena Police Department before joining the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 2000.
Held numerous titles over three decades including Unit Commander over patrol and specialized units and Chief within the Los Angeles County Probation Department.
Oversaw high-profile Internal Affairs investigations, including cases that exposed corruption and misconduct at the highest levels.
Served in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from the FBI National Academy; Pepperdine School Of Law Conflict Resolution & Mediation Course; Blue Courage Leadership: Los Angeles County University Management Development Program; and numerous other leadership and advanced training courses.
Born to Serve. Raised on Integrity.
Eric was born and raised in Los Angeles County. His father retired from law enforcement, and Eric carried forward that commitment to service when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from St. John Bosco. He and his wife Sidra, who also served as a lieutenant in the Sheriff’s Department, raised two sons and a daughter with the same values of service and community.
Eric knows that being Sheriff is not about power, it is about responsibility. It is about protecting families, respecting rights, and restoring trust in a department that has lost its way.
Why Eric is Running
Eric is not running for a title. He is running to protect the people of Los Angeles County, because they deserve better. He has seen a department that too often fails to hold itself accountable. Eric has seen misconduct allowed to grow unchecked, and how that undermines the public’s trust. He has also seen how families suffer when mental health, substance use, and homelessness are treated as crimes instead of the health crises they are.
Eric believes the people of Los Angeles County deserve a Sheriff who will confront those problems directly, with honesty and courage. He has also seen the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department misused, broken down, and depleted, for far to long nd know first hand that they deserve better.
“We can have safer streets and a more just department at the same time. You should never have to choose between compassion and accountability. We can, and must, do both.”
Eric’s has STRONG Values
Eric’s vision is guided by values he lives every day:
Service: A lifetime dedicated to protecting and supporting communities.
Trust: Is earned through transparency and treating all people in a just manner.
Respect: Respect and common courtesy are the most basic premises of life and leaders EARN respect through honesty and consistency.
Opportunity: Seeing pathways and bridges to safer communities and second chances, comes with vision and seizing opportunities when presented.
Needs: Every community needs something different from law enforcement. We also must address the urgent needs of communities dealing with mental health, addiction, and homelessness.
Growth: Growth comes with shedding the old and learning how to better serve. Growth comes with shifts and changes, which creates a modern, accountable Sheriff’s Department that reflects the best of Los Angeles County.
Eric’s story is just the beginning. Help us write the next chapter.