Diego Martinez

Diego Martinez was born in Uruguay. Martinez's career experience includes owning a business and working as a fugitive recovery agent and bail bond agent.[1]

Diego Martinez did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Diego Martinez did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Martinez's campaign website stated the following:

Regulations

As a business owner, Diego understands the cost of doing business in over-regulated California. With 395,608 regulatory restrictions, California is the most heavily regulated state in the nation.

With words like “must,” “may not,” “prohibited,” “required,” and “shall” California stifles small businesses ability to succeed. Business licenses, agency permits, sales tax, workers comp, insurance audits, inventory taxes and other profit killing rules & regulations all line up to pilfer the till and cut into a company’s profit.

At one time California was business friendly, attracting business to relocate and expand. Entrepreneurs flocked to the Golden State to start up their new companies but unfortunately now, that time is over. Today we see an exodus of Californians and businesses that can’t leave fast enough. California is now the worst business friendly State in the Country.

Diego knows we need to get businesses back. Unlike earlier times, California will have to compete with States like Texas, Georgia, Arizona and other Red States. It won’t be easy or happen overnight, but it can be done if we cut taxes, providing incentives and repeal unnecessary regulations.

Additionally, to accommodate these new jobs, we need to reevaluate our education system. We need to acknowledge that not all kids should go to college. Some kids would do better going to trade and tech schools that can get them ready for the next generation of good paying blue collar jobs.

2nd Amendment

The Second Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights that was added to the Constitution on December 15, 1791. It reads: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

Unfortunately, California has and continues to infringe on these rights. As the next Governor, Diego will end the gun roster restrictions, repeal the current ammo laws and bans on magazines.

His administration will work to achieve open or conceal carry statewide. Diego’s first step will be to repeal the background check on ammo and will eliminate the non-California gun list, allowing all guns to be sold in California again. Finally, Diego will support the overturning of the Assault weapons ban.

Because Diego works side by side with law enforcement, he appreciates the freedoms and rights that are granted to use by the Constitution. However, he is increasingly concerned that, little by little, these rights are being eroded. Diego will protect our rights to bear arms as well as the all of the others enumerated in the Bill of Rights.

Diego believes in a 10-day waiting period, background checks and that owning a gun comes with a personal responsibility to know how to us it safely. Diego supports that first time gun owner should be required to attend a gun safety class before they are handed their gun. They should be required to be certified every 4 years.

Public Safety

Californians deserve to be safe from harm and feel secure in their communities, however, under Gavin Newsom California cities have seen an increase in burglaries, car thefts, and violent crimes all while violent felons are released early and allowed to roam our streets without respect for the rights of their victims.

As an officer of the court, Diego understands the consequences of allowing criminals to take over the streets. He will make sure that law breakers are prosecuted. He will require bail when appropriate. He will eliminate sanctuary cities and he will not defund the police.

He will support the hard working law enforcement professionals who keep us safe. He will also expect public safety officers to meet the highest standards as they fulfill their oath to protect the public. And he will work to ensure violent criminals are held accountable for their actions.

Immigration

Diego supports legal immigration but knows we need to reform and update our immigration laws. For far too long we have let this problem get out of hand, allowing politicians to use it every election to bludgeon their opponents, for their position on immigration. It’s time that we have a rational conversation in this Country and put all point of view on the table.

To start with, Diego’s solution is simple, yet one every Californian can get behind and support.

Finish the wall and add additional Hi-Tech innovations that would assist the Border Patrol with the drug and child trafficking at the Border.

Stop Illegal immigration

Stop providing incentives to undocumented immigrants i.e. free medical, housing, and benefits

Deport all illegal criminals

Deport all illegal immigrants that have broken the law while they have been in this Country.

Eliminate sanctuary cities

Give all undocumented individuals 6 months to report their status, there address, and employer or be subject to immediate deportation on being discovered.

In exchange for losing free benefits eligible illegal immigrants would be given a 4-year work permit so that they can legally work, pay taxes and provide for themselves and their families without receiving assistance. They would be required to work under a certified payroll system to avoided unreported income and tax avoidance.

After 4 years with a clean record, an undocumented individual would be eligible to receive a green card and after 10 years with a clean record and English proficiency be able to petition for citizenship.

These policy changes would allow us to close the boarder, deal with those already here, provide training, eliminate enticements, safe tax money, provide an accurate record of how many undocumented individuals are here and provide a final resolution for undocumented individuals.

Water Conservation

CALIFORNIA

A Vast Desert With a Gigantic Thirst

No other resource is more important to California than water. It continues to shape the State’s development and is crucial to urban centers, farming, industry, recreation and life itself.

Right after WWII, during the early 1950s, Developers built homes as fast as they could without any consideration to the long-term impact on the State’s water supply.

For the next 75 years communities with their schools, parks and industry popped up around the State all with an essential need for water. Unfortunately, this unchecked development has led in part to the thirst California has today.

At the same time the State became the main supplier of produce for the Country. California grows a third of the country’s vegetables and two thirds of the country’s fruits and nuts. It leads all other states in farm income with 77,500 farms and ranches. It also is second in production of livestock behind Texas, and its dairy industry is California’s leading commodity in cash receipts. In total, 43 million acres of the state’s 100 million acres are devoted to agriculture which uses 80% of the State’s water needs.

But today the water use is just a fraction of what it used to be and what’s needed. Farmers are having to do more with less. Both farmers and the state continue to loss revenue because the needed water is being diverted to the ocean rather than going to the farmers. Some communities are even having to truck water in so their residence can live.

We need to sign the “Water Rights Bill” and take away the funding from the train to nowhere. Use that money to fund a water infrastructure program to repair existing dams and to build more reservoirs.

Anyone who works on California water issues knows these things.

They know that “business as usual” cannot continue.

Notwithstanding, the wasted water that is being diverted to the ocean the current water use pattern is unsustainable, and there is a large and growing gap between the water desired and the water made available by nature. Diego knows that changes need to be made to address California future water usage and to save our farms and our way of life.

Improving Agricultural Water-Use Efficiency (drip systems where possible)

Improving Urban Water-Use Efficiency 1.(Repair leaks on public systems and private systems and replace as needed) 2. (Fine those who water when it is raining & Impose Fines)

Greater Water Reuse- Gray Water, reclaimed for irrigation

Expanding Storm-water Capture and Use

Work with the private sector to build more desalination plants and sell excess water to neighboring states

Water Reuse Potential in California

There is tremendous opportunity to expand water reuse in California. In most urban areas, water is used once, treated, and disposed of as waste. Reuse provides a reliable, local water supply that reduces vulnerability to droughts and other water-supply constraints. It can also provide economic and environmental benefits by reducing energy use, diversions from rivers and streams, and pollution from wastewater discharges.

Stormwater Capture Potential in Urban and Suburban California

Communities throughout California are facing serious and growing threats to their ability to provide a safe, reliable supply of water. Drought, coupled with over-allocation of existing water sources is affecting cities, farms, businesses, industries, and the environment all across the state. Capturing and using or storing stormwater runoff can help communities increase water supply reliability—so they have the water when it is needed.

Much of California current water problems in 2021 are man-made

Unfortunately, the States need for water doesn’t come without great controversy. For over 150 years, Californians have argued, litigated, yelled, and otherwise fought over water. Water managers, politicians, special interest and other stakeholders have different priorities making a likeminded policy next to impossible to be implemented.

After 2011, California underwent a severe seven-year drought. The drought ended in 2019 as major rains filled the California reservoir system to capacity. According to state water experts, the reservoirs held enough water to easily endure at least a five-year drought. Yet two years later, the administration of Governor Newsom is declaring a new drought and threatening emergency measures. What his Administration is not saying is that the State Water Board and State water authorities have been deliberately letting water flow into the Pacific Ocean to save two endangered fish species that are all but extinct and a tiny minnow-size fish that has all but disappeared.

In June 2019 Shasta Dam, holding the state’s largest reservoir as a keystone of the huge Central Valley Project, was full to 98% of capacity. Just two years later in May 2021 Shasta Lake reservoir held a mere 42% of capacity, almost 60% down. Similarly, in June 2019 Oroville Dam reservoir, the second largest, held water at 98% of capacity and by May 2021 was down to just 37%. Other smaller reservoirs saw similar drops. Where has all the water gone?

During just 14 days in May 2019, according to Kristi Diener, a California water expert and farmer, “90% of (Bay Area) Delta inflow went to sea. It’s equal to a year’s supply of water for 1 million people.” Diener has been warning repeatedly in recent years that water is unnecessarily being let out to sea as the state faces a normal dry year. She asks, “Should we be having water shortages in the start of our second dry year? No. Our reservoirs were designed to provide a steady five-year supply for all users, and were filled to the top in June 2019.”

Diego says that this insane policy needs to stop.

Homeless

Under Gavin Newsom, homelessness has soared every year. Every time we drive across town or walk through our communities, it’s hard not to see the suffering caused by substance abuse and mental health. The homeless could be a brother, sister, son or daughter. They could even be one of your parents. Whoever they are, they are still part of our humanity and we will need to eventually help them help themselves. We must recognize this reality, sign SB640 and open up the Mental Health facilities if we are going to able to deal with homeless.

California currently spends 4 billion dollars per year on the homeless problem; that is just over $26,000 per homeless person per year yet the problem continues to grow. In fact, that is above the average house hold income in California for a family of four. $104,000 tax free dollars should be enough for 4 homeless people to get off the streets if they wanted to. The problem is, many of them don’t want to.

Diego believes that we need to consider the homeless as a state problem rather than a regional or individual County or City problem. All cities and Counties need to form a single JPA that develops a unified plan that address all stakeholders’ interests. It needs to be flexible, managed by the State with the assistance of other agency representatives and be implemented by means of a unified authoriy. The other problem is the lack of low-income available housing. Construction fees and licenses can often cost more than land itself. Most communities use a complicated review process that can be expensive, time-consuming, and give NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) activists power to block new housing or drag the approval process out for years. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has become weaponized, allowing unions, environmental activists, NIMBYs, and even individual citizens to challenge virtually any new construction in the state.

If you’re lucky to get permits, the next hurdle is the cost of building. Like schools or any other building project run by the public sector, they cost too much. As of Jan. 2021, current construction cost for a small homeless housing unit is running as much as a 2-bedroom condo, almost $500,000.

There is no doubt that affordable housing needs to be part of the equation but until the cost gets realistic, other options need to be considered. There are many buildings owned by various government entities. These properties could be repurposed and remodeled to house the homeless. Co-located within the buildings could be drug and alcohol rehab-centers, health care, onsite counseling, and occupational training.

Additionally, every existing drug and needle dispensary throughout the state will be shut down. We can’t enable the homeless any longer. They will have a choice, shut down or convert to a health care or mental health facility for the homeless.

One idea that could gain favor is to have the private sector take over the management of the facilities. Faith based groups, habitat for Humanity, and other private building groups could build, remodel and repurpose buildings to provide shelter. To keep cost down, Modular construction and standard specification could be used and projects would not be subject to Prevailing wages. Able bodied homeless could be trained, and provide sweat equity to offset tax payer’s contribution.

The State and Feds could guarantee the construction loans. Private fund controls could review payment requests to ensure that the work is done before a voucher is sent out and third-party deputy inspectors would inspect for building code compliance. No Government agency would need to participate except to take ownership after the final completion and acceptance of the project.

Education

When California schools rank 48 out of 50 in education, the only thing one can say is that the State’s education system is an utter disaster. On second thought, maybe I’m being too hard though. Just think, we could have been ranked 50 out of 50. In either case I’m sure our great educators are proud that they have taught our kids so many worthless ideas rather than READING, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC.

It is time that we confront this tragedy head on. Anything less would be contributing to our kids demise due to their shoddy education, a burden that will affect them the rest of their lives. The average income for a person without a high school degree is ½ of what a person with an AA degree is. That works out to $26,000 compared to $52,000 a year. In other words, it’s the difference between poverty or the middle class. It’s the difference between continuing down the road of despair or a chance for a young family to break the chains of poverty and illiteracy. For future generations it’s the chance for more opportunity to succeed.

Our kids deserve better than to be used as political or ideological ponds by activist Marxist teacher and administrators. They deserve better than to be used as hostages by teacher unions who use their power to bully, intimidate and threaten elected officials to achieve their unscrupulous demands at the expense of our children’s welfare.

When I’m Governor I will stop this Capitulation toward the teacher unions. They will no longer have unfettered power to affect the quality of this State’s Educational System. They can be part of the solution or they can remain as part of the problem. I hope they chose to be part of fixing our schools. Either way, I will support the parents of California with any help in pushing for School choice even if that means a voter’s initiative. Our California families deserve nothing less.

Additionally, Schools K-12 will no longer be able to indoctrinate our children with Anti American, Marxist, LGBTQ + propaganda. They will no longer be able to teach CRT or any other subject designed to pit one race against another. I will assure that anti American, Marxist, Socialist or any other divisive or poisonous topics will no longer be acceptable topics in our Schools K-12. Furthermore, I will assure that students stay in school. They will not be allowed to participate in protests, marches or other causes during school hours.

If the State Legislators do not codify these policies into law, then I will, thru executive action, execute my right as Governor to deal with the serious existential threat that our broken education system poses to the well-being of our children of California and sign any and all laws necessary to protect their Constitutional rights.[2]

—Diego Martinez's campaign website (2022)[3]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

When I was 14 years old, the family moved to the small agricultural town of Sonora in Tuolumne County. There, I began to work as a busboy, a line cook and eventually at age 16, became the head cook of another nearby restaurant.

For the next 3 years, I would move from restaurant cooking to working in a lumber yard where he learned to operate heavy equipment. While working during the day, I continued my high school education at night and graduated from continuation high school in 1994. On weekend nights, I would work at a Spanish radio station in Merced and, eventually, started his first business, a small DJ company. The family didn’t have much, but at least I was able to help keep a roof over their head and food on the table.

Always trying to improve my lot in life, I changed careers in 2001 and started working in the automotive industry, where I was promoted to General Manager of a dealership. My success as a GM and the skills I learned prepared me to walk into other failing agencies during the 2007-2008 economic recession and turn those agencies around. Not only did I succeed with turning these agencies around, 2008 also memorialized the most important milestone in my life. With unwavering determination, hard work and clear focus I became a US Citizen.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Public Safety -- Criminal will remain in jail; no early releases; no defunding the police; hiring more police, sheriff, and border patrol agentsI will spend public money on water infrastructure, repairing and building reservoirs, aquifer storage, desalination, sewage-gray water, rain harvesting and underground storage instead of putting Californians and farmers onto water rationing.I will invest in widening and extending California’s roads and freeways instead of wasting money on high-speed rail. I will concentrate on roads used by truckers to move products interstate and intrastate so that trucking costs stay low and trucks and autos aren’t competing for the same space. In some cases, it’s as simple as adding one additional lane and teaching the driving public that the fast lane is for passing not sitting in it going 55 when the speed limit is 65 or 70. I will allocate money for an electric charging system grid thought California’s most traveled arteries to handle long range travel throughout the State for the growing EV industry.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Californians deserve to be safe from harm and feel secure in their communities, however, under Gavin Newsom California cities have seen an increase in burglaries, car thefts, and violent crimes all while violent felons are released early and allowed to roam our streets without respect for the rights of their victims.

As a Fugitive Recovery Agent, I understands the consequences of allowing criminals to take over the streets. I will make sure that law breakers are prosecuted. I will require bail when appropriate. I will eliminate sanctuary cities and will not defund the police.

I will support the hard working law enforcement professionals who keep us safe. I will also expect public safety officers to meet the highest standards as they fulfill their oath to protect the public. And, I will work to ensure violent criminals are held accountable for their actions.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to President Ronald Reagan. Reagan gave immigrant families like mine to become US citizens. I support legal immigration but knows we need to reform and update our immigration laws. For far too long, we have let this problem get out of hand, allowing politicians to use it every election to bludgeon their opponents, for their position on immigration. It’s time that we have a rational conversation in this Country and put all point of view on the table.

To start with, mu solution is simple, yet one every Californian can get behind and support.

Finish the wall and add additional Hi-Tech innovations that would assist the Border Patrol with the drug and child trafficking at the Border.

Stop Illegal immigration

Stop providing incentives to undocumented immigrants i.e. free medical, housing, and benefits

Deport all illegal criminals

Deport all illegal immigrants that have broken the law while they have been in this Country.

Eliminate sanctuary cities

Give all undocumented individuals 6 months to report their status, there address, and employer or be subject to immediate deportation on being discovered.

In exchange for losing free benefits eligible illegal immigrants would be given a 4-year work permit so that they can legally work, pay taxes and provide for themselves and their families without receiving assistance. They would be required to work under a certified payroll system to avoided unreported income and tax avoidance.

After 4 years with a clean record, an undocumented individual would be eligible to receive a green card and after 10 years with a clean record and English proficiency be able to petition for citizenship.

These policy changes would allow us to close the boarder, deal with those already here, provide training, eliminate enticements, safe tax money, provide an accurate record of how many undocumented individuals are here and provide a final resolution for undocumented individuals.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Fore more information, please go to my website: www.DiegoMartinezforGovernor.com

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that any elected official should be an "open" book. Under a Martinez administration, I plan to be on social media "LIVE" and let the California people know what laws are coming to my desk. There will be no "after" hours of signing of bills.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have worked for multi-million-dollar businesses that were on the edge of closing their doors. I turned their business around and make them profitable. I say the State of California should be ran like a business. Every department should be audited and see where exactly our money is going. Eliminate the taxes that don't make sense like the gas tax and the extra taxes on our DMV fees since that money isn't going to fix the roads.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Yes, I believe anyone who is elected into political office should be available to the people they answer to and let them know what they will be voting on. Furthermore, each person should be available to talk to "every" person who has a question.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I believe that I can lay a foundation to make California's economy working again. I truly believe that the next people to follow me in office will only need to continue in my footsteps and go to the next level of making California profitable again.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Ronald Reagan -- giving immigrants the opportunity to become US Citizens

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

When I was 14 years old, the family moved to the small agricultural town of Sonora in Tuolumne County. There, I began to work as a busboy, a line cook and eventually, at age 16, I became the head cook of another nearby restaurant.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I enjoy so many authors. It is hard to pick only one book.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I would be Clark Kent, who is Superman. I do my best to be available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If anyone needs my help, I do my best to be available. I will ALWAYS due my best to help someone in need.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

I enjoy music in English and Spanish from Banda music to everything in between.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I am a hard working man, who works long hours to provide for my family and children. Unfortunately, it cost me my marriage. Trying to find that happy medium where you work long hours to make a better future for my children. Yet, having the time to be at family events and birthdays.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I have worked in muli-million dollar businesses. My door is ALWAYS open. I believe in communication. If anyone has an issue, we will sit down and discuss it. What is your point of view? This is my point of view. We will continue the conversation until we can meet in the middle.

A lot of times, there is simple mis-understanding. Or, we can come to an understanding. I know our goal will ALWAYS be a better future for ALL Californians!!!

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

There are some many issues in our State at the moment. Each issue needs to be addressed immediately!

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

It is huge drawback. I believe both parties have failed us. We need to stop looking at party lines. We need to work "TOGETHER" and create a better future for our children and grandchildren!

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No! We currently have politicians who have been in office for over 30 to 40 years. I believe they have lost contact with the average American. They only answer to the special interest groups. We need new ideas, new people, and have limit terms.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

YES, together we achieve more. WE are ONE team working for the California people. We need to work with each other and STOP looking at party lines. We are Californians and want a better future for our children and grandchildren!

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I know there are groups who want to create a Northern California and a Southern California. I think something this important should be on the ballot and let the Californians decide.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

As Governor, I want to have the "hands on" approach and be involved in some way in every committee. If I can't personally be involved, I will assign someone on my staff to be apart of that committee.

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

I am NOT a current Legislator.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I have always looked up to President Ronald Reagan.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No, I am running for California Governor. I have never wanted to be in politics, but I don't agree with the direct we are going. I entered the race to be a "voice" to the average