ABOUT NICOLE

Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford) has emerged as one of the Central Valley’s most prominent political leaders.

Representing the 30th Assembly District, Assemblywoman Parra serves California’s southern Central Valley. The 30th Assembly District is made up of portions of Fresno County, Tulare County, Kern County and all of Kings County.

Assemblywoman Parra serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee, and serves on the following committees: Banking and Finance Committee; Water, Parks & Wildlife; and Insurance.

Representing a region where agriculture reigns as the number one industry, Assemblywoman Parra has authored several key bills that would aid farmers and workers. She has also created an Agriculture Advisory Group, which gives farmers throughout the district a forum to discuss issues relating to the industry.

Vowing to make public safety one of her main priorities, Assemblywoman Parra chaired the Select Committee on Megan's Law and Sex Offender Registration. She has also authored several key bills aimed at strengthening and expanding Megan’s Law in California, and recently passed legislation that makes it easier for prosecutors to prove implied malice, a necessary element of second degree murder, when a driving under the influence (DUI) offense results in a fatality.

Her efforts to improve public safety have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored by several organizations including Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD); the Sexual Assault Investigators Association; Crime Victims United; and the California State Sheriff’s Association. As a further indication of the leading role Assemblywoman Parra has taken on public safety and crime victims’ issues, she was recently named Legislator of the Year (2006) by Crime Victims United for the second consecutive year.

Assemblywoman Parra has also been recognized by numerous organizations for successfully taking on other critical issues. She was named Legislator of the Year by the California Main Street Alliance and the California Downtown Association based on her efforts to accelerate economic development and secure more jobs for struggling communities around the state. The California Community Action Partnership honored her efforts to eliminate poverty in the Central Valley and for arranging a safe drinking-water supply for the small town of Alpaugh.  And she has received legislative awards from the California Building Industry Association, the American Electronics Association, and the National Latina Business Women Association for her efforts to stimulate economic growth and opportunity.

Her successful effort in authoring and co-authoring several bills and numerous house resolutions relating to military personnel, veterans and their families has been recognized by several organizations. Assemblywoman Parra was the recipient of the California National Guard’s highest honor for a civilian, the Order of California Public Service Award. The California Association of County Veteran Service Officers named Assemblywoman Parra Legislator of the Year, and the California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Alliance presented her with their Freedom Fighter Award for her support of disabled veterans. The Assemblywoman was also honored as Legislator of the Year by the American Legion.

A resident of Hanford, Assemblywoman Parra was born in Bakersfield and attended Highland High School where her brother, Peter, now teaches. She studied Economics at the University of California at Berkeley and received her law degree from Catholic University in Washington D.C. After completing her education, she returned to the Valley to work as District Director for Congressman Cal Dooley, a position she held until her 2002 election to the Assembly. Assemblywoman Parra follows her family's long tradition of public service. Her father, Pete Parra, was a Kern County Supervisor and former school board member; her mother, Yolanda, works for the Bakersfield Adult School.

Updated: Monday, November 5, 2007