Another writer will cast her vote for Jacqui Irwin

Policies, past accomplishments and issues are all important in campaigning. And most people by now know how much Jacqui Irwin values financial stability, children's safety and promoting a green city. These are some of the reasons I'm voting for her.

But my letter is for people out there who don't know Jacqui on a personal level. I've known Jacqui for eight years, through the Thousand Oaks Titans youth football program.

I'd like to share a significant event concerning Jacqui with people who don't know her so they, too, can understand just how much our mayor cares for the people of Thousand Oaks.

Two years ago, my son was born in Los Robles Hospital with complications. He had to be taken immediately to Tarzana Hospital for surgery. I couldn't go with him. I had to stay in the maternity ward at Los Robles, without a baby.

The day after he was born, he had his surgery. We weren't sure what was going to happen or if he'd even make it. I got a phone call that afternoon, telling me the surgery went well and that my son would pull through. I was crying buckets, and when I looked over at the person holding my hand, she, too, had tears in her eyes. That person was Mayor Jacqui Irwin.

Jacqui truly cares about people. She cares about children and their safety, and keeping our community clean and healthy for future generations, and she cares about maintaining open space to keep our community comfortable.

She just cares about the people living in her community, and she is perfect person to represent the voices of the people in Thousand Oaks. That's the ultimate reason why I'm voting for Jacqui Irwin. I hope many others will join me. Cristen Cervellini-Calfo Thousand Oaks