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The national housing crisis and promotion of public service were among the topics Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, D-Salinas, talked about today as she addressed an audience of Sacramento State students, faculty and staff.

Approximately 40 people attended Caballero’s speech, which was presented by the Serna Center in the Union Forest Suite.

Some students, such as freshman nursing major Alma Zamora, were from locations where housing problems have been occurring.

“The fact that I am from Santa Cruz County makes me really interested in this topic,” Zamora said.

Maria Ramirez, administrative supporter for the Serna Center, expressed her understanding of what Caballero would be addressing.

“She will be addressing issues that significantly affect the Latino community. A lot of what she does is public service, and students can relate to that,” Ramirez said.

While expensive housing rates were important factors in the Caballero’s speech, she spent the most time expanding on her ideas about public service and education in California.

“If it was not for the public education system, I would not have been here today. It offered me opportunities to participate and feel a part of the community,” Caballero said.

She urged people, including the youth, to get involved in having their voices heard.

“If you are not willing to do it, then why should anybody else do it?” Caballero said.

She also said chances need to be available for youth and women to get away from violence.

Caballero wanted to get students at Sac State to voice their ideas and use their education as a means of enlightenment.

Adriana Cervantes, graduate social work major, really respected Caballero’s speech.

“I really enjoyed her speech and she is a role model for Latinos and women. Hopefully in the future there will be more women who feel that they can make a difference as well,” Cervantes said.

Vanessa Johnson can be reached at [email protected].