Get to know the man behind the movement, his life, what he stands for, and what his plans are for Santa Ana.
While immediately falling in love with his neighborhood and the city, Katz was troubled by the challenges created by the ubiquitous presence of the homeless. He often asked, “Why can’t they do something about the homeless in Santa Ana?”
Struck by the silence, Katz harkened back to a lesson instilled in him throughout his formative years by his mentors including his father (who each Passover would turn to his son for the Four Questions) and his favorite college English professor, the lilt of voice still echoing in his head…
“Always the beautiful answer / who asks a more beautiful question.” —e.e. cummings
Could he ask a better question? A more beautiful question?
And there it was. By simply changing one word, Katz arrived at the more beautiful question: “Why can’t I do something about the homeless in Santa Ana?”
That question inspired Katz to become involved with Second Chance Orange County, a non-profit committed to helping individuals experiencing homelessness become productive members of society by providing individualized supporting services. Volunteering his time and resources, Katz has worked with a number of Santa Ana residents who have fallen on hard times.
Actions Over Words
Katz and his Second Chance Client on the first day of his tenancy in an apartment in Historic French Park after years of addiction and homelessness.
Experience Where It Counts
Katz engaged in training two men sheltered at the Link – the Santa Ana interim homeless shelter.
Getting Hands Dirty
Katz at Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
Katz’s personal engagement was the “beautiful answer” to the “beautiful question.” It was an answer, that was also borne of a lifetime of commitment to his community.
Born Winner
Katz was born and raised in Los Angeles. He graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School. Because of Hamilton’s naturally integrated student body (which was three equal parts Hispanic, African American and White), Katz credits the experience with providing him cross-race compassion and the ability to work with all members of his community.
Following high school, Katz attended a seminary in Jerusalem. Upon his return, he began his college career at U.C.L.A. After a year-and-half, he matriculated to a liberal arts college in New York City – Yeshiva. Despite finishing with three degrees (B.A. in English Literature, B.S. in Life Sciences, and A.A. in Judaic Studies), Katz remained extremely involved with student government and local politics. Katz was elected Student Body President in his senior year. He was also a member of Yeshiva’s varsity basketball team.
Katz driving to his left. It is believed that Yeshiva’s 1983-1984 team was the only NCAA team to start five lefties. Perhaps its only claim to fame that year.
Serving The Community
In his junior year, Katz worked on bridging Yeshiva’s student body with the local residents in Spanish Harlem. He started a tutoring program at the junior high school across the street from the college. Students from the college volunteered their time mentoring young students of Puerto Rican descent in their course work and on life’s important lessons.
As student body president, Katz introduced a number of creative initiatives which remain in effect despite the passage of 35 years. Katz worked closely with New York’s Mayor Ed Koch and the N.Y.P.D. to address a wave of violence that plagued the campus as a result of rampant drug activity in the Washington Heights neighborhood.
Law School Graduate
Following graduation, Katz worked in an accounting practice honing his financial acumen that had been nurtured within him by his father who worked as a C.P.A. until his death in 2013, at 79.
With some business experience under his belt, Katz was accepted to Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco – the Class of 1988. This era at the law school was a breeding ground for future civil servants. O.C Supervisor Don Wagner was two years ahead of Katz. O.C. District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, San Rafael councilmember, Andrew McCullough, and San Mateo Mayor, Diane Papen, were in Katz’s class. O.C. Supervisor Andrew Do was one year behind Katz. And Senator Kamala Harris was two years behind Katz.
While Katz is proud of garnering the Moot Court Championship in the Western Region of the U.S. (and second place nationally), he looks back with the greatest fondness, upon the volunteer work he did throughout law school with the Hastings’ General Assistance Advocacy Project, where he provided legal services to low income residents of the Tenderloin District.
Dedicated To Hard Work
Following his graduation, Katz has had an accomplished career in government relations and complex business litigation. In 1999, he was recruited to serve as the General Counsel for Western Dental located just outside Ward 3. He recalls, when needing periods of meditation and quiet, he would turn off the computer and take long walks in the Park Santiago, Floral Park and Riverview neighborhoods. During his tenure as General Counsel for a variety of Orange County companies, Katz has advocated before United States Senators, Congressmen, the Federal Trade Commission, the C.F.P.B., the Department of Justice, more than 20 state Attorneys General, 10 different governors, and multiple federal and state regulatory agencies.
Twenty years after Katz first took his pensive walks through Floral Park, he is now the President of the Floral Park Neighborhood Association (“FPNA”). He has also served FPNA on its Beautification, Membership and Social Committees.
and Fun
Katz emceeing the first home brewing contest — an event conceived by Katz — at the Floral Park 2019 Freedom Fest.
Family First
When not lawyering and volunteering for FPNA neighborhood projects, there is no place he would rather be than at Disneyland with his wife. “Susan is my biggest fan, my greatest support, and soul mate. I’m a winner with her in my life.”
Okay… Dogs First Too
Their two perfect pups Tula & Lucy. They are responsible for security and kisses. Keep an eye out for all of them on the campaign trail.