I was born and raised in Marion, Indiana. My family moved to southern California in 1966 and I was convinced I had found heaven.  I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1975 and my law degree from Western State University in San Diego, California in 1980. I was admitted to the California bar in 1983.  I am licensed in both state and federal court in California.  I have been practicing law in southern California since 1985.

I am a member of the Business Law Section of the California State Bar and the California Business Alliance For A Green Economy. I am also a member of the California Center For Cooperative Development and the Sustainable Economy Law Center.  I previously sat on the Board of Directors for STRACA (Short Term Rental Alliance of California), an organization devoted to promoting the use of short term vacation rentals in California. I currently act as a consultant to the short-term rental industry in California and nationwide.

My outside interests include surfing, travel and music. My wife, Barbara, and I  live in Capistrano Beach, have two grown children and enjoy spending time with our granddaughters, India and Viola. I am a member of the San Onofre Surf Club and regularly attend the Laguna Beach Full Moon Drum Circle.