When Monica R. Martinez served previously in the State Senate, she developed a reputation for being an independent voice who could detour from her own party's path and who, on a very granular level, understood the needs of her constituents.
This year's redistricting has reshaped the area the Brentwood Democrat would represent. But after a hard-fought primary, Martinez, 45, is making the case that she can be the same independent...read more ››