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Delaine Eastin, a former Democratic member of the State Assembly and onetime superintendent of public education, is one of nearly 30 candidates running to succeed Gov. Jerry Brown. California Today is planning occasional Q. and A. sessions with candidates for office, and we’re starting with Ms. Eastin. The interview has been edited and condensed.

Q. How much do you see yourself continuing with — or not — programs and policies put in place under Governor Brown?

A. Jerry Brown has very high marks when it comes to financial responsibility and he’s a strong environmental governor. Always has been. I don’t give him as high marks in education. I give his father the high marks in education. His father was amazing. Having said that, Jerry Brown has a lot to be proud of, and there’s a lot we should continue and I will.

Q. How big a problem is poverty and homelessness in California?

A. It’s enormous. In your life have you ever seen as many homeless children? Twenty-five percent of the homeless in America are in California. We need to urgently get these children off the street — and their mothers as well.