Candidate for
Council Member; City of Santa Cruz

My grandparents instilled in me the value of hard work, education and community. Through them, I learned to speak Spanish, our cultural heritage, and the hardships they endured to create a better life for themselves and their family. I am a product of their perseverance. My life experience, public service and education have prepared me to serve as a member of the City Council. I am the grandson of Mexican immigrants, husband of a first generation American from El Salvador, the father of two young children, an attorney and am employed as a transportation manager. My family is the foundation for my life and drives my efforts to make our community a better place to live not only for this generation but also for those that will follow us. I attended public schools and upon my graduation from high school studied at the University level. I worked during undergraduate and graduate school, often attending classes at night after work. After earning a B.A. from San Jose State University, I later earned a J.D./ M.B.A at Santa Clara University, taking classes at night while working full-time during the day and became a member of the California Bar. Lastly, I have served as the Chair of the Santa Cruz City Public Works Commission, member of the Green Energy Subcommittee, participated in housing workshops and currently serve as a City Transportation Commissioner.