This information is provided by the candidate
The son of immigrant farm workers and the fifth of seven children, I worked alongside my family, harvesting crops throughout California, in my youth.
EDUCATION
University of California, Berkeley | Law Degree |
Stanford University | Masters Degree, Administration and Policy Analysis |
Harvard University | Bachelors Degree, High Honors in Comparative Literature |
ELECTED OFFICES
FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER, 1987-1996, where I worked hard to meet the needs of a diverse student population, while preserving the District's financial stability during difficult budget times.
- President, Fresno Unified School Board, 1990, 1994
- President, Fresno County School Trustees Association
- Board of Directors, California School Boards Association
SUPERVISOR, FRESNO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, 1997-present, where I am working hard to improve job opportunities, access to quality health care for Fresno families, reduce youth violence in our communities and promote smart growth.
- Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, 1998, 2003; Vice Chair, 1997, 2002
- Board of Directors, California State Association of Counties, 1998-2000
- I received the prestigious Rose Ann Vuich Award for ETHICS IN LEADERSHIP in 2002.
- I continue to emphasize the need for County leadership to address our chronic double-digit unemployment by diversifying our economy while preserving our agricultural heritage. I co-chair the Fresno Regional Jobs Initiative, which is a collaborative effort between government, business, and civic leaders to develop and attract industries with the potential to create jobs. I am also working to secure two regional vocational training facilities in Fresno.
- I led the effort to restructure Fresno County Social Services system to improve the delivery of services, eliminate duplication and address critical needs. I also enabled County residents to better access key services at "One Stop" Centers in Selma, Reedley and Coalinga.
- I led the fight to fund the construction of a new Juvenile Hall facility and open the Caruthers Boot Camp for juvenile offenders, as well as expand the County Jail. I am also a strong advocate for prevention programs, helping Fresno County earn the highest grade statewide for the use of its youth violence prevention funds.
- I negotiated an historic agreement between Fresno County, Fresno City and Clovis, which emphasizes a smart growth approach to land use.
I currently live in Fresno with my wife of 27 years, Amy. We have four adult children: Joaquin (26), Carmen (25), Diego (24) and Miguel (21).
PARTIAL LIST OF COMMUNITY AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES:
I currently serve on a number of boards, including:
- Co-Chair of the Fresno Regional Jobs Initiative
- Fresno County Workforce Investment Board
- Kenneth L. Maddy Institute of Public Affairs
- Central California Health Policy Institute.
- Fresno County Audit Committee
- Fresno County Debt Advisory Committee
I also served on a number of boards, including:
- Fresno County Council of Governments
- Fresno County Local Agency Formation Commission
- Fresno County Retired Employees Association
- I-5 Business Development Corridor
- Fresno County Mental Health Advisory Board
- Interagency Council for Children and Families
- Boys' and Girls' Club
- Advisory Committee for the CA Institute for Rural Studies Farm Labor Project
|