Throughout her professional career, she has worked to improve the quality of life in communities by creating policies and programs that respond to people’s needs. Celeste brings her passion for service and social justice to her work as well as a wealth of experience designing, funding and implementing programs. 

In San Fernando, Celeste has ensured community members have a voice in their local government by establishing a public engagement policy, translation services and childcare for community meetings – firsts for the City.  Celeste has also worked to ensure economic stability for residents and businesses by building a pathway for community wealth through a number of initiatives, the establishment of a Housing Division, and the creation of a Business and Community Resource Center in San Fernando City Hall. 

Prior to serving as Mayor of San Fernando, Celeste led several community-based initiatives for the City of Los Angeles. Most recently, as leader of the Community Services Section of the Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) where she designed and implemented financial empowerment initiatives including the Los Angeles guaranteed income program, the region-wide children’s savings account program, and managed local safety net programs in partnership with nonprofits throughout Los Angeles. She served as the first Racial Equity Officer for CIFD and the former Los Angeles Housing and Investment Department. Celeste also previously served as Deputy Director of Community Development Strategies for the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office where she led the development of the Consolidated Plan to fund support services, capital improvement projects, and economic development opportunities in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles. Celeste is passionate about breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and has worked towards that mission throughout her career. 

Mayor Rodriguez has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California. She is raising her two children in the northeast San Fernando Valley with her husband, Robert. 

Mary was born and raised in the City of San Fernando. She is deeply rooted in the community as five generations of her family, including all of her children, live in San Fernando.

Mary attended Morningside Elementary, San Fernando Junior High, San Fernando High School and Los Angeles Mission College, when it was located in the City of San Fernando. She received her Associate in Arts Degree from Mission College, where she also worked for 43 years. Mary is deeply involved in the community, including as a member of the Las Palmas Senior Citizen Club and a Boardmember of the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club.

As a City Councilmember, Mary has prioritized the residents of San Fernando. She will work to ensure public safety, protect the City’s water resources, improve roads and infrastructure, promote a healthy business environment, and a green community by planting more trees while being a good steward of the community’s tax dollars.

In addition to serving on City Council, Mary represents San Fernando on the Los Angeles County Library Commission, San Fernando Valley Council of Governments, Los Angeles County City Selection Committee, Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Working Group, League of California Cities, and various City Council Ad Hoc Committees.

Joel attended local private and public schools in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from Grant High School in 2001 and from Boston University in 2005.  He received his degree in International Relations.

Joel has always had a passion for public service and tackling challenging issues. Since serving on the council, Joe’s primary focus has been on balancing the city’s budget, upgrading the city’s infrastructure, fighting the negative impacts of the high-speed rail and promoting the city’s rich cultural programs, healthy lifestyles and LGBT inclusiveness.

Victoria is a third-generation resident of the City of San Fernando and is currently raising her children on the same block that her grandparents raised her mother, aunt, and uncle. Her grandparents migrated to the City of San Fernando when they were able to buy their home in the early 1950s, after residing at Basilone Homes for military veterans in Pacoima.

Victoria completed her education in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, graduating with honors from John H. Francis Polytechnic High School. She then pursued her studies at UCLA, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Policy Studies. During her time at college, Victoria initiated an outreach program where UCLA students volunteered to educate middle and high school students from the Northeast San Fernando Valley about college requirements and provide guidance through the process. Additionally, Victoria successfully secured funding to bring local public school students to UCLA annually, allowing them to experience a day in the life of a college student. The student organization Victoria founded has had a lasting impact on numerous public school students in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, showcasing Victoria’s dedication to ensuring equal access to opportunities for students in our community.

After graduating from college, Victoria pursued her legal education at Stanford Law School. She dedicated her time to educating children in the juvenile justice system about their rights and responsibilities. Additionally, she held leadership positions as Co-Chair of the Stanford Latino Law Students Association and of the Stanford National Security and the Law Society. Victoria earned her law degree from Stanford Law School with pro bono distinction. She furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University, specifically at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. While studying at Harvard, Victoria collaborated with the Los Angeles Police Department to evaluate and enhance their community outreach initiatives.

As a City Councilmember, Victoria Garcia, places a strong emphasis on listening to and addressing the concerns of San Fernando residents. Her main focuses involve enhancing public safety, repairing infrastructure like streets and sidewalks, and rejuvenating the downtown district. Victoria is a member of the Downtown Master Plan ad hoc committee and the Parking ad hoc committee, both crucial to the development of San Fernando.

Victoria resides in the city with her husband, raising their three young children. Her dedication to creating a safe and flourishing community for all families drives her commitment to advocating for a local government that prioritizes its residents.

Mary is a dedicated first-generation Mexican American who proudly calls the San Fernando Valley her home and is deeply committed to uplifting her community and advocating for its diverse residents. In addition to her civic duties, Mary brings a wealth of expertise in behavioral and mental health as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. 

With a rich background in Behavioral and Mental Health, Mary has honed her skills through various roles including Clinical Supervisor/Director and Case Manager. Her hands-on experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the intricacies of human behavior and the importance of mental health support services. 

Continuing her pursuit of knowledge and excellence, Mary is currently pursuing her doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching with a Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University, San Diego, and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from California State University, Northridge. 

Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Mary remains deeply engaged in community service. She dedicates her time to providing bilingual and multicultural mental health services to underserved populations in the Northeast San Fernando Valley through her internship with Luminarias Institute. Additionally, Mary serves as the Community Outreach Director/Board member for the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, advocating for the political empowerment of young people in her community. She is also a proud member of Comision Femenil of the San Fernando Valley, working to empower Chicana women economically and politically. Furthermore, Mary is an active member of Latinas Lead California (LLCA), amplifying the political voice and experiences of Latinas. 

Mary’s commitment to community extends beyond mental health advocacy and political engagement. She serves as a board member of the Parenting and Relationship Counseling Foundation, contributing her expertise to support families and relationships. Additionally, Mary holds a position on the board for the Independent Cities Association, where she serves as the secretary, playing a crucial role in fostering collaboration and cooperation among independent cities. 

With her multifaceted background and unwavering dedication, Mary continues to be a catalyst for positive change in the City of San Fernando and beyond. Her passion for service, coupled with her expertise in behavioral and mental health, makes her a valuable asset to both her community and professional endeavors.