Martha Cardenas-Singh Supervisor, County of Imperial
Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh made history in 2024 as the first Latina elected to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. Raised in El Centro by a Vietnam War veteran and hardworking parents, she developed a strong commitment to public service, workers’ rights, and community well-being. Before joining the Board, she served on the El Centro City Council from 2020–2024, including as Mayor, where she championed economic development, park improvements, and major capital projects such as construction of a new city-owned library and securing funding for a new police station. On the Board of Supervisors, she continues to focus on infrastructure, sustainable growth, affordable housing, and transportation through her service on the Imperial County Transportation Commission, while advocating for environmentally responsible policies that protect vulnerable communities.
Beyond her local leadership, Cardenas-Singh serves on the National Executive Board of Directors for MANA, supports women’s empowerment as 2nd Vice President of Soroptimist of El Centro, and advances opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities as a board member of ARC Imperial Valley. A graduate of Central Union High School, she holds an A.A. and B.A. in Social Science and an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy. She and her husband of 36 years, Edward, are proud parents and grandparents. Her committee appointments include ICTC, SAFE, IVRMA, LTA, Salton Sea Authority, Countywide Oversight Board, IV Regional Chamber of Commerce, and several alternate roles. Throughout her career, Cardenas-Singh has remained dedicated to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and ensuring all Imperial Valley residents can thrive.
Luana España Director, East Bay Regional Park District
New Board Director Luana España (Ward 4) serves as a Community Affairs Representative at the Port of Oakland, where she leads strategic partnerships and impact-driven community investments. She previously managed teams of more than 20 employees in AT&T’s Leadership Development Program, overseeing field operations, bilingual call centers, and special projects.
For more than a decade, España has advised public leaders and provided policy guidance through service on the EBRPD Park Advisory Committee Executive Committee, the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council Board of Directors, and the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Citizen Advisory Committee. Her work centers on shaping policies that make public spaces more sustainable, accessible, and welcoming for all.
Jaime López Trustee, Whittier Union High School District
Trustee Jaime López is a dedicated union member, volunteer, and community leader, elected to the Whittier Union High School District Board of Trustees in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. He is committed to ensuring every student receives a high-quality education, believing that strong academic foundations begin in the classroom. López supports providing teachers with the training, resources, and collaboration needed to advance student achievement, equity, college and career readiness, vocational pathways, mental health supports, and strong graduation and A–G completion rates.
He also champions sustainability, including student access to safe drinking water and responsibly managed water systems. López played a key role in securing a Community Workforce Agreement with local trade unions, ensuring Whittier residents are prioritized for district construction employment. He serves as Whittier Union’s delegate to the California School Boards Association and has previously served on the Río Hondo College Measure A Citizens’ Oversight Committee and the California High School Site Council. A first-generation college graduate, he holds a Master’s in Public Administration from CSU Long Beach and a Bachelor’s in Government and Spanish from CSU Sacramento.
Dolores Melendez Councilmember, City of Sanger
Councilmember Dolores Melendez represents Sanger’s District 2 and is committed to ensuring that the voices of her community are heard and reflected in local decision-making. A lifelong Sanger resident, she was raised in the city, attended Sanger schools, and graduated from Sanger High School. Her deep connection to the community, along with her bilingual fluency, allows her to effectively engage with residents and understand the needs and priorities of the district she serves.
Michael Silva Councilmember, City of Vacaville
Michael Silva is a Vacaville City Council Member, first elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. He is a professor at Solano College in Biotechnology and Biological Sciences, focused on student academic and professional success. A Vacaville native, Silva has diverse experience spanning healthcare, research, biomanufacturing, and logistics, alongside early work in landscaping with his family. He holds degrees from UC Santa Barbara and CSU Channel Islands and is continuing his education at UC Berkeley. Previously, he served on the Vacaville Unified School District Board of Trustees and held leadership roles at the county and state school board levels. Silva is committed to building sustainable, innovative communities and remains active in STEM outreach, youth programs, and community service.
Larry Spicer Councilmember, City of Monrovia
Larry J. Spicer is a lifelong Monrovian and dedicated public servant. A graduate of Monrovia High School, he served 21 years in the U.S. Army as a Logistics, Operations, and Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) Specialist, completing leadership, logistics, accounting, and procurement coursework while stationed at posts across the U.S., Korea, and Germany. He later earned an associate’s degree in Applied Business Management from Excelsior College. Guided by his parents’ example of service, he has held numerous community roles, including Monrovia Planning Commissioner, Trustee at Second Baptist Church, Peace on Patrol volunteer, Red Cross volunteer, and participant in local youth and neighborhood safety programs. Regionally, he has served on the Metro Gold Line Joint Powers Authority, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Transportation Committee, and the League of California Cities Policy Board.
A decorated veteran, Spicer has received multiple military commendations and community recognitions, including Neighborhoods USA’s “Who’s Who” Award, City of Monrovia’s Volunteer of the Year, and California Assembly District 41 Veteran of the Year. After serving as an Interim City Councilmember in 2011, he was elected to the Monrovia City Council in 2012, where he continues to serve his hometown. Spicer has been married to his wife, Delphine, for 33 years and is the proud parent of three adult children.