Teresa Acosta Councilmember, City of Carlsbad
Councilmember Teresa Acosta was elected to the Carlsbad City Council on November 3, 2020, representing District 4. Born and raised in Southern California, she earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
As a dedicated community volunteer, Teresa was chair of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs and Technology Advisory Committees. She also held board positions with local non-profits, including the MAAC Project and the National Charity League’s Del Sol Chapter. In 2021, she founded Carlsbad Volunteer Leaders, a youth leadership program known for its donation drives and beach cleanups.
Professionally, Teresa is a business consultant and civic leader. She founded her own consulting firm in 2011, supporting local initiatives and community-based projects. On the City Council, she champions sustainability, safety, and affordability while serving on multiple regional boards, including the League of California Cities and the San Diego County Water Authority. Teresa lives in La Costa, within Carlsbad’s District 4, with her family and enjoys cooking, gardening, and fostering youth leadership.
Alma Beltran Mayor, City of Parlier
Alma Beltran, Mayor of Parlier and a retired correctional officer, is the first Latina woman to hold the city’s top office, serving since 2014. A dedicated advocate for public safety, water, and economic development, she has worked tirelessly to ensure her community thrives. Married for 34 years, Alma and her husband, David, have raised four children and a granddaughter in Parlier. Her professional journey spans roles at Tulare County Juvenile Hall, the Department of Mental Health Services, and 13 years as a correctional officer at Avenal State Prison.
During her tenure, Mayor Beltran has led transformative initiatives, including Measure Q, which saved the Parlier Police Department, and Measure S, funding critical fire protection services. She has championed economic growth, attracting businesses like Greenbrier Inc., Element 7, and Starbucks, generating $48 million in private investment and creating local jobs. Beyond Parlier, she advocates for water legislation, economic development, and public safety policies at state and national levels, exemplifying strong, dedicated leadership.
Luz Gómez Director, East Bay Municipal Utility District
Luz Gómez, the newest member of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors, was appointed in April 2024 and elected to a two-year term in November 2024. With over 20 years of experience in public health, air quality, and community engagement, she has led programs for Contra Costa Public Health and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Luz also serves as Chair of the Contra Costa County Sustainability Commission and previously worked as Chief of Staff to Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia.
Active in her community, Luz co-founded the San Ramon Valley Climate Action Coalition and participates in organizations such as AAUW San Ramon, the San Ramon Library Advisory Committee, and the Dougherty Valley Rotary Club. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from UC Davis and a Master’s in Public Health from UC Berkeley. A graduate of the EBMUD Community Water Academy, Luz continues to champion sustainable water management and equity-driven public health initiatives in the East Bay.
Yovani Jimenez
Trustee, Kern Community College District
Yovani Jimenez is a graduate of California State University, Bakersfield, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration at the same institution. His educational journey reflects his dedication to personal growth and community service.
Yovani began his public service career in 2018 when he was elected to the Bear Mountain Park and Recreation District board. In this role, he worked to improve local parks—spaces that were integral to his childhood—while expanding recreational activities for the community.
In addition to his work as a trustee, Yovani is the program administrator for the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation Skill Center in Bakersfield. He is also actively involved in state and national education committees focused on improving educational policy. Yovani is passionate about creating opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen communities, with a vision for a more equitable future through education.
Vianey Lopez Supervisor, County of Ventura
Supervisor Vianey Lopez was appointed to represent the 5th District on the Ventura County Board of Supervisors by Governor Newsom in September 2022. She was elected to a full term in the March 2024 primary and will be sworn into her new term in January 2025.
Vianey brings over ten years of public service experience. She was elected to the Hueneme Elementary School District Board in 2012, where she served for six years, advocating for increased parent involvement and a dual language immersion program. In 2018, she was elected to the Oxnard City Council, representing District 6, and was re-elected for a four-year term in 2020. She also served as District Director for California State Senator Monique Limón and then-Assemblymember Limón from 2016 to 2022, and as District Scheduler and District Director for former Congresswoman Lois Capps.
Vianey is dedicated to ensuring a healthy, sustainable future for working families and youth in Oxnard and Port Hueneme. She was born in Mexico and has called Oxnard home since she was four years old. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Pepperdine University.
Ray Marquez
Councilmember, City of Chino Hills
Council Member Ray Marquez was first elected to the Chino Hills City Council in a special election in 2013 to fill a vacancy. He was re-elected in 2014, 2018, and 2022, serving as Mayor in 2017 and 2022. Ray has been an active civic leader, volunteer, and realtor in the Chino Hills community since 1984. He lives in District 1.
Ray is dedicated to local causes, serving on the San Bernardino County Airports Commission, the Y.M.C.A. Board of Managers, and the Hope for the Hills Board of Directors, among others. A former member of the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council and Chino Hills Citizens Patrol, Ray has been instrumental in the Chino Valley Fire District receiving the “District of Distinction” accreditation. He retired from the City of Santa Fe Springs Fire Department after a 28-year career and is a licensed realtor and broker in Chino Hills. Ray and his wife, Barbara, have three sons and five grandchildren.
Jorge Marquez Director, Three Valleys Municipal Water District
Jorge Marquez is a San Gabriel Valley native and a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona. He began his career as a field deputy in the California State Legislature, focusing on policy areas including water, housing, public safety, and sports arts entertainment.
In 2013, Jorge was elected to the Covina City Council, later serving two terms as Mayor. He also held leadership roles across Southern California, including Regional Councilmember for the 33rd District of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) and Chair of SCAG’s Community, Economic, and Human Development Committee, where he worked on issues of community growth and economic development.
Jorge has extensive experience in regional water management, having served as Chairman of the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA), where he led efforts on groundwater quality management and contamination remediation. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Covina Irrigating Company and is an active member of the Covina Valley Optimist Club and Pomona Kiwanis Club. Jorge is passionate about ensuring sustainable water management for the Pomona Valley and surrounding communities.
Gary Mendez Director, Central Basin Municipal Water District
Director Gary Mendez brings over 23 years of elected governance experience to the Central Basin Municipal Water District, including 21 years on the Rio Hondo Community College Board and his current role on the Whittier Union High School District Board. With more than two decades in governmental service, he has worked as a legislative staffer in the California State Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Department of Commerce.
A Certified California Naturalist and Climate Steward, Gary is dedicated to environmental sustainability and actively contributes to conservancy efforts. A passionate youth advocate, he has spent over 40 years teaching karate and meditation, empowering young people through school and community programs.
Mary Solorio
Councilmember, City of Fernando
Vice Mayor Maria Elena Solorio, known as Mary, is serving her first term on the San Fernando City Council (2022-2026) and was selected as Vice Mayor in December 2024. A proud first-generation Mexican American, she is dedicated to advocating for her community and uplifting its diverse residents.
A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, Mary has extensive experience in behavioral and mental health, having served as Clinical Supervisor, Director, and Case Manager. She is pursuing a doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, building on her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and bachelor’s in Sociology. Mary’s commitment to service includes providing bilingual mental health support, serving as Community Outreach Director for the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, and participating in organizations like Comision Femenil and Latinas Lead California, which empower Chicana women.
Clint Weirick Councilmember, City of Grover Beach
Clint Weirick is a member of the Grover Beach City Council. A lifelong Grover Beach resident, Clint attended local public schools and has raised children in the city.
Clint has extensive community involvement, including leadership roles in local service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, Kiwanis, Optimist, and Altrusa. He has also served on the County Behavioral Health Board, the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board, and the Tobacco Control Coalition, working to improve mental health and addiction services. He continues to serve in local organizations, including the Grover Heights Elementary School PTA and Friends of the Grover Beach Library.
As a City Council Member, Clint is dedicated to ensuring Grover Beach thrives by prioritizing public safety, economic development, and environmental stewardship. He serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Five Cities Fire Authority, the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Oversight Council, and the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District’s Water Resources Advisory Committee.
Carolyn Wysinger
Councilmember, City of El Cerrito
Carolyn Wysinger, Mayor Pro-Tem of El Cerrito, CA, is a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ community with over 20 years of experience as an author, activist, and educator. She has contributed impactful articles on LGBTQ identity to platforms like Autostraddle and Everyday Feminism and served three terms as President of San Francisco Pride. Appointed to San Francisco’s Economic Recovery Task Force in 2020, Carolyn also serves as a Delegate to the California Democratic Party and on the CADEM Women’s Caucus and LGBTQ-Local Elected Caucus of the National League of Cities.
Professionally, Carolyn has a background in education, teaching English, Black Literature, and Leadership at Richmond High School, and currently serves as Director of Outreach for the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability. She will serve as a Biden/Harris Delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention and is the first honorary member of Sigma Omega Phi, an LGBTQ Greek organization. Carolyn’s leadership and advocacy continue to make a lasting impact in her community and beyond.
Robert Ybarra
Director, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
Robert Ybarra, Board Treasurer and the At-Large 2 representative, was initially appointed to the Board on January 25, 2021. As an At-Large Director of the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, Treasurer Ybarra represents the region from Cabazon to Calimesa/Yucaipa.
Treasurer Ybarra holds the position of President/CEO at Precision Material Handling Inc. and is the proprietor of several other local small enterprises. Additionally, he plays a vital role on the Board of the Pass Economic Development Alliance. A lifelong resident of the Pass Area, he has called Calimesa, Yucaipa, Cherry Valley, and Banning home. In 2020, Treasurer Ybarra received the esteemed title of Banning’s Citizen of the Year. Together with his wife, Kimberly, they have raised 3 children, and are proud grandparents of 2 grandchildren.