Cesar believes it is important to give back to the community that shaped his outlook and opportunities. When Cesar was eight, his family immigrated from Guadalajara, Mexico to Richmond in order to provide opportunity to their family. Cesar grew up in Richmond and San Pablo, attending Helms Elementary School, Richmond High School and Contra Costa College. The opportunities afforded to Cesar and his family shaped his outlook and inspired his volunteerism and spirit to give-back. 

​

Cesar is the founder and former president of the Hilltop District Neighborhood Council.  He is also the president and founder of the Hilltop District Homeowners & Stakeholders Association.  As president, Cesar demanded accountability from the City of Richmond.  He jump-started completion of a park that was in the works for 16 years, successfully advocated for installation of light poles that were down for eight years, and new ADA accessible sidewalks.  His vision spurred various projects around the neighborhood, including, planting fruit trees at the Lake Park for all to enjoy, wayfinding signs with lights, and continued advocacy towards walkable and ADA accessible streets. 

 

Cesar co-founded Richmond’s first LGBTQI organization, Richmond Rainbow Pride.  He also started Bring the Music Back, a campaign to raise funds to revive Richmond school music programs.  He helped raised over $250,000 toward new instruments at Richmond High School and other Richmond schools.  His community involvement is what helped the Richmond School Marching Band.

​

As an elected official, he currently serves as President of the West County Wastewater District, serving San Pablo, parts of Pinole and the northern areas of Richmond.  His priority is to protect public health and the environment during collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater.  Work is underway to replace 15,000 feet of sewers in to increase the safety and reliability of wastewater services.  Our sewage facility will be one of the first all-green, carbon neutral, energy generating plants in California.  

 

Communities thrive when neighbors help each other out.  That’s why Cesar co-founded Calle 23, a group dedicated to enhance, promote, and improve the neighborhood in and around one of Richmond’s busiest streets – 23rd Street. 

​

Cesar founded The Food Emporium, a community event that incorporated food-trucks, music, and car show to help bring our communities together.  The event was held at the lake at Hilltop and at East Brothers Brewery in Point Richmond. 

​

Cesar works as a Health & Benefits consultant.  This is what Cesar does for work.  For a living - what he does that motivate and inspire him - is to give back and help others.  That's why he was recognized in 2018 by Diablo Magazine's 40 under 40. 

​

Although Cesar is running in District 2, however, he knows the importance of a citywide vision.  That is why Cesar has helped and volunteered all over the City of Richmond, not just one particular community.