Cesar Zepeda believes it is important to give back to the community that shaped his outlook and his 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. 

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Cesar the Founder and former President of the Hilltop District Neighborhood Council and 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 jumpstarted 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 LGBT 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.  

 

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 serves on several non-profit boards and organizations (partial list):

• Boardmember, Greater Richmond Interfaith Project (GRIP) - West County's only family shelter

• Boardmember, Contra Costa Community College Foundation - Which has helped pay off college debt to allow students to graduate on time

• President of the West Contra Costa Democratic Club

• Chair, Sierra Club, West County Group

• Founder and President, Richmond Rainbow Pride - Richmond's first and only LGBTQI organization

• Founder and former President, Hilltop District Neighborhood Council

• Co-Founder and former President, Lambda Democratic Club -Contra Costa Counties first and only LGBTQI Democratic club

• Boardmember, Calle 23

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Cesar works as a Health and Benefits consultant in San Francisco.  This is what Cesar does for work. What he does for a living – the things that motivate and inspire him – is to give back and help others through his volunteer work in the community.

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When not volunteering at a community event, Cesar can be found around Richmond with his dogs Zulu and Zeke. 

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Community Honors (partial list):

·2018 Richmond Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award

·2018 40 under 40 Diablo Magazine

·2018 Love Your Block Award

·2015 Crime Prevention Volunteer of the Year Award

·2015 Neighborhood Watch Volunteer of the Year Award

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