Full Biography for Sarah Reyes

Candidate for
Member of the State Assembly; District 31

Dedication

Many candidates speak of dedication to their communities, but I beleive that my lifetime of actions and hard work prove my dedication and belief in our community. I was raised in Fresno, and feel I have proven through my diverse involvement and service to our community, as well as my success in both the public and private sectors, that I am the best-qualified candidate to represent the 31st Assembly District as we approach the 21st Century.

Experience

In terms of relevant experience, I have worked at the State Center Community College District for the past nine years. Among my responsibilities is the coordination of governmental relations, which includes drafting and tracking legislative proposals and lobbying for the District in Sacramento. At the State Center, it is one of my responsibilities to serve on the Cabinet which reviews the District's 93 million dollar budget and make recommendations to the State Center's Board of Trustees. Additionally, there are two budgets for the District, totaling $750,000, which I alone manage. I also serve on boards for several non-profit organizations and am knowledgeable about the difficulties inherent in managing tenuous budgets. The State of California's budget has some similarities to non-profit budgets in that the income fluctuates dramatically from one year to the next and difficult decisions often have to be made as a result.

As past-president for the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I have worked extensively with the Tulare and Fresno Chambers of Commerce on business and economic development issues. Additionally, I serve on two congressional advisory boards and numerous boards for non-profit organizations dealing with a wide range of issues throughout the Valley such as; aging and seniors, gang prevention, rape counseling and public television.

Perspective

As a former television news reporter, I bring a unique perspective to the race. I have seen close-up the best and worst of the Central Valley, and know the desperation and destruction that crime, drugs, violence and poverty can cause. I will bring to the Assembly and the State Legislature an unparalleled enthusiasm for finding solutions to today's problems and a fresh approach to facing tomorrow's challenges.

Biographical Information

I am currently the Assistant to the Chancellor for the State Center Community College District, which serves as the local administrative component for Fresno City College, Reedley College and the Community College Centers of Clovis, Madera and Oakhurst. In my position I am responsible for coordinating public and news media relations, International education, affirmative action and governmental relations. Before joining the Community College District, I worked as a field reporter and news anchor for KSEE TV-24 in Fresno and as a field reporter for KCRA TV-3 in Sacramento.

I was raised in the 31st Assembly District and attended local schools including, Webster and Rowell Elementary Schools, Tehipite Junior High School, and Roosevelt High School. I am a graduate of Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno.