Candidate for
Council Member; City of Hawthorne

Alex Vargas' newlywed parents decided to call Hawthorne "home" in 1971 and shortly decided to begin building their family. In September of 1971, Alex was born and would later be followed by 3 other siblings who they managed to raise on a single income with Dad working and Mom taking care of the children. Their work ethic not only spoke of hard work, but also emphasized education, family values and social responsibility. Alex began his early education with Preschool at The Castle at Jim Thorpe Park, followed by Kindergarten at York School and Grammar School at St. Joseph's. He ultimately graduated from St. Bernard High School.

Alex's parents' emphasis on hard work and education led him to obtain his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Physics. His proficiency and promise in the Sciences led him to work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory alongside nationally recognized scientists. Alex soon began working in the Aerospace industry at Hughes and Raytheon on Lasers and Optics programs, and is currently employed with L3 Communications testing satellite components under Space Environment conditions.

Early on, Alex began demonstrating his leadership qualities by becoming President of his university's Science Society. This eventually led him to become the National Student President for the Society of Physics Students. His leadership work soon shifted to his current involvement in the civic arena.

As a member of the Civil Service Commission for the last six years, Alex has also brought fairness to the review of civil service employee matters. Since civil service employees are at the heart of city operations, Alex feels that it is important that they be treated with respect and appreciation. He is currently on the Centinela Valley HS District Oversight Committee helping our local high schools reach academic success. Alex is currently serving as founding President for the North Hawthorne Community Association, where he has worked with his neighbors to successfully bring peace and security to their neighborhood. He has bridged the gap between his neighbors, the police, and city officials to form a successful partnership which is quickly changing the face of his neighborhood.

Growing up in the City of Hawthorne has allowed Alex to see the city during its best and worst times. He has witnessed the increase in crime, the negative effects of high density housing, the fall of the Aerospace industry, and the scourge of gangs. Alex's passion and love for the city where he was born and raised has motivated him to offer fresh new ideas to tackle the City's persistent problems. Through Alex's careful analysis of the problems and leadership based on integrity, Hawthorne can experience the positive Change that it much deserves and needs.

Hawthorne's Native Son is ready to serve!