Candidate for
Council Member to Succeed Mario F. Hernández; City of San Fernando

Gilbert Berriozábal was brought to the United States at the tender age of two by his mother, a seamstress and his step father, a farm worker and construction worker. His step father worked in the fields of Fresno, CA and in Oregon where they instilled in him the strong value of family and hard work. At the age of 24, he became a proud citizen of the United States.

Berriozábal attended our public schools; he graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School Academy of Music where he learned to play piano, viola, clarinet and vocals. At a young age, he got involved in community service as the elected Senior Class Treasurer, class of `94. As a high school student, he interned for then Los Angeles City Councilmember Richard Alatorre where he first learned how public policy is created and how effective leadership can help create change. This led to his becoming a community activist.

Berriozábal attended Glendale Community College, Pasadena City College and National University but like so many of our youth he put his studies on hold in order to assist his hard working family make ends meet. Fortunately for him, during this time, he worked as a teacher assistant in Los Angeles Unified School District where he mentored younger students and became actively involved with the classified employees union, as Union Representative for SEIU Local 99 at Irving Middle School. He also served at Northeast Valley Heath Corporation in San Fernando where he first became involved directly with the City of San Fernando. Later working for The Center for Healthier Communities at Northridge Hospital as a health Educator and Program Director of the state funded Male Involvement Program; he had the opportunity to develop a state recognized program in Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS. As the office liaison to local elected officials, allowed him the opportunity to travel across the state training and educating other professionals. Today, he currently works in the accounting department as a financial analyst at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA.

Berriozábal is a strong believer in his community, that's why he gives back: as Youth Minister and Catechist at St. Didacus Church over 10 years; through MEND (Meeting Each Need With Dignity) at St. Didcaus Food Ministry; as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society; as former Chair for the San Fernando Relay for Life in 2005; as a supporter of the Children's Assault Treatment Services Program; and as a member of The Wall Las Memorias Project' Ya Basta Task Force.

Berriozábal strongly believes leadership is about the positive impact for change you create in your community and by creating additional leaders in this process. Berriozábal has a vision for the City of San Fernando's hard working families, that's why he'll work together with the city council, mayor and city staff to balance the budget, protect basic social services, and support smart development.