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LWV League of Women Voters of California
Orange County, CA November 5, 2002 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Jeff Chavez

Candidate for
United States Representative; District 47

[photo]
This information is provided by the candidate

Jeff Chavez's great-grandfather, Desiderio Chavez was a free-enterprise entrepreneur who left Mexico in 1898 and came to the United States in search of greater opportunity. He arrived in Silver City, New Mexico and struggled as a rancher who captured and sold Mustang's to the U.S. Army.

Desiderio and Maria were the proud parents of eight children. Antonio was the fifth child and left home at age fourteen, attempting to establish himself as a man. The young Antonio traveled alone on horseback to California and began working for a produce company in the L.A. Central Produce Market. He drove 12-mule team wagons from Salinas Valley to L.A. Much of what he earned was sent home to his family. He held various jobs including working on the Los Angeles sewer line crew. Antonio finally began to gain recognition as a respected ship builder at Todd's Shipyard in San Pedro, CA. A natural leader, Antonio became president of the AFLCIO Pipe-Fitters Union 9 where he was known as a man of unmatched character and integrity.

Antonio married Anita Chavez, had five children. They raised their children in a poor wood-frame home in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. Larry, the fourth child, became a standout in each of his endeavors; he ranked among the world's fastest sprinters. Larry went on to serve in the US Army and establish a successful produce company, rising from a position of abject poverty to middle-class America; The American dream.

Jeff Chavez, 30, is a native of Orange County, CA and the youngest of Larry and Karen Chavez's three boys. Jeff was born in 1971 and raised in Westminister, CA before his family re-located to Ventura County.

True to the traditions of his family, Jeff has forged ahead in life without hesitation and makes a significant impact in every endeavor in which he chooses to engage. At the age of 19, Jeff chose to go in a very different direction than that of his peers. He would temporarily forgo career ambitions to serve as a volunteer church missionary for two years. Jeff was quickly identified as a leader and effective communicator and was asked to lead a group of over 185 young missionaries in their social and spiritual initiatives. This unique experience exposed Jeff to the reality of social problems such as the breakdown of the family, drug abuse, discrimination, and poverty. Jeff says that this intense period of public service shaped his character and resolve that he holds dear today. Since his years of missionary work, Jeff established three successful Orange County companies. His most recent venture, DispenseSource, Inc. is a leading provider of automated inventory systems. Co-founder of the company, Jeff served as President and CEO from 1999 through the end of 2001 and, in the process, raised over $10 million from venture capital investors.

Jeff and his wife, Shana have been married for 9 years; they returned to Orange County 8 years ago. They are the devoted parents of three children and active in their church. In addition to his business success, Jeff authored Fair Warning: Making Good Children Great and Turning Ordinary Parents into American Heroes, in 1997. Jeff's achievements have also made him a highly sought after public speaker. Through his book and public speaking, Jeff has been able to fulfill a small portion of his desire to remind American parents that they, more than any other institution, wield the most power to influence this country for good, by raising the next generation of principled Americans.

In 2001 Jeff established Center for Community Excellence, a non-profit organization. The organization plans to raise over $10 million by the end of 2003 to be donated to low-income communities and for immigrant integration programs. These programs are designed to help legal immigrants integrate faster into the American system, creating maximum individual success and community excellence.

For over 12 years, Jeff has been a volunteer in various youth programs such as the Boy Scouts of America, as a wrestling coach and church youth leader. He has dedicated time and resources to organizations such as OCWorks.org, dedicated to enabling at risk youth to acquire job preparedness skills. Additionally, Jeff was a 2001 Bridgegate Award winner, recognized as one of 20 individuals who have contributed to the community by placing the value of individuals first and who have made significant contributions in technology.

Jeff Chavez is a gifted leader who has a clear understanding of the priorities and principles of the citizens of 47th District; Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fullerton and Anaheim. It is a vital community of hardworking families who believe in God, life, freedom, self-sufficiency, and a strong national defense. The citizens of this district are seeking new representation that accurately reflects their values and interests--Jeff Chavez provides this. He believes that the secrets to social excellence resides in the defense and promotion of the following standards:

· Protection of Family, Life, and Liberty · Lower Taxes and Smaller Government · Promotion of Hard Word and Self Sufficiency · Military Superiority and a Local War on Crime/Terrorism · Quality Education With True Accountability · Excellent and Affordable Healthcare · Commitment to Personal Faith and Prayer

We have entered a renewed era of community and unity and we must work together. Jeff Chavez hopes to gain your support and join with you in protecting and promoting your ideals of a strong, successful, family-friendly community. Jeff wholeheartedly supports our great President George W. Bush, who is clearly leading the way. The President said recently, "...I ask our citizens to serve their nation, beginning with their neighbors...I planned a new initiative called Communities of Character, designed to spark a rebirth of citizenship and character and service. The events of September 11th have caused that initiative to happen in ways we could have never imagined."

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 10, 2002 19:47
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