City of Monterey City Council Councilmember Gene "Gino" Garcia

Gene “Gino” Garcia was appointed to fill the vacant District 4 seat. According to the Monterey County Weekly, he was selected by the City Council unanimously out of a pool of 11 applicants. Sworn in on December 12, 2022, the first Latino councilmember in the city’s history will serve the remainder of the term, until 2024.

A Monterey resident for over a decade, Garcia is an assistant planner with the nonprofit Ecology Action, an organization that seeks to create a thriving environment and low-carbon economy. Prior to supporting the mayor’s run, Garcia was a city representative for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for the Transportation Agency for Monterey County.

Notable quote: “It’s a very exciting time. Just to see the change in the council’s complexion. To me it indicates that folks are eager for change.” (Source: Voices of Monterey Bay)