City of Gilroy City Council Councilmember Rebeca Armendariz

First elected: November 2020

According to her campaign site, fourth-generation Gilroy native Rebeca Armendariz says that as a proud daughter and granddaughter of farmworkers, her values are “rooted in the work ethic and sense of community from the working families making Gilroy a strong community.” Armendariz has a passion for activism and a résumé that proves her innate sense of civic duty and responsibility. Armendariz also gives her time as a volunteer. She is a founding board member and current president of CARAS, a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, service, and cultural events like the Cesar Chavez Champions Awards and the Gilroy Tamal Festival.

Armendariz is a founding member of Gilroy Growing Smarter and was a Chair of the Yes on Measure H campaign as well as of the campaign to Recall Judge Persky. Rebeca also served on the Advisory Committee of the Silicon Valley Women’s March 2017-2019 and is an elected delegate for Assembly District 30 to the California Democratic Party.

Day job: Business representative at CEMA/Operating Engineers Local 3

Alma mater: Gavilan College

Other offices held: Gilroy Planning Commission (2016-2020). She also served on the Housing Advisory Committee, the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, and the Parks & Recreation Commission.

Notable quote: “I know San Jose residents think Gilroy is just another part of the county, but Gilroy is a gem. We don’t look like the rest of the Silicon Valley but we’re definitely passionate, heart-filled people. Now, San Jose is spilling over to Gilroy, but we need to maintain our character. We don’t want to blend in.” —Interview with Rebeca Armendariz on Medium.com