Seven candidates are competing for three seats on the San Fernando City Council in the June 2 primary election that will help shape the future of a city grappling with questions over economic development, public safety, infrastructure and support for immigration communities.
Incumbents Mary Mendoza and Mary Solorio are seeking reelection against challengers: Fernando Diaz, Sonia Navarro, Sean M. Rivas, Flor Sanchez and Michelle Vergara. The race is guaranteed to bring at least one new face to the five-member council because Mayor Joel Fajardo, whose seat is up this year, did not seek reelection.
Unlike larger cities that hold runoff elections, the roughly 23,000-resident city of San Fernando’s three highest vote-getters will win the seats outright and serve four-year terms.
Key issues
Several issues have emerged as recurring themes throughout the campaign.
Public safety, economic development and infrastructure improvements have been among the most frequently cited priorities, with candidates proposing different approaches to supporting local businesses, maintaining city services and addressing concerns about aging streets, sidewalks and other public facilities.
Government transparency and accountability have also become prominent campaign themes, with several candidates calling for greater public engagement and oversight of City Hall decisions.
The election also comes more than a year after a contentious debate over how San Fernando should respond to federal immigration enforcement. The dispute drew packed council meetings and discussions of a possible recall.
After initially rejecting a sanctuary-city designation and related proposals, the council later adopted a broader resolution aimed at protecting immigrant communities.
The candidates
The Southern California News Group reached out to all seven candidates and asked them to identify their top priorities if elected.
Mendoza, a current councilmember and former Los Angeles Mission College employee, is campaigning on public safety, economic development and infrastructure improvements. She points to attracting new investment, strengthening city finances and efforts to improve neighborhood conditions through beautification and cleanup programs.
“My priorities continue to be public safety, restoring integrity in city government and policing, and ensuring San Fernando remains an economically strong and welcoming community,” she said.
Solorio, also an incumbent, highlights her experience representing San Fernando on regional boards and committees. Her campaign focuses on public safety, support for families and small businesses, and maintaining the city’s financial stability. She also points to her role in establishing a financial assistance program for families affected by federal immigration enforcement actions.
“I’m committed to transparent leadership that puts residents first and protects the quality of life for San Fernando families,” she said.
Diaz, an automotive technician and Planning and Preservation Commission member, said his priorities include public safety, infrastructure, traffic enforcement and responsible growth. He has advocated for greater transparency and support for local businesses.
“My campaign is built on the foundation of transparency and good governance,” he said.
Navarro says she wants to focus on city services, infrastructure and support for residents and businesses.
“My priorities are public safety, ensuring that capital improvements/infrastructure needs are met for city residents, continuing to provide quality senior citizen programming/family programming and creating enhanced support for business owners so that they not only do well but thrive,” she said.
Rivas, who works for the Los Angeles Unified School District as a school administrative assistant and previously served on the Planning and Preservation Commission, is emphasizing neighborhood safety, support for immigrant and working families, local economic development and government accountability.
“I am committed to protecting and expanding opportunities for working families while investing in the services and infrastructure that keep San Fernando a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” he said.
Sanchez, an accountant, is campaigning on government transparency, fiscal responsibility and what she describes as responsible economic growth that preserves the city’s character while supporting local businesses.
“This campaign is deeply personal to me because I care about preserving the heart of our city while creating a stronger future for residents and small businesses,” she said.
Vergara, a community engagement director, said her priorities include public safety, support for small businesses, youth and family programs, and transparent local government.
“My priority is clear: safer neighborhoods, support for small businesses, and real investment in our community,” she said. “San Fernando deserves a city government that leads with transparency, takes action, and always puts residents first.”
The election will be held June 2 alongside California’s statewide primary election.
According to City Clerk Julia Fritz, the three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected. If a tie affects the outcome, state law outlines a process for determining the winner.
“A tie vote in a local election is historically very rare. If it does occur, California Elections Code Section 10551 provides the process: once the City receives the certified Certificate of Canvass from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk showing a tie, the tied candidates would be notified and the winner would be determined by lot at a public meeting soon after,” Fritz said in a written statement provided to SCNG.