Bay Area Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials

Congratulations to Silvia Arenas on her reelection to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors!

Supervisor Arenas has been a steadfast advocate for working families, education, and equitable opportunities across our region. Her continued leadership reflects the trust and confidence the community has in her vision and commitment to public service.

We look forward to her ongoing work advancing policies that uplift our communities and strengthen Santa Clara County for all.


Sylvia Arenas

Congratulations to Cesar Zepeda on his reelection to the Richmond City Council!

A dedicated community leader and proud son of immigrant parents, Cesar has remained committed to giving back to the community that shaped him. His leadership reflects a strong focus on neighborhood improvements, community engagement, and expanding opportunities for residents across Richmond.

We look forward to his continued service and impact in helping Richmond thrive.


Cesar Zepeda

We are proud to welcome Eddie Flores as the newest member of the BALEO Board!

Councilmember Flores brings a dynamic record of public service, coalition building, and regional leadership. As the first Salvadoran-born immigrant to serve as Mayor in the Bay Area, his leadership reflects both historic impact and a deep commitment to community.

With experience spanning local government, education, and statewide advocacy, Eddie has consistently worked to expand opportunity and elevate diverse voices. His leadership and lived experience make him a powerful addition to the BALEO Board.

We look forward to the impact he will help drive across the region.


Vice Mayor Eddie Flores

We are proud to welcome Elisa Martinez as the newest member of the BALEO Board!

Trustee Martinez brings a powerful combination of lived experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to expanding opportunity. As a first-generation college graduate and the daughter of Mexican immigrant farmworkers, she understands firsthand the transformative impact of education.

Her extensive background in education governance—including service as President of the Newark Unified School District Board—and her advocacy for equity in higher education make her an incredible addition to our organization.

We look forward to her leadership and the impact she will help drive across the Bay Area.

Congratulations to Juan Raigoza on his reelection as Controller for the County of San Mateo!

As a former and founding board member of BALEO, Juan has played a vital role in shaping and strengthening our organization from the very beginning. His continued leadership in public service reflects a deep commitment to accountability, integrity, and community impact.

We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved victory and look forward to his continued success in serving the residents of San Mateo County.

A timely and critical conversation over lunch ⚖️

At the 2026 BALEO Conference, attendees gathered for a powerful Lunch & Keynote Address focused on the evolving landscape of voting rights and representation.

Introduced by Mountain View Councilmember and BALEO Board Chair Ellen Kamei, keynote speaker Steven Ochoa—Principal Consultant at Ochoa Consulting Partners and former National Redistricting Coordinator for MALDEF—shared important insights on the implications of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision impacting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

His remarks highlighted what these changes mean for redistricting, local governance, and the future of equitable representation— sparking thoughtful reflection and dialogue among leaders.

Exploring the past, present, and future of Latino political power ✊🏽

At the 2026 BALEO Conference, our Latino Political Power & Leadership session offered a powerful and thought-provoking look at the evolution of Latino influence in politics.

Facilitated by Vice Mayor Albert Gonzalez of the City of Santa Clara, the session featured a compelling presentation by David Ayon, drawing from Forging Latino Power and Power Shift— with insights on inclusion, backlash, resistance, and the growing impact of Latino leadership across California and beyond.

Attendees also received a preview of emerging research on the future of Latino political influence, sparking important conversations about what comes next.


David R. Ayón

Thank you Councilmember Andrés Marquez, Cloverdale City Councilmember.

"This was my second year attending BALEO, and the experience continues to help me grow as a City Councilmember. The training, ideas, and connections I’ve gained have made me better prepared to serve our community." Hon. Andres Marquez Councilmember Cloverdale, CA

Finding your voice as a leader 🎤

At the 2026 BALEO Conference, Loren Cruz of led an engaging and practical session on Strategic Communication & Public Voice— equipping leaders with the tools to communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact.

From navigating media engagement to shaping messages that resonate in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, attendees gained valuable insights on how to elevate their public voice and connect more effectively with their communities.

Thank you, Loren, for helping our leaders sharpen one of their most powerful tools— their voice.

Building stronger partnerships for better governance 🤝

Our Working Effectively with Administration session at the 2026 BALEO Conference brought together experienced leaders for a timely and insightful conversation on collaboration between elected officials and administrative leadership.

Moderated by BALEO Board Member and San Francisco Assessor Joaquin Torres, the panel featured Deanna Santana, Miguel Márquez, and Rene Santiago— each bringing decades of experience in public service and executive leadership.

Panelists shared practical insights on governance, decision-making, and how to foster effective, respectful partnerships that ultimately lead to better outcomes for the communities we serve.