City Council

Councilmember Luis Chavez was elected to the Fresno City Council as the District 5 representative in November of 2016 and sworn into office in January 2017. Prior to his election to the City Council he was a Fresno Unified School District Board Member and Chief of Staff to former Fresno City Councilmember Sal Quintero in District 5. As a School Board Member and Chief of Staff to a Fresno City Councilmember, Luis has dedicated his life to the children and families of South Fresno.

Raised in Fresno and the Central Valley, the son of immigrant farm workers Luis graduated from Roosevelt High School, home of the Rough Riders. His education continued as he earned an AA Degree in Business Administration from Fresno City College leading him to earn both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Fresno State University.

After college Luis looked to find work that would allow him to reinvest in our community. He has dedicated his career to helping children and youth as a mentor, community college educator, youth program leader, literacy volunteer and ultimately as a Fresno Unified School Board Member. Luis gained experience working in the classroom as a teacher in Fresno County Schools and at Fresno City College where he taught courses to help first generation college students succeed. He also served as Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California, covering Kern, Kings, Fresno and Tulare counties, where he learned how investing in a child’s life can make a world of difference.

His twin daughters inspired Luis to seek election to the Fresno Unified School District Board, where as a Trustee he worked to reduce classroom size, boost graduation rates, and expand sports and after school programs that are so vital to the success of many of our kids. Luis fought for universal access for pre-kindergarten aged children and expansion of “Parent University”, a program that has trained over 12,00 parents to navigate the educational system and help students apply for college. His tenure at Fresno Unified culminated with him being elected Board President and leading the 4th largest school district in California, which encompasses 10,000 employees and a $1 Billion operations budget.

Knowing that we need to reinvest in our workforce and prepare our children for the jobs of tomorrow, Luis has supported vocational training programs so that graduates are trained for jobs in healthcare, business administration and auto mechanics to name a few. Luis has worked closely with law enforcement to reduce gang activity and to find ways to keep youth from trouble that would derail their futures.

Luis strives to be the voice of the people he represents and looks forward to providing service to the constituents of District 5 and the City of Fresno.

Brenda Rapada
Chief of Staff

Being raised in Fresno and the area, I believe I understand the needs of our community as a whole as we work to provide safe neighborhoods, rebuild its infrastructure, provide vocational job training and recruit business organizations that will bring much need jobs for our constituents.

Having served proudly as a Council Assistant for District 5 in the City of Fresno, first for Councilmember Mike Dages and then Councilmember Sal Quintero, it has provided me with 0ver 13 years of experience. The experience I gained working for these two dedicated councilmembers provided me the knowledge of the intricate workings of our city government that allows me to provide solutions and direction to the constituents that we serve.

My previous experience as a Council Assistant has prepared me for my current position of Chief of Staff to Fresno City District 5 Councilmember Luis Chavez. I believe I have the tools to lead our office and provide Councilmember Chavez the support to provide our constituents the information and assistance they need and deserve.

E-Mail Brenda

Jose Verduzco
Council Assistant

Jose assists Councilmember Luis Chavez with constituent services and leads the office in coordinating District Five events and various projects.

Jose was born and raised in Tulare County and is the son of immigrant parents from Jalisco, Mexico. Jose obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Fresno State and completed his Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) in 2020 from Fresno State. Jose is a proud member of the Ivanhoe Lion’s Club and enjoys serving others and improving the quality of life in the Central Valley. In his spare time, Jose enjoys cheering his beloved Raiders and Fresno State Bulldogs.

Lucio Avila
Council Assistant

Lucio has had a long history of advocating on social justice issues faced by youth and immigrants throughout the city of Fresno. He has spent his career working with residents in disinvested and low-income communities, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders in Fresno and beyond. He is fueled by his passion for social justice and positive change in communities.

“I look forward to sharing my passions for service and working alongside communities in the City of Fresno to advance community needs and priorities.”

Police Violations (559) 621-8000

1. InOp Parked In Street (cob webs, flat tires, wrecked)
2. Boat Stored In Street
3. Trailer Stored In Street
4. Basketball Hoop In Street
5. Mobile Home Parked In Street W/Power Hooked Up

Public Works (559) 621-8650

1. Sign Replacement/Repair
2. Sidewalk, Curb, Gutter Repairs
3. Tree Removal/Replacement And Trimming
4. Street Lights
5. Traffic Lights
6. Standing Water

Community Sanitation Graffiti Reporting Form On-Line

1. Graffiti Reporting (fences, trees, parks, building and signs)