Visalia City Council
Meeting Agenda - Final
Mayor Brett Taylor
Vice Mayor Liz Wynn
Council Member Steve Nelsen
Council Member Emmanuel Hernandez Soto
Council Member Brian Poochigian
Visalia Administration
220 N. Santa Fe Street
Visalia, CA 93292
Administration Board Room4:30 PMMonday, June 29, 2026
Special Meeting - Planning Commission Interviews
Note: This meeting will not be live streamed or recorded.
CALL TO ORDER SPECIAL MEETING - 4:30 PM
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Citizens are now invited to comment on items listed on the Special Meeting agenda. The Council asks that you keep your comments concise and positive. Creative criticism, presented with appropriate courtesy, is welcome. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes, and a timer will notify you when your time is expired. Please begin your comments by stating and spelling your name and providing your city of residence.
SPECIAL SESSION AND ACTIONS ITEMS (as described)
1. Planning Commissioner Interviews - Conduct interviews and appoint one applicant to fill the pending Planning Commission vacancy for the term ending June 30, 2028, defer the decision or reopen the recruitment process.
26-0025
ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the American Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in meetings contact 713-4512. Written materials relating to an item on this agenda submitted to the Council after distribution of the agenda are available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk, 220 N. Santa Fe Street, Visalia CA 93292, during normal business hours.
1 Visalia City Council
Staff Report
Visalia Administration
220 N. Santa Fe Street
Visalia, CA 93292
File #: 26-0025 Agenda Date: 6/29/2026 Agenda #: 1.
Agenda Item Wording:
Planning Commissioner Interviews - Conduct interviews and appoint one applicant to fill the pending Planning Commission vacancy for the term ending June 30, 2028, defer the decision or reopen the recruitment process.
Agenda Date: 06/29/2026
Prepared by: Reyna Rivera, Chief Deputy City Clerk, [email protected], (559) 713-4512; Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager, [email protected], (559) 713-4332 Department Recommendation: It is recommended that the Visalia City Council conduct interviews to fill a pending vacancy for the Visalia Planning Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2028, continue the matter for further consideration, or reopen the recruitment process. The appointment shall become effective July 1, 2026 if appointed at this meeting, which corresponds with the conclusion of current Commission Charlie Norman’s term.
Summary:
As previously reported to the City Council, Commissioner Charlie Norman submitted his resignation effective June 30 or upon the appointment of his successor. A recruitment process was conducted, and nine applications were received for consideration. The City Council will conduct interviews and may appoint one applicant to fill the resulting vacancy on the Planning Commission for a term ending June 30, 2028, delay the appointment for further consideration at the next Council meeting, or direct staff to reopen the recruitment process.
This appointment is important as the City prepares to undertake a comprehensive General Plan update process. Maintaining a full Planning Commission will support continuity and effective decision -making during this process.
Background Discussion:
Pursuant to Article XIII, Section 1 of the Visalia City Charter, the City Council may establish a Planning Commission consisting of five members who serve without compensation. The Commission is granted powers and duties as determined by the Council, specifically related to city planning matters.
According to Visalia Municipal Code Section 2.16.020, vacancies on the Planning Commission must be filled by the Council and are to be filled only for the remainder of the unexpired term.
Commissioners must also be United States citizens and residents of the City of Visalia.
The Visalia Planning Commission currently consists of five members. Commissioner Charlie Norman submitted his resignation effective June 30. 2026 or the appointment and qualification of his successor. In response to the pending vacancy, the City Council directed staff to begin recruitment Visalia City Council Printed on 6/26/2026Page 1 of 2
powered by Legistar™
2 File #: 26-0025 Agenda Date: 6/29/2026 Agenda #: 1.
efforts.
Staff initiated a recruitment process and received new applications. Consistent with the City’stwo- year application retention period, previously submitted qualified applications were invited to interview and be considered by the Council for this appointment.
The City Council will conduct interviews and may appoint one applicant to fill the term ending June 30, 2028, continue the matter to a later date, or direct staff to reopen the recruitment process.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: N/A Prior Council Action: June 15, 2026: The City Council reappointed Commissioner Charlie Norman to a second term on the Planning Commission and confirmed the recruitment process to fill the pending vacancy resulting from his resignation effective upon the appointment of his successor.
Alternatives: The City Council may provide alternative direction to staff.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
I move to appoint (insert name) to the Planning Commission to fill the vacant Commission positive effective July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2028.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 06/29/2026
Attachments: Planning Commission Applications
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply. ☐
Economic
Vitality
☒
Organizational
Excellence
☐
Fiscal
Strength
☐
Infrastructure &
Growth
☐
Quality of
Life
Visalia City Council Printed on 6/26/2026Page 2 of 2
powered by Legistar™
3 Subject Location Citizen Contact Information
Request Details [Information provided by Citizen]
Printed on 12/1/2025
City Clerk - Application for Appointment to City Board, Committee or Commission [ Request Id:
276059]
Street Info:
City / Zip
Citizen Name: Joseph Halford
Email:
Phone1 / Phone2:
Address:
City, Zip: Visalia, CA 93291
Please review the following handbook:
How many years of being a Visalia
Resident?: 41
Are you a Visalia Registered Voter?: Yes
List any training and/or experience: Approx. 14 years of experience in leadership roles for Non-profit, Education, and Government. Approx. 20
years of experience in Information Technology and
technology infrastructure planning. My experience has
given me the opportunity to interact with the
community (identifying needs, promoting solutions),
participate in bringing items to Boards for approval,
and collaborating on large efforts that require input
from multiple stakeholders. 2021 - Present - Tulare
County Director of Information and Communications
Technology 2016 - 2021 - Madera Unified Director of
Information Technology 2013 - 2016 - Assistant
Director of Communication and Information Systems
CSET
Education-school, major, graduation date &
degree: Masters Degree - Cyber and Information Security - 2016 Bachelors Degree - Information Technology -
2014
Additional skills and/or interests: Woodworking, DIY Home Improvement and interior design, Antique Furniture and Architecture,
Landscaping and Gardening, Electronics Repair,
Vintage Cars, Metal working and Fabrication,
Electronics Repair, beer making, cooking, and
hiking/camping.
Community activities in which you are
involved: My partner is actively involved in Animal Rescue, primarily with the Central Valley Railroad Rescue, and
I support her efforts as needed with various events.
Service on a City Board, Committee or
Commission:
Present Occupation: Director of Information Technology Name of Employer:
Work Address:
Work Phone Number:
Potential Conflicts: No
If Yes, explain in detail any potential
conflicts:
First Choice for City
Board/Committee/Commission: Historic Preservation Committee Applicable qualifications and experience: I have been a resident within the Historical Committee area for over 10 years and I enjoy reading up on
historical architecture. As a member of the community,
12/1/25, 10:17 AM visalia.city/admin/printRequest.asp?requestid=276059 https://www.visalia.city/admin/printRequest.asp?requestid=276059 1/2 Personnel, medical, or similarPersonnel, medical, orPersonnel, 4 it's given me a lot of insight into how to approach the care of these old homes and the difficulty in finding
contractors that know how to work on them.
Goals for this appointment: I would like to build relationships with the other committee members and find ways to improve
outreach and resources for homeowners. I would also
like to compare existing historical committee
ordinance to other California communities and make
recommendations to the City that could improve the
community experience of ownership and investment in
these types of properties. Additionally, identifying
changes that would relax the concerns of other
neighborhoods that should be historically protected
such as Beverly Glen or Green Acres, so that we could
continue to expand protection to these historical
homes. These neighborhoods are the Cities historical
"core" and we need to find ways to continue improving
these neighborhoods.
Second Choice for City
Board/Committee/Commission: Parks & Recreation Commission Applicable qualifications and experience: I'm an avid gardener and studied horticulture briefly prior to pivoting to Information Technology. Visiting
parks or botanical gardens when traveling is a hobby
of mine.
Goals for this appointment: Support the city in expanding the available park space for the community.
Third Choice for
Board/Committee/Commission: Planning Commission
Applicable qualifications and experience: Approx. 14 years of experience in leadership roles and a community member all my life.
Goals for this appointment: Support efforts to make good long term planning decisions. I would likely push or make
recommendations that improve road safety and
investment or parks in the city core as opposed to
increased suburban sprawl.
Agree or Not Agree: Agree
Resume:
View Attachment
Male or Female: Male
Ethnic Category: White - includes White, Anglo-Saxons, Europeans, and person of Indo-European, North Africa or Middle
Eastern origin.
Staff Request Admin
Request ID: 276059
Received/Entered: 11/9/2025 1:33:47 PM
Target Complete Date: 11/12/2025 1:33:47 PM
Actual Complete Date:
Request Source: Internet (N)
Original Assigned Staff: Dangerfield, Rachel
Davila Lopez, Pamela
Rivera, Reyna
Priority: Normal
Status: Received
Color
Flag:
Staff / Citizen Action Log
No Staff/Citizen Actions have been added
12/1/25, 10:17 AM visalia.city/admin/printRequest.asp?requestid=276059 https://www.visalia.city/admin/printRequest.asp?requestid=276059 2/2 5 Joe Halford
___________________________________________________ __________________________________
With 20 years of experience in Information Technology (IT), I seek a critical leadership position in an organization committed to using IT to s upport the organization’s mission and vision. My IT expertise in capacity assessment, risk ma nagement, cybersecurity, strategic planning, and effective resource allocation is essential to such an organization’s short- and long- term success.
Areas of IT Expertise
Strategic planning and management Policy development & i mplementation Risk analysis/data integrity/disaster recovery Network security architecture Data management Data Analysis
Public acquisition process / Request for Proposals In ventory control - Audit Response Identify/Manage critical IT needs during pervasive crisis Manage/Relocate scarce resources during times of drasticall y changing community needs
Relevant Work Experience
December 2021 – Present (4 Years)
Director –
Primary Responsibilities: Oversee and direct the Information and Communications Technolog y Department of for day-to-day operations and establishing strategic direction. is comprised of approximately 150 employees spread through eig ht distinct units that comprise infrastructure support, project management and anal ysis, data management, information security, and custom application development. The annual budget is approximately $45,000,000 and supports the technology infra structure of twenty-six distinct departments with unique lines of business.
Specific Accomplishments:
• ERP Modernization: Established project management teams to facilitate and oversee the implementation of modern software to replace legacy financial, payroll, and HRIS software. This project was extensive, multi-year, and requir ed significant resources to properly scope and support.
• Web Site Modernization: Tulare County recently launched a new modernized website with emphasis on ADA, usability, and scalability. Thi s is a signature accomplishment, as the legacy website had extensive dependencies and cultural acceptance throughout the organization. It required coordination of n early a hundred content creators and copious change management practices to overco me change resistance. 6 • Strategic Plan: Collaborated with twenty-six departments to write and deliver a three-year strategic plan for County technology. This str ategic plan is available on the County Website for review.
August 2016 - Present (5 Years)
Director - Information Technology
Primary Responsibilities: Oversee and direct Information Technology Department of 40 st aff to support and implement technology throughout the school district, serving over 20,000 students and approximately 2,500 staff members. Direct and manage a nnual technology budget of $3,500,000 to maintain end-user equipment, network equipment, and software for all 30 schools and five District office locations.
Specific Accomplishments:
• Implementation of a multilevel professional development program for district staff that includes a robust district knowledge base, internally develo ped online courses and badging, face to face, and hybrid learning options.
• Completed extensive department reorganization resulting in detaile d career ladders, clarity for IT staff regarding job responsibilities, and increa sed capacity to address support deficiency.
• Designed and implemented five-year refresh plan to proactivel y maintain 1:1 Chromebook program with annual replacement of aging devices and upgrades to classroom A/V equipment throughout the district.
• Managed and directed the design and implementation of $1 0,000,000 of extensive network improvements throughout the district via the Federal E-Rate Prog ram. • Managed implementation and migration of accounting and HR systems from multiple disparate software systems to a single consolidated syst em. • Worked with multiple internal and external groups to design multi-gig technology systems for recently constructed Elementary, Concurrent Enrollment Middle Sc hool, and High School campuses.
• Recruited and managed over 150 volunteers for the emergency distri bution of 12,500 Chromebooks and 1,000 mobile hotspots in response to schoo l closure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Data Center redesign and refresh with implementation of Virtual D esktop Infrastructure for Career Technical Education Courses. Design includes in-ro w cooling, hot and cold aisle, and back-up generator. New equipment will support:
• Increased custom application needs of the district
• Over 900 concurrent students in the VDI environment accessing 3D modeling software • Network backbone of 40gbps with capability to expand to 100gbps. • Kicked off efforts to provide a Municipal Broadband Net work to provide internet access for students outside of wireline service areas or qualified low -income students. 7 October 2013 – August 2016 (2 years, 10 months)
Assistant Director - Information & Technology Support
Primary Responsibilities : Oversaw and directed seven staff to implement the first formal assessment of technical need for , which annually serves n early 25,000 residents. Provided oversight into the $600,000 annual technology budget which supports some 400 workstations spread throughout fourteen offices across two large counties . Conducted priority risk analysis and worked with leadership to define additional needed res ource support and capability development. Led educational efforts related to IT development and management in this transitional organization.
IT Specific Accomplishments :
• Facilitated implementation of new cloud-based help desk system and processes to increase communication between the technology department and the rest of the organization - resulting in faster response times, accurate metrics, and ea sy dissemination of updated technology policies.
• Development of a three-year technology and lifecycle plan that complements strategic plan and helps meet National Performance Indicators (NPI’s) such as community engagement, employment growth, and agency capacity.
• Designed and implemented bid-project to standardize the print er fleet throughout the organization resulting in annual savings of approximately $100,000. • Persuaded multiple competing programs to invest in sweepi ng information security and network updates including updated firewalls, implementation of terminal services for public resource rooms, CIPA compliant web proxies for charter school classrooms, and identity management across physical locations.
• Standardized job roles within the department and implemente d comprehensive training programs to improve technical staff skills.
• Developed and oversaw the implementation of a comprehensive disa ster recovery plan.
October 2006 – October 2013 (7 years)
IT Systems Administrator - Information Technology
Primary Responsibilities : Trained and managed two IT staff to support organizati onal IT requirements. Led assessment of technology needs and planning t o meet identified high priority IT support goals. Provided oversight to Health Insur ance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) compliance effort. Managed IT network integri ty/security. Contributed to organization-wide strategic leadership meetings to ensure technological needs aligned with the company’s strategic plan and the needs of six divisions.
8 Education
Capitol Technology University, Laurel, MD
MS in Cyber & Information Security - August 2016
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT
BS in Information Technology - October 2014
CompTIA Project+ Project Management Certification
9 Redaction Log
Reason Page (# of occurrences) Description
1 (1) ---
no reason
1 (7)
3 (4)
4 (1)
5 (5)
---
Personnel, medical, or similar records
Gov9t Code §§ 7927.700 1 (3)
Portions of the records relating to
personnel, medical, or similar files
would constitute an unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy are
exempt from disclosure and are
redacted pursuant to California
Government Code § 7927.700.
10 Subject Location Citizen Contact Information
Request Details [Information provided by Citizen]
Printed on 3/6/2026
City Clerk - Application for Appointment to City Board, Committee or Commission [ Request Id:
276579]
Street Info:
City / Zip
Citizen Name: Hector Prado Delgado
Email:
Phone1 / Phone2:
Address:
City, Zip: Visalia, CA 93291
Please review the following handbook:
How many years of being a Visalia
Resident?: 7
Are you a Visalia Registered Voter?: Yes
List any training and/or experience: - Over a decade of experience in financial services, including founding and operating an independent
insurance agency - Former President, California
Central Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Founder and
CEO of Educación for Everybody (E4E), a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit serving Fresno and Tulare Counties - Grant
writing and program development for state, federal,
and foundation funding - Bilingual (English/Spanish)
community organizing and coalition building across
education, workforce, and economic development
Education-school, major, graduation date &
degree: Fresno State University
Additional skills and/or interests:
Community activities in which you are
involved: - Founder and CEO of Educación for Everybody (E4E), delivering free programs in financial literacy,
entrepreneurship, college access, and parent education
to first-generation families across Fresno and Tulare
Counties - Former President of the California Central
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, advocating for Latino-
owned businesses and economic growth in the Central
Valley - Lead facilitator of the JUNTOS Parent
Education Series, an 8-week Spanish-language
program partnering with local schools to empower
immigrant families - Active community navigator
assisting families with resume writing, immigration
documentation, and access to public resources -
Partnerships with United Way Fresno Madera, Fresno
State, Neighborhood Degree, local schools, churches,
and ethnic media to expand outreach and opportunity
in underserved communities
Service on a City Board, Committee or
Commission:
Present Occupation:
Name of Employer:
Work Address:
Work Phone Number:
Potential Conflicts: No
If Yes, explain in detail any potential
conflicts:
11 First Choice for City
Board/Committee/Commission: Planning Commission
Applicable qualifications and experience: - Over a decade as a small business owner in Visalia, with firsthand understanding of how zoning,
permitting, and land use decisions impact local
businesses and economic development. - Former
President of the California Central Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, advocating for business-friendly policies
and sustainable commercial growth in the Central
Valley. - Founder and CEO of a nonprofit (E4E) focused
on community development, giving direct insight into
the needs of underserved neighborhoods, housing
accessibility, and equitable resource distribution. -
Experience building coalitions across schools,
churches, government agencies, and community
organizations. Understanding how planning decisions
affect diverse stakeholders. - Bilingual in English and Spanish, able to ensure meaningful community input
from Visalia's large Latino population in public
hearings and planning processes. - Deep roots in the
Central Valley with a strong understanding of the
region's growth patterns, agricultural land use,
housing demand, and infrastructure needs. - Grant
writing and public funding experience, with familiarity navigating government programs, compliance
requirements, and public investment priorities. -
Commitment to smart, inclusive growth that balances
economic opportunity with quality of life for all Visalia residents.
Goals for this appointment: - Ensure Visalia's growth and development is inclusive, with equitable access to housing, infrastructure, and
economic opportunity for all neighborhoods. Especially
underserved communities. - Advocate for small
business-friendly zoning and land use policies that
support local entrepreneurs and attract investment to
the Central Valley. - Strengthen community
engagement in the planning process by bridging
language and cultural barriers, ensuring Spanish-
speaking residents have a meaningful voice in public
hearings and decisions. - Promote smart, sustainable
development that balances growth with preserving
Visalia's agricultural heritage and quality of life. - Bring a community-centered perspective to planning
decisions, drawing on my experience working directly
with families, small businesses, and nonprofits to
understand how land use impacts everyday life.
Second Choice for City
Board/Committee/Commission: Parks & Recreation Commission^# Staff Request Admin
Request ID: 276579
Received/Entered: 3/4/2026 5:43:01 PM
Target Complete Date: 3/6/2026 5:43:01 PM
Actual Complete Date:
Request Source: Internet (N)
Original Assigned Staff: Dangerfield, Rachel
Davila Lopez, Pamela
Rivera, Reyna
Priority: Normal
Status: Received
Color
Flag:
Staff / Citizen Action Log
No Staff/Citizen Actions have been added
12 Redaction Log
Reason Page (# of occurrences) Description
no reason 1 (7) ---
13 Subject Location Citizen Contact Information
Request Details [Information provided by Citizen]
Printed on 2/25/2026
City Clerk - Application for Appointment to City Board, Committee or Commission [ Request Id:
276382]
Street Info:
City / Zip
Citizen Name: Kevin Bernardo
Email:
Phone1 / Phone2:
Address:
City, Zip: Visalia, CA 93277
Please review the following handbook:
How many years of being a Visalia
Resident?: 12 years in total Visalia resident, Tulare resident for 22 years
Are you a Visalia Registered Voter?: Yes
List any training and/or experience: Currently a local small business owner and general contractor. Previous roles before started my business
were in executive level leadership roles.
Education-school, major, graduation date &
degree: Tulare Western High School class of 2009, some college no degree.
Additional skills and/or interests:
Community activities in which you are
involved: Visalia youth baseball head coach, 3 years Team sponsor, 3 years
Service on a City Board, Committee or
Commission: Visalia
Present Occupation:
Name of Employer:
Work Address:
Work Phone Number:
Potential Conflicts: No
If Yes, explain in detail any potential
conflicts:
First Choice for City
Board/Committee/Commission: Planning Commission
Applicable qualifications and experience: California state licensed general contractor, 18 years of experience in construction and development.
14 Goals for this appointment: To be involved with the rapidly growing community, assist in decision making, and gain personal
experience.
Second Choice for City
Board/Committee/Commission: Parks & Recreation Commission Applicable qualifications and experience: California state licensed general contractor, 18 years of experience in construction and development.
Goals for this appointment: To be involved with the rapidly growing community, assist in decision making, and gain personal
experience.
Applicable qualifications and experience:
Goals for this appointment:
Agree or Not Agree: Agree
Male or Female: Male
Ethnic Category: White - includes White, Anglo-Saxons, Europeans, and person of Indo-European, North Africa or Middle
Eastern origin.
Staff Request Admin
Request ID: 276382
Received/Entered: 1/21/2026 9:08:23 AM
Target Complete Date: 1/23/2026 9:08:23 AM
Actual Complete Date:
Request Source: Internet (N)
Original Assigned Staff: Dangerfield, Rachel
Davila Lopez, Pamela
Rivera, Reyna
Priority: Normal
Status: Received
Color
Flag:
Staff / Citizen Action Log
No Staff/Citizen Actions have been added
15 Redaction Log
Reason Page (# of occurrences) Description
no reason 1 (7) ---
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 29
30 Subject Location Citizen Contact Information
Request Details [Information provided by Citizen]
Printed on 5/13/2025
City Clerk - Application for Appointment to City Board, Committee or Commission [ Request Id:
274976]
Street Info:
City / Zip
Citizen Name: Efrain Becerra
Email:
Phone1 / Phone2:
Address:
City, Zip: Vislaia, CA 93291
Please review the following handbook:
How many years of being a Visalia
Resident?: 24
Are you a Visalia Registered Voter?: Yes
List any training and/or experience: Cultural Heritage Leadership: Gained through over two decades of organizing multicultural programs and
events that emphasize the preservation of traditional
arts, dress, and customs. Public Policy & Civic
Engagement Workshops: Participated in community
leadership training focused on local governance, civic
planning, and historical advocacy. Event Planning &
Site Management Certification: Experience in planning
events in historic settings with attention to
preservation protocols and cultural sensitivity.
Community Education and Outreach Strategies:
Training in effective communication and educational
engagement techniques for diverse populations,
emphasizing the value of historic landmarks and
stories.
Education-school, major, graduation date &
degree: Relevant Trainings and Certifications 3 Efrain Becerra Cultural Heritage Leadership: Gained through over two
decades of organizing multicultural programs and
events that emphasize the preservation of traditional
arts, dress, and customs. Public Policy & Civic
Engagement Workshops: Participated in community
leadership training focused on local governance, civic
planning, and historical advocacy. Event Planning &
Site Management Certification: Experience in planning
events in historic settings with attention to
preservation protocols and cultural sensitivity.
Community Education and Outreach Strategies:
Training in effective communication and educational
engagement techniques for diverse populations,
31 emphasizing the value of historic landmarks and
stories.
Additional skills and/or interests: In addition to my academic and professional background, I bring a wide range of skills and passions that enrich my contributions to the community. I am
an experienced public speaker, event coordinator, and
cultural educator with over 25 years of experience in
dance instruction, theatrical production, and artistic
direction. In my free time, I enjoy historical research, cosplay4often portraying iconic characters like
Batman and Wolverine4creative arts, and exploring
local history through travel and photography. I am
deeply committed to civic engagement and regularly
attend Visalia City Council meetings to stay informed
and involved in local decisions. I strive to maintain
respectful and professional relationships with all five council members, prioritizing unity, transparency, and
a shared vision for the city. I care deeply about the
future of Visalia and aim to serve in ways that preserve its heritage while fostering inclusive growth.
Community activities in which you are
involved: As an active community member in Visalia, I have dedicated myself to uplifting and connecting diverse
groups through service, education, and cultural
engagement. I have led and organized multicultural
events, volunteered with local nonprofits, and
supported youth and family-focused initiatives. My
work includes mentoring students, advocating for
animal welfare, and contributing to cultural awareness
programs during Hispanic Heritage Month and other
civic celebrations. I also support neighborhood
beautification efforts and have collaborated with local organizations to create inclusive, vibrant community
spaces. My passion for the city extends to attending
city council meetings consistently and advocating for
transparency, inclusion, and preservation. I maintain a professional presence and open line of communication
through my LinkedIn profile:
www.linkedin.com/in/efrainbecerra, where
community members and colleagues can learn more
about my experience, values, and ongoing initiatives.
Service on a City Board, Committee or
Commission: I have proudly served the City of Visalia through consistent civic engagement and volunteerism. I
attend every city council meeting to stay informed
about ongoing issues, policies, and development plans
affecting our community. My approach is rooted in
fairness and collaboration, as I strive to maintain
positive, unbiased relationships with all five council
members while advocating for transparency and
inclusivity. I have partic
Staff Request Admin
Request ID: 274976
Received/Entered: 5/7/2025 9:02:30 PM
Target Complete Date: 5/9/2025 9:02:30 PM
Actual Complete Date:
Request Source: Internet (N)
Priority: Normal
Status: Received
Color
Flag:
32 Original Assigned Staff: Dangerfield, Rachel
Rivera, Reyna
Staff / Citizen Action Log
No Staff/Citizen Actions have been added
33 Efrain Becerra
Visalia, California | | | LinkedIn:
Professional Summary
Dynamic community leader, educator, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in cultural arts, education, and event coordination. Proven track record in managing diverse teams, spearheading community initiatives, and advocating for heritage preservation and public accountability. Was a Visalia City Council District 1 with a mission to amplify local voices, prioritize child safety, and ensure responsible use of city funds.
Professional Experience
Founder & Director – AMELAT Dance Company
Visalia, CA | 2007 – Present
- Established and currently manage an international dance company promoting cultural unity through folkloric performance.
- Directed over 100 dancers from various cultural backgrounds across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
- Developed costume inventory systems, event logistics, and team leadership protocols. - Spearheaded community performances for festivals, schools, and cultural nights, reinforcing Visalia’s multicultural identity.
Owner – Event Planning & Decor Business
Visalia, CA | 2010 – Present
- Operate a private business specializing in high-end event planning and artistic decoration for weddings, community events, and cultural galas.
- Coordinate with vendors, design teams, and clients to execute visually impactful events while staying within budget.
- Recognized for creativity, attention to detail, and commitment to client satisfaction.
Social Studies & Political Science Teacher
Visalia, CA | Various Schools | 2015 – Present
- Design and implement curriculum rooted in civic engagement, history, and government. - Empower students with critical thinking skills and knowledge of political systems. - Advocate for inclusive education practices, particularly for underrepresented communities. 34 Community Leadership & Civic Engagement
Candidate – Visalia City Council, District 1
2024
- Campaigning to bridge the gap between city governance and local residents. - Prioritize child safety, responsible spending, heritage conservation, and animal welfare. - Engage regularly in community forums, Hispanic heritage celebrations, and city-wide cultural initiatives.
Volunteer & Cultural Advocate
- Speaker at community and women’s forums promoting inclusivity, public service, and education.
- Organizer of multicultural festivals, including Hispanic Heritage Month events. - Supporter of local animal shelters, advocating for adoption over euthanasia.
Education
Brigham Young University–Idaho
Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Minor in Social Studies/HIstory Rexburg, ID | 2010 – 2012
College of the Sequoias
General Education & Transfer Studies
Visalia, CA | 2007 – 2009
Additional Skills
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
- Public Speaking & Advocacy
- Cultural Program Development
- Education /HIstory Education
- Community Outreach & Grant Writing
- Political Strategy & Campaign Management
- Artistic Design, Dance Instruction, & Cosplay (Batman & Wolverine) special events 35 Commi琀琀ee’s and Commissions Applica琀椀on
Supplemental Informa琀椀on
Efrain Becerra
Schooling
Bringham Young University, Idaho
University Studies, Composite Educa琀椀on – Emphasis in History, B.A.
Employment Informa琀椀on
Con昀氀ict of Interest
No con昀氀icts of interest.
Choice of Commi琀琀ee
1st – Historic Preserva琀椀on Advisory Commi琀琀ee
2nd – Parks & Recrea琀椀on Commission
3rd – Any other open commi琀琀ee/commission
Cer琀椀昀椀ca琀椀on
Agree with statement.
Gender Iden琀椀昀椀ca琀椀on
Male
Ethnic Category
Hispanic – Mexican descent
36 To Whom It May Concern,
It is my pleasure to recommend Efrain Becerra for your organization. He is a passionate individual, able to organize and lead groups with precision and care. I have known Efrain for over 10 years as a mentor within our church organization.
During this time, I have been consistently impressed with his enthusiasm for cultural activities and his care and concern for the well-being of others.
Efrain consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to executing planned events on time and an exceptional ability to inspire team members to perform to the best of their ability. His technical expertise of the culture of most Hispanic nations was particularly noteworthy, and consistently played a key role in annual multi-cultural activities.
I was particularly impressed by Efrainʼs knowledge of native cultural dances. For instance, he was able to instruct, lead, and even participate in dances from several countries and cultures within succession during the events.
Efrain is always eager to learn and take on new challenges, and he consistently exceeds expectations. I am confident that he will be a valuable asset to your organization or program.
I recommend Efrain to your organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Geoff Howard
Stake President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints á20132022â Email:
Cell #:
37 Redaction Log
Reason Page (# of occurrences) Description
no reason
1 (3)
4 (3)
6 (2)
7 (2)
---
38 39
40 41