Pedro Chavez, Councilmember

Council Term Expires: December, 2026
Email: pchavez@spcity.org

Biography

Pedro A Chavez serves as the most recently elected member of the Santa Paula City Council. During his election in November of 2022, Mr. Chavez made history by tying for the most votes. His platform resonated with Santa Paulans as it focused on three major areas of improvement: Infrastructure and Public Services, Jobs and Building a Sustainable Economy, Public Safety & Inspiring Community Harmony.

Education

Employment

He is passionate about improving the quality of life for working families through his experiences in both the public and private sector. He served as a Sales Manager/Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator for a private, national mortgage company and holds more than 13 years of experience helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. Prior to his role in the real estate industry, Pedro served in non-profit management with organizations focused on civil rights and social justice to health and human services in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Ventura County. To view professional work experience and understand his business acumen please visit his LINKIN profile here.  

Personal

Pedro is a first-generation immigrant from Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico and is a product of the public education system. Coming from humble beginnings, he was raised by a single mom with principle-centered values that encouraged a strong work ethic and a determination to become independent and self-sufficient.

As a champion for change, he also made history by being elected as the first openly gay City Council Member in the city’s 120+ year history demonstrating the progress made in the fight for civil rights, equality, and social justice.

He has been happily married to Francisco S. Estrada for more than 18 years, and both enjoy being dog dads to Frida, Papi, and Pacquita, all rescued from local animal shelters including of very own SPARC.

Through adversity, hard work, and perseverance, Pedro is living proof that the American dream is still possible for immigrants like himself. His favorite quote from U.S. President John F. Kennedy exemplifies what Pedro believes deeply in his heart and wishes to inspire in others—"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try”.

Mr. Chavez has a long-standing record of service in the community and received acknowledgment that highlights the many charitable and professional causes he championed:

• President’s Lifetime Volunteer Service Award by both U.S. President’s George W. Bush (2008) and Barack H. Obama (2013)
• “Young Leader 40 Under 40” presented by the United Way of Ventura County and the Pacific Coast Business Times (2009)
• “Maximus” Award presented by the Students of California State University Channel Islands (2009) 
• Inaugural Latino Business Award presented by the Pacific Coast Business Times (2012)
• “New Member of the Year" presented by the Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks (2013)
• Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originator presented by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (2016)
• Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originator presented by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (2017) 
• Top Producer Leadership Award presented by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage4 (2018)
• Community Service Award presented by Diversity Collective Ventura County (2019)
• Leadership Service Award presented by NAHREP Ventura County (2020)
• Strategic Partner of the Year Award presented by the Women’s Council of Realtors (2021)
• Good Neighbor Award presented by the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors (2021)
• Chairman’s Leadership Award presented by the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter (2022)
• Volunteer of the Year presented by West Ventura County Business Alliance (2022)
• Latino Leadership Award presented by El Concilio Family Services (2023)

However, Pedro’s proudest accomplishment has been serving as a mentor to an at-risk youth in the community through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for more than twelve years. As a positive force in a child’s life, Pedro and his family helped propel his “Little” to become the first in his family to graduate from high school, head into college and follow a career path into law enforcement where he now proudly serves as a Police Officer in the Los Angeles Police Department.