Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Rio Hondo Community College District; Trustee Area 4

My name is Alma Martinez. I am a candidate for the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees Area No. 4. I am proud to say that I am a long time resident of the district. My husband, Richard, our three children and I were all educated in local schools. Our youngest son is currently attending Rio Hondo in their Dual-enrollment program.

In 2003 I took on the enormous challenge of running for a seat on the Santa Fe Springs City Council. Although I was not successful, I gained further admiration from the community because of the honest, grassroots campaign I ran.

In 2005 I was named Woman of Distinction by Assembly Member Rudy Bermudez for the 56th Assembly District.

Also in 2005 my husband, Richard and I were recognized as Santa Fe Springs Residents of the Year by the City and the Chamber of Commerce.

Currently I am a member of the League of Women Voters of Whittier. Recently my husband and I were elected as delegates to the California Democratic State Convention for the 56th Assembly District and I served as Secretary.

My reputation as a strong advocate for children became known to a number of area child care agencies. While presenting a workshop to help day care providers acquire state licensing, I was approached by an agency director about participating in a new PBS TV program involving child care providers. After a lengthy audition process, I was selected to serve as a child care panelist for the pilot of "A Place of Our Own." Within two months, major corporations such as BP, British Petroleum, parent company of Arco, First 5 California and First 5 Los Angeles, as well as other major contributors, funded the program for $10 million. Now in its third year of production, "A Place of Our Own", filmed at KCET studios in Hollywood, now airs on PBS stations across country.

I have earned an A.A. degree in Social Science from Cerritos College. My next goal is to return to school and get a degree in education.

I would be honored to serve as your Trustee. Please vote for Alma Martinez to help Restore Respect to Rio!