POLICY COUNCIL MEMBERS

TULARE COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES

Mayor Rudy Mendoza  

Mayor Rudy Mendoza, City of Woodlake

Rudy Mendoza is a native of Woodlake, CA, a farming community on the eastern stretch of Tulare County.  A first generation Mexican-American, Rudy labored in Central Valley fields alongside his family early on in his career, having picked oranges and grapes among other crops until his early twenties when he was named the youngest farm manager of a well-established farming operation in Porterville, CA. Rudy was re-elected to serve his second term on the Woodlake City Council this past November and currently presides as Mayor of the City of Woodlake. Rudy is active on several boards and commissions in his capacity as Mayor, currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Tulare County Association of Governments, Tulare County Water Commission, LAFCO, Small Business Advisory, San Joaquin Valley Policy Council, and the CALVans Authority just to name a few.  Rudy works as the Operations Manager to a Central Valley Conglomerate as well as running his own Consulting Firm, Mendoza Consulting which specializes in Risk Management and Human Resource support for small business.  Prior to reentering the private sector, Rudy worked for seven years as a Field Representative to Congressman Devin Nunes (R) Tulare, who represents California’s 22nd Congressional District.  His day to day role is being a liaison between the constituents of the 22nd Congressional District and the Federal Government.

Supervisor Dennis Townsend

Supervisor Dennis Townsend, Tulare County District #5

Supervisor Dennis Townsend represents District Five, which includes Porterville, Springville, Terra Bella, Alpine, Ducor, Camp Nelson, California Hot Springs, Posey, Kennedy Meadows, Ponderosa, Sequoia Crest, and surrounding areas of southeast Tulare County. He was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2018.

Supervisor Townsend is a licensed architect and is an owner of Centerline Design & Engineering in Porterville. A graduate of Monache High School, he went on to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Architecture from the College of the Sequoias and graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Supervisor Townsend was employed by Wayne F. Harris and Associates, R.L. Schafer and Associates, and Hobbs Architectural Group before opening Townsend Architectural Group in 2001 (Townsend Architectural Group was renamed Centerline Design & Engineering in 2024).

Working and living in Porterville and Springville, Supervisor Townsend is involved in numerous community and volunteer organizations, including the Habitat for Humanity Building Hope in Porterville Board as well as the Man Alive planning board for the annual men’s event. A graduate of Leadership Porterville, he has since served as a sponsor and mentor to the program. Supervisor Townsend has served for several years on the advisory board for Harmony Magnet Academy and as an elder and worship team member at Lighthouse Chapel in Springville. He is a past Porterville Chamber of Commerce Board member and currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the Springville Chamber of Commerce and was honored by that organization as “Man of the Year” in 2009.

Supervisor Townsend married his wife Cece in 1982. They were both born and raised in Porterville and currently reside in Springville.

Mayor Alma Beltran

Mayor Alma Beltran, City of Parlier,

Mayor Beltran is the first female Latina Mayor representing the City of Parlier. Mayor Beltran has served her community for the last eight years (nearing the end of her second term), making public safety her top priority, ensuring that all residents of Parlier feel safe in their homes and community. Before becoming Mayor, Alma Beltran had always been a community activist paving the way on water, public safety, and community development, which inevitably led to her running for Parlier’s top spot. Alma started her career working for the Tulare County Juvenile Hall leading her to become a Case Manager for the Department of Mental Health Services. She then worked for a nonprofit as a Case Manager Specialist for a Re-Entry Program. That led her to her career as a Correctional Officer for CA State Department of Corrections, where she served until her retirement last year. Mayor Beltran, elected in 2014 and while working as a correctional officer, offered an energetic voice and strong leadership to create positive changes in her community as the new Mayor of Parlier. During her first term, Mayor Beltran led the charge in the passage of Measure Q, a public safety measure property tax, that saved the Parlier Police Department from closure due to budgetary reasons. This measure increased the number of sworn public safety officers and allowed the purchase of six new patrol cars. Recently, Mayor Beltran successfully fought for the passage of Measure S, a one-cent sales tax that was critical in funding the city’s fire protection service. Mayor Alma Beltran is a model of a strong, passionate, and confident woman who isn’t afraid to stand up for her community to ensure its viability for years to come.

Mayor Gary Yep

Mayor Gary Yep, City of Kerman

Born and raised in Kerman California, Mayor Yep graduated from Kerman High School.  He has a A.S. degree in Real Estate from Fresno City College, a B.S. in Marketing from San Diego State University and a Joint MBA, International Finance and Law Degree from University of San Francisco.  Mayor Yep also attended The University of Paris, Sorbonne Institute and Trinity College in Dublin Ireland focusing on Legal and International Finance issues of the European community prior to the conversion of the Euro.  His adventures and education continued even further when he spent a summer completing a MBA Program in Hong Kong, comparing Asian Business practices with the American and European Markets. Mayor Yep was admitted as an attorney in California in 1995. He serves as the current President of Valley Food Super Center; co-owner with his brothers Mark & Jerry Yep.  Their Kerman business was established in 1955 by his parents Henry & Jean Yep.Mayor Yep and his wife Stephanie have been married for 9 years and have 2 children, Jake & Sydney.  He was first elected in 2010 as Mayor and re-elected in November 2012.

Mayor Saul Ayon

Mayor Saul Ayon, City of McFarland

Supervisor David Couch

Supervisor David Couch, Kern County District #4

Supervisor Doug Verboon

Supervisor Doug Verboon, Kings County District #3

As a lifelong resident of Hanford, I am dedicated to serving the needs of Kings County. I have been active in our community for many years. As a 16-year trustee of Pioneer Elementary School District, I was instrumental in helping the school become the first charter school district in California. Since 2005, I have owned and managed the only fully occupied commercial property in California. Having served as the Kings County District 3 supervisor for the past twelve years, I feel qualified and obligated to continue to work toward the goals of the current board and administration. I am dedicated to representing our County’s residents at the local, state, and federal levels. During my tenure on the Board of Supervisors, I have been extremely active in the fight against the mismanaged high-speed rail and protecting the rights to water for all valley residents. In 2013, I was named Agriculturalist of the Year by the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce in recognition of my contribution to the agricultural community. As a 4^th generation farmer, I understand the unique needs of our county and will continue to make every effort to protect the rights of the citizens of Kings County.

Mayor Alvaro Preciado

Mayor Alvaro Preciado, City of Avenal

Alvaro Preciado is a proud Mexican American citizen. He retired from a local government in Fresno county as a Chief Plant Operator at a wastewater treatment plant. He is cross-certified by the state of CA in water treatment, water distribution and wastewater treatment. Alvaro Preciado is a Councilmember, and Mayor for the city of Avenal in Kings County. He is very active in his community, having a community garden in his house which is 100% free to residents. He is a member of the community response team with the Avenal police dept and a chair for St. Joseph Catholic Church Finance Board in Avenal. He represents the west side in a joint power authority (JPA) being composed of 5 counties in the Central Valley and 3 mayor water agencies, cities and Indian tribes. He is also a member of the Governing Board of The San Joaquin Air Quality Control District (SJVAPCD) and a member of the special city selection committee also with the District. He has lived in Tijuana, Mexico; San Diego, CA; Santa Maria, CA; Salinas, CA; Blythe, CA; Prunedale, CA and Yuma, Arizona. He also served as a planning commissioner for the city of Avenal for 2 years before being elected as a City Councilmember.

Supervisor Robert Poythress

Supervisor Robert Poythress, Madera County District #3

Rob is a native Maderan, raised on his family’s farm, and graduated from Madera High School in 1974. Rob then attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, graduating in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Business Management. In 1998 he earned his graduate degree from Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington. Rob served in the commercial banking industry for 39 years and is also a General Partner in Poythress Farms. Rob and his wife Carol raised 3 children and are blessed with 11 grandchildren. Poythress served on the Madera City Council from 2004 through 2016, serving as mayor for 6 years. Poythress was first elected to the Madera County Board of Supervisors in 2016 and is now serving his 3^rd term on the Board. Rob is deeply involved in local and regional leadership, currently serving as Chair of the Madera EDC, the California Van Pool Authority, and as past chair of the San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council and CALCOG. Poythress is starting his 21^st year as a member of the Madera County Transportation Commission and was the recipient of the 2023 San Joaquin Valley Blueprint Award due to his efforts in advocating and supporting the enhancement of highway infrastructure in the Valley. He has served on the California Transportation Commission’s Road User Charge Technical Advisory Committee since 2014, demonstrating his commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in California.

Councilmember Jose Rodriguez

Council member Jose Rodriguez, Madera City Council Member

Jose Rodriguez is currently serving his third term in office as a Madera City Council member. Jose was born and raised in Planada, California, a small farming community in Merced County. He is one of five children raised by hard-working parents striving to make a better living in California. Jose and his wife Carmina have two children and have lived in Madera since 2005. His involvement in his community stems from his belief that children deserve a quality of life in a city that can provide them with great opportunities. With that in mind, Jose decided to run for a seat on the Madera Unified School District Board of Trustees. He was successfully elected and served from 2010-2014. During his time as a trustee, Jose credits the collaborative efforts of the school board in advocating for improved after-school programs, improved child nutrition programs, and prioritizing students’ academic interests. As a Council Member, Jose is committed to working collaboratively with his colleagues on the council, city staff, and partner organizations in their continued efforts to improve the quality of life for all Maderans.

Mayor Pat Nagy

Mayor Pat Nagy, City of Gustine

Supervisor Daron McDaniel (Chair)

Supervisor Daron McDaniel, Merced County District #3

Director Daron McDaniel currently serves as Merced County Supervisor for District 3 and in addition to serving on the MCAG Governing Board, he also represents Merced County on the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) Governing Board of Directors. Director McDaniel has been MCAG’s representative on the San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council for many years and remains an active participant in many valley wide initiatives including Valley Voice and the Finish the 99 effort. Supervisor McDaniel is also an active member of Rural County Representatives of California and had the distinction of serving as RCRC Chairman in 2020. 

Director McDaniel moved to Merced County in 1981 when his father was part of the management team that opened Merced Color Press. He graduated from Merced High School before going on to attend Merced College and California State University, Stanislaus. While raising their family in Atwater, Director McDaniel and his wife Buffy started a charitable foundation that has supported athletic programs throughout the region. In addition to running a small business, Director McDaniel has also served on the Peggy Heller and McSwain School Site Council and as a District Representative for former Congressman Jeff Denham.

Mayor Gary Singh

Vice Mayor Gary Singh- City of Manteca

Gary Singh currently serves as the Vice Mayor for the City of Manteca. A first generation Indian American, he is a graduate of the University of the Pacific’s Eberhardt School of Business with a B.S. in Marketing, Law, and Real Estate. Gary is a small business owner, and a Broker/Realtor. Gary is committed to addressing quality of life issues, growth, and the challenge of attracting and retaining family wage jobs and industries to Manteca and the San Joaquin County region.

Supervisor Robert Rickman

Supervisor Robert Rickman, San Joaquin County District #5

Supervisor Robert Rickman was elected to the San Joaquin County 5th District Supervisor seat in 2020 and sworn-in for a four-year term January 5, 2021. He was reelected by the voters in the 2024 Presidential Primary Election, and sworn-in to a second four-year term January 6, 2025.

The 5th District covers south San Joaquin County, and includes Escalon, Mountain House, Ripon, Tracy, and associated unincorporated areas.

Robert is a former Councilmember and Mayor of Tracy and third generation resident of San Joaquin County. He is married and has two beautiful daughters.

Robert graduated from Tracy High School, attended San Joaquin Delta College and Sacramento State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from Humphrey’s School of Law in 2008 with a Juris Doctor degree.

For the better part of two decades, Robert was employed as a State Police Officer and Sergeant, and retired after 27 years of law enforcement service.

As the San Joaquin County 5th District Supervisor, Supervisor Rickman’s stated priorities are to address the rising cost of living, develop common sense solutions for homelessness, reduce traffic congestion and expand infrastructure, expand economic development and opportunity, and ensure our neighborhoods are safe. His efforts include taking on the PG&E rate increases directly and vying for alternative energy options, securing funds for homeless shelters and veterans housing, increasing law enforcement personnel and equipment, providing funding support for educational and business initiatives, increasing funding for fire districts, securing funds to phase in a new regional park, advocating for approval and funding of water supply and traffic improvement projects, just to highlight a few.

Supervisor Rickman eagerly looks forward to collaborating with his Board colleagues, County Leadership and Staff, city counterparts, community members and organizations, statewide county colleagues, and state and federal delegations, to take on and meet the challenges presented during his final term on the Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Vito Chiesa (Vice Chair)

Supervisor Vito Chiesa, Stanislaus County District #2

Vito Chiesa is a lifelong resident of Hughson, where he attended local schools. After completing his studies at Modesto Junior College, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He is actively involved in his family’s farming operation, which includes growing walnuts and almonds, as well as running a commercial walnut hulling and drying business.

Supervisor Chiesa was first elected to the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors in 2008 and has been re-elected in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.

In addition to his work on the Board, he serves on a variety of boards and committees, including:

• Agricultural Advisory Board
• California Association of Councils of Governments
• California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley
• Children and Families Commission (Prop 10)
• City of Turlock-County Liaison Committee
• Consolidated Stanislaus Regional 911 (Emergency Dispatch) – Alternate
• Crows Landing Industrial Business Park Enhanced Financing Infrastructure Financing District Public Authority
• Emergency Medical Services Board of Directors – Alternate
• General Plan Update Committee
• Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
• San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority
• San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission
• San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Board of Directors
• San Joaquin Valley Regional Policy Council
• StanCOG Executive Committee
• StanCOG Policy Board

He also served as the past president of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and currently serves on the CSAC Board of Directors.

Supervisor Chiesa is dedicated to the growth and success of Stanislaus County, actively shaping policies that benefit the community.

Council Member Rosa Escutia-Braaton

Council Member Rosa Escutia-Braaton, City of Modesto District #1

Rosa Escutia-Braaton was elected Councilmember for District 1 in 2020 and vice-mayor in March 2021. She represents the interests of more than 200,000 residents of Modesto, advocating for increased economic growth, cleaner streets, and safer neighborhoods.

Prior to her election, Councilmember Escutia-Braaton was appointed to Modesto’s Cultural Commission in 2013 and the Planning Commission in 2014, where she served for seven years as a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and smart growth. Additionally, she worked in the public and private sectors for over 25-years in executive positions, including serving as a Gubernatorial Appointee under Governors Davis and Schwarzenegger as Director of Pubic Relations for the California State Lottery and the Director of Communications for the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.

Beyond her professional experience, Councilmember Escutia-Braaton has a deep commitment to service and has been involved in multiple non-profit and community organizations such as the Stanislaus Latino Community Roundtable, the Stanislaus Medical Society Alliance, the American Leadership Forum, among many others.

Councilmember Escutia-Braaton has a Bachelors of Arts degree from California State University Sacramento. Her husband is a local orthopedic surgeon and together they are raising their two children.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE

Samir Sheikh

Samir Sheikh, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer

Samir has over 25 years of experience in developing air quality improvement programs. Samir leads the largest air district in the state of California with some of the most complex air quality challenges in the nation. Serving a region facing severe economic and public health challenges, the Valley Air District has implemented amongst the most innovative and stringent air pollution control strategies in the nation through cooperative stakeholder and community engagement. Samir has worked with a wide range of stakeholders to form a variety of successful coalitions to bring significant resources to the Valley for clean air programs and strategies, with over $7 billion in public/private clean air investments administered by the Valley Air District to date. With a staff of over 350 air quality professionals, Samir has made employees’ welfare, wellbeing, and empowerment a top priority, with overall focus on improving public health and providing excellent customer service to the public.

SAN JOAQUIN JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY

Stacey Mortensen

Stacey Mortensen, Executive Director, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority

Stacey Mortensen has worked in San Joaquin County since 1991 in Transportation Engineering and Passenger Rail Service. Ms. Mortensen is the founding Executive Director for the start-up of the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) Rail Service which began in 1998. Ms. Mortensen also serves as the Executive Director for the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) where she and her team manage the San Joaquin Intercity Rail Service (San Joaquins) which runs from Bakersfield to Sacramento and Oakland. Ms. Mortensen was appointed to the CA High Speed Rail Peer Review Group in 2012 and is working to ensure that San Joaquin County and the Broader Central Valley’s issues are addressed in the development of the statewide high speed rail system. Ms. Mortensen has worked over the years to formalize interregional coalitions to increase local involvement and feedback in the larger rail picture.