City Council

Mayor Joel Fajardo is serving his fourth term on the San Fernando City Council (November 2022 – November 2026), first elected to the City Council in 2012, again in March 2013, March 2017, and most recently in November 2022. Joel was selected as Mayor on December 1, 2025, and previously served as Mayor from March 2015 to March 2016 and December 2018 to December 2020, and also served as Vice Mayor from March 2016 to March 2017.

Joel attended local private and public schools in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from Grant High School in 2001 and from Boston University in 2005.  He received his degree in International Relations.

Joel has always had a passion for public service and tackling challenging issues. Since serving on the council, Joel’s primary focus has been on balancing the city’s budget, upgrading the city’s infrastructure, fighting the negative impacts of the high-speed rail and promoting the city’s rich cultural programs, healthy lifestyles and LGBT inclusiveness. 

Contact Mayor Fajardo

(818) 898-1201 Office | JFajardo@SanFernando.gov

Vice Mayor Victoria Garcia is serving her second term on the San Fernando City Council (November 2024 – November 2028), first elected in March 2024 to fill a City Council unfilled vacancy. Victoria was selected as Vice Mayor on December 1, 2025.

Victoria is a third-generation resident of the City of San Fernando and is currently raising her children on the same block that her grandparents raised her mother, aunt, and uncle. Her grandparents migrated to the City of San Fernando when they were able to buy their home in the early 1950s, after residing at Basilone Homes for military veterans in Pacoima.

Victoria completed her education in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, graduating with honors from John H. Francis Polytechnic High School. She then pursued her studies at UCLA, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Policy Studies. During her time at college, Victoria initiated an outreach program where UCLA students volunteered to educate middle and high school students from the Northeast San Fernando Valley about college requirements and provide guidance through the process. Additionally, Victoria successfully secured funding to bring local public school students to UCLA annually, allowing them to experience a day in the life of a college student. The student organization Victoria founded has had a lasting impact on numerous public school students in the Northeast San Fernando Valley, showcasing Victoria’s dedication to ensuring equal access to opportunities for students in our community.

After graduating from college, Victoria pursued her legal education at Stanford Law School. She dedicated her time to educating children in the juvenile justice system about their rights and responsibilities. Additionally, she held leadership positions as Co-Chair of the Stanford Latino Law Students Association and of the Stanford National Security and the Law Society. Victoria earned her law degree from Stanford Law School with pro bono distinction. She furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University, specifically at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. While studying at Harvard, Victoria collaborated with the Los Angeles Police Department to evaluate and enhance their community outreach initiatives.

As a City Councilmember, Victoria Garcia, places a strong emphasis on listening to and addressing the concerns of San Fernando residents. Her main focuses involve enhancing public safety, repairing infrastructure like streets and sidewalks, and rejuvenating the downtown district. Victoria is a member of the Downtown Master Plan ad hoc committee and the Parking ad hoc committee, both crucial to the development of San Fernando.

Victoria resides in the city with her husband, raising their three young children. Her dedication to creating a safe and flourishing community for all families drives her commitment to advocating for a local government that prioritizes its residents.

Contact Vice Mayor Garcia

(818) 898-1201 Office | VGarcia@SanFernando.gov

Councilmember Mary Mendoza is serving her third term on the San Fernando City Council (November 2022 – November 2026), first appointed to fill the City Council vacancy on October 7, 2019. Mary served as Mayor from December 2021 to December 2022, and again from December 2024 to December 2025, and Vice Mayor from December 2020 to December 2021 and again from December 2022 to December 2024.

Mary was born and raised in the City of San Fernando. She is deeply rooted in the community as five generations of her family, including all of her children, live in San Fernando. Mary attended Morningside Elementary, San Fernando Junior High, San Fernando High School and Los Angeles Mission College, when it was located in the City of San Fernando. She received her Associate in Arts Degree from Mission College, where she also worked for 43 years. Mary is deeply involved in the community, including as a member of the Las Palmas Senior Citizen Club and a Boardmember of the Greater Van Nuys Rotary Club. As a City Councilmember, Mary has prioritized the residents of San Fernando. She will work to ensure public safety, protect the City’s water resources, improve roads and infrastructure, promote a healthy business environment, and a green community by planting more trees while being a good steward of the community’s tax dollars. In addition to serving on City Council, Mary represents San Fernando on the Los Angeles County Library Commission, San Fernando Valley Council of Governments, Los Angeles County City Selection Committee, Upper Los Angeles River and Tributaries Working Group, League of California Cities, and various City Council Ad Hoc Committees.

Contact Councilmember Mendoza

(818) 898-1201 Office | MMendoza@SanFernando.gov

Councilmember Maria Elena Solorio, known affectionately as Mary, is serving her first term on the San Fernando City Council (November 2022 – November 2026), first elected November 2022. Mary served as Vice Mayor from December 2024 to December 2025.

Mary is a dedicated first-generation Mexican American who proudly calls the San Fernando Valley her home and is deeply committed to uplifting her community and advocating for its diverse residents. In addition to her civic duties, Mary brings a wealth of expertise in behavioral and mental health as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. 

With a rich background in Behavioral and Mental Health, Mary has honed her skills through various roles including Clinical Supervisor/Director and Case Manager. Her hands-on experience has equipped her with a profound understanding of the intricacies of human behavior and the importance of mental health support services. 

Continuing her pursuit of knowledge and excellence, Mary is currently pursuing her doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching with a Specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis from National University, San Diego, and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from California State University, Northridge. 

Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Mary remains deeply engaged in community service. She dedicates her time to providing bilingual and multicultural mental health services to underserved populations in the Northeast San Fernando Valley through her internship with Luminarias Institute. Additionally, Mary serves as the Community Outreach Director/Board member for the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, advocating for the political empowerment of young people in her community. She is also a proud member of Comision Femenil of the San Fernando Valley, working to empower Chicana women economically and politically. Furthermore, Mary is an active member of Latinas Lead California (LLCA), amplifying the political voice and experiences of Latinas. 

Mary’s commitment to community extends beyond mental health advocacy and political engagement. She serves as a board member of the Parenting and Relationship Counseling Foundation, contributing her expertise to support families and relationships. Additionally, Mary holds a position on the board for the Independent Cities Association, where she serves as the secretary, playing a crucial role in fostering collaboration and cooperation among independent cities. 

With her multifaceted background and unwavering dedication, Mary continues to be a catalyst for positive change in the City of San Fernando and beyond. Her passion for service, coupled with her expertise in behavioral and mental health, makes her a valuable asset to both her community and professional endeavors.

Contact Councilmember Solorio

(818) 898-1201 Office | (818) 644-1177 Cell | MSolorio@SanFernando.gov

Councilmember Patty Lopez was elected to the San Fernando City Council in November 2024 to serve a four-year term (November 2024 – November 2028). A long-time advocate for social justice and community empowerment, she brings decades of leadership and public service experience to her role on the Council.

Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Patty emigrated to the United States at the age of 10 and has called the San Fernando Valley home for over 40 years. She is a proud mother of four daughters and grandmother to eight grandchildren, whose futures inspire her dedication to public service.

Patty’s professional background includes serving as a California State Assemblymember for the 39th District (2014–2016). During her tenure, she introduced 14 bills addressing social justice, immigrants’ rights, environmental issues, and social services. Among her legislative achievements is AB1909, which enables the reopening of cases for innocent individuals, earning her accolades from California’s legal community.

In addition to her time in the Assembly, Patty served as a Commissioner of Parks and Recreation in San Fernando, where she worked to enhance recreational opportunities and ensure safe, accessible spaces for the community. She is also the founder and CEO of Mujeres Alfa Internacional, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through education, business, art, health, and humanitarian efforts across the United States, Europe, and Central America.

As a community leader, Patty has championed economic growth and cultural exchange, including her work as President of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Organization USA, where she promoted binational trade between California and Mexico. She also founded La Voz de los Inmigrantes, an organization amplifying the voices of immigrants advocating for fair immigration reform.

Patty is deeply committed to the residents of San Fernando and, as a City Councilmember, she continues to advocate for fair immigration policies and works to ensure that San Fernando remains a thriving and inclusive community for all.

Contact Councilmember Lopez

(818) 898-1201 Office | (818) 838-5260 Cell | PLopez@SanFernando.gov