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Mario Alvarado (California city council candidate)
Mario Alvarado ran for election to the Santa Ana City Council to represent Ward 5 in California. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Alvarado completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Mario Alvarado was born in Santa Ana, California. He earned an associate degree from Santa Ana College in 2002 and a bachelor's degree from the California State University, Fullerton in 2004. He has been affiliated with Santa Ana Elks.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: City elections in Santa Ana, California (2024)
General election
General election for Santa Ana City Council Ward 5
Incumbent Johnathan Hernandez defeated Mario Alvarado in the general election for Santa Ana City Council Ward 5 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Johnathan Hernandez (Nonpartisan) | 55.9 | 5,078 | |
 | Mario Alvarado (Nonpartisan)  | 44.1 | 4,003 | |
| Total votes: 9,081 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
To view Alvarado's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Alvarado in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mario Alvarado completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Alvarado's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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A son of immigrant parents, Mario was taught that our community is strong and resilient. He is a product of public schools in the Santa Ana Unified School District.
Mario was a Saint at Santa Ana High School before graduating with honors with the inaugural class of Middle College High School at Santa Ana College in 2000. He went on to earn an associate’s degree from Santa Ana College and a bachelor’s degree from Cal State Fullerton.
Mario grew up attending the after-school program at El Salvador Center from the age of 4. Since that young age he learned teamwork and sportsmanship through his participation in Santa Ana’s various sports leagues, including AYSO, Pop Warner, NJB and the city’s own youth sports programs. As soon as Mario turned 13, he joined El Salvador Center’s teen club, serving as President in the 90’s and actively helping organize city wide tournaments including yearly soap box derbies, billiards & foosball tournaments, talent shows, and teen dances. Since the age of 16, Mario has routinely volunteer-coached for the same organizations he was a part of as a child, giving back to the community who helped shape him.
Since 2012, Mario has served on multiple City and County commissions- Santa Ana is grappling with a growing homelessness crisis demanding urgent and compassionate action. Mario believes the solution lies in a comprehensive approach, to provide immediate relief and address the root causes of homelessness. Mario will prioritize mental health and addiction treatment services, recognizing that these are critical components in helping individuals rebuild their lives. Mario is committed to investing in wraparound services and increasing the availability of permanent supportive housing, ensuring that those who are homeless have access to stable and long-term solutions. Mario will increase collaboration with community organizations, leveraging local expertise and resources to create a stronger network of support.
- The increase in gun violence & crime is unacceptable. We must ensure that our public safety teams work hand-in-hand with the community to increase trust and heal the relationship between police and many of our neighborhoods. Mario is committed to reducing crime and gun violence and address our safety concerns. There are currently 45 fully funded but vacant positions in the public safety department that must be filled in order to improve emergency response times for our neighborhoods. Mario is the only candidate for Ward 5 endorsed by Santa Ana’s Firefighters, Paramedics, & First Responders. Mario has also received the 2024 Gun Sense Designation from Moms Demand Action, recognizing his steadfast commitment to support to reduce gun violence.
- Housing is a fundamental issue for Santa Ana’s working families. With the cost of living rising, too many are being priced out of an area they’ve called home for generations. The City must prioritize smart, inclusive growth that meets the needs of our diverse community. Mario is committed to increasing the availability of affordable housing, expanding opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and protecting renters from being priced out of their neighborhoods. It’s unacceptable that major new housing and economic development opportunities for the city have been stalled or delayed by Mario’s opponent, at a time when working families continue to face a serious housing shortage.
Mario is committed to improving and expanding our parks and recreational facilities, ensuring all residents have access to quality outdoor spaces and amenities. Santa Ana, especially Ward 5, is underserved with parks and recreational amenities despite our dense population.
Having worked closely with children, seniors, residents of all ages, and various non-profits, I have a deep understanding of the challenges different segments of our community face. This hands-on experience gives me a unique perspective on how to address issues like housing, education, and public safety with practical solutions.
Leadership and Vision
With over 25 years of leadership experience, I have developed strong decision-making skills and the ability to lead diverse teams. This experience has taught me how to set clear goals and work towards them with strategic vision, which is essential for governing effectively.
Integrity and Accountability
By 17, I was the site coordinator overseeing all aspects of the after-school program, including Boys & Girls Club tutoring staff, YMCA art staff and City sports staff.
Government officials and city council members should be held accountable for their decisions. If mistakes are made, leaders should be transparent about them, take responsibility, and work to correct them.Financial transparency and government accountability are not optional—they are essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the city operates effectively. By providing clear access to financial information, involving the community in budgeting decisions, and ensuring oversight of public spending, we can create a more open, efficient, and responsible government that serves the best interests of Santa Ana residents.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 30, 2024
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