Blanca Alvarado's Grandchildren and Family

ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

As a County Supervisor, Blanca, along with her colleagues, sets policies for the County organization, which also acts as an arm of State government in implementing various social programs, health and safety regulations, and criminal justice functions. The County also acts as a local government agency by providing municipal services such as law enforcement, road construction and maintenance, parks and recreation, libraries, and environmental resources.

In addition, the Board sets policy for County departments, oversees a budget of over $3.3 billion, and adopts ordinances to provide basic municipal services to the unincorporated areas of the county including vehicle, weed, and graffiti abatement as well as animal control services.

Blanca also represents her district through constituent work. She and her Aides assist those residents who live within her district who are experiencing difficulties receiving services from any of our departments.

Blanca also serves on a number of Board Committees and Commissions. On these Committees, Blanca has spearheaded many projects to improve the quality of life for all residents who live in Santa Clara Valley.

	Public Safety and Justice Committee, Chair
	Juvenile Detention Reform Oversight Committee, Chair
	Health and Hospital Committee, Vice-Chair
	First 5 Commission, Commissioner

OTHER ASSIGNMENTS:

	Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Network (APPN), Co-Chair
	American Leadership Forum (ALF), Board of Directors
	Capitol/Tasman Light Rail Policy Advisory Board, Delegate
	Congestion Management Program and Planning Committee, Member
	Downtown/East Valley Policy Advisory Board, Chair (Delegate)
	Fairgrounds Management Corporation, Liaison
	Guadalupe River Park and Gardens Task Force, Delegate
	Health and Hospital Committee, Vice Chair
	Hsinchu, Taiwan Sister County Commission, Liaison
	Joint Child Care Committee (JCCC), Delegate
	Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC), Delegate
	Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo), Chair (Delegate)
	Los Lupeños, Honorary Board Member
	Mayfair Advisory Committee, Member
	Mexican Heritage Corporation, Board Member No longer as of July 2005
	San José State University, Advisory Board

PERSONAL BACKGROUND

Blanca Alvarado is a long-time resident of Santa Clara County, particularly of San José. Born in Cokedale, Colorado, Blanca and her family moved to California with the hope of a better life.

As a youth, she attended San José High School and participated in many community projects through the Club Tapatio. As a young adult, she began working with the well-known radio host, José J. Alvarado. Together, they hosted the first Spanish-English bilingual radio program in Northern California. Blanca and José emphasized the need for the Latino community to get involved in civic affairs and take responsibility for their own communities. Later, Blanca worked to bring attention to the plight of Valley laborers with the great labor leader, Cesar Chavez.

Blanca has served the public in a variety of capacities since her youth. In the early 1970s, Blanca worked for the Department of Social Services and, later, at the Center for Employment Training. Her experience in grassroots and community organizing complemented and prepared her for work as a public official. In 1980, Blanca entered the world of public service when she joined the City Council representing the community of East San José.

Blanca's commitment to public service is rooted in her belief of Building Better Communities By Strengthening Families. By providing quality public service, education, and resources, Blanca hopes to empower residents to take an active role in the betterment of their communities.

Blanca Alvarado has become an influential figure in one of our nation's most diverse counties. She continues to demonstrate a true commitment to the residents of San José and Santa Clara Valley through her active participation in community projects that affect and improve the community in which we live.