David Alvarez
Work
David was elected to the San Diego City Council in November of 2010. As a Councilmember, David is working hard to correct the inequities that District 8 has faced over the years. His assignments include Chair of the Natural Resources & Culture Committee and is a member of the Land Use & Housing, Public Safety & Neighborhood Services, and SANDAG Borders Committees. Additionally, he serves on the Ad-Hoc Committee on Redevelopment, Otay Valley Regional Park Policy Committee, Bayshore Bikeway Working Group and the SAFE/AVA Board.
Prior to being elected, David started his career as a social services worker and after-school teacher before being selected to the prestigious Capitol Fellows Program and served under the Secretary of State. After completing his fellowship in Sacramento, he returned to San Diego to work with a company that develops new opportunities for affordable housing. Over the last six years prior to his election, he represented Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny as a liaison to the communities of District 8.
Community
Councilmember Alvarez values community involvement. He has extensive volunteer experience with the following organizations: San Diego Community College Trustee Advisory Committee, San Diego Cesar Chavez Commemoration Committee, Barrio Logan College Institute, Barrio Unidos Hoy Organizados, Chicano/Latino Youth Leadership Project, and Christ the King Church. In the past he has volunteered with the San Diego Organizing Project, San Diego Consensus Organizing Institute, Fiesta del Sol, the Sherman Heights Community Center, and the San Diego Media Arts Center, among other organizations. David has spent the last few years in youth ministry and as a Catechist in partnership with his wife.
Family
Councilmember David Alvarez was born in San Diego to Jose and Maria Alvarez and has four brothers and one sister. His father worked on farms, in hotels, and later as a janitor. His mother was a homemaker and worked in fast food restaurants. Growing up in Barrio Logan, David attended local public schools: Perkins Elementary, Memorial Junior High, and San Diego High School. David was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college. He graduated with honors from San Diego State University.
Councilmember Alvarez and his wife Xochitl welcomed their first daughter, Izel, in October 2009. Xochitl and David met in Junior High. She is a middle school language arts teacher and is Director of the Graduate Support Program. They are proud homeowners in Logan Heights.