dfd (Photo courtesy TK)
I was a college freshman at 37, but it was during that time that I expanded my political awareness. While attending SDSU’s School of Social Work in 1986, I was introduced to, and joined, this organization called MANA de San Diego County. I really liked their mission—advocate for equality for Latinas. MANA was a welcomed addition to my world. I was exposed to decision-makers, the business sector, the education and healthcare systems— all of which were dominated by white males. I knew that limited perspectives were not the best way to serve an increasingly diverse population.
By that time, I had established a coalition of people that really supported me — Richard Ybarra who worked with his father-in-law, Civil Rights leader César Chávez, Maria Nieto Senour who years later would become the Chair of the San Diego Community College Board, and educator Maria Perman. They helped me launch my campaign and set me on the road to serving my community. I won my first race for City Council in 1996, becoming the first Latina elected to the Chula Vista City Council. I served eight years. After I was
termed-out, I ran for the California State Assembly in 2006, won and served for four years, commuting to Sacramento each week. I ran for Senate in 2010 and lost by 22 votes. But the loss was really a blessing. Returning to Chula Vista and serving my city was my passion. So, I ran for City Council in 2012 and was elected mayor in 2014—becoming the first Latina ever elected mayor of the county’s second-largest city. I served with distinction for eight years. It’s a very diverse San Diego County now than when I entered politics. It’s changed for the better. I remain a proud member and still contribute my time and talent mentoring Latinas. It has been a source of personal and professional pride to be surrounded by Latinas who are now in elected office.
Assemblymember Mary Casillas Salassigns her first bill, 2007 (Photo courtesy Mary Casillas Family Archives)
Mary Casillas Salas and daughters, 1975
SDSU Graduation Day, 1975
(Photos courtesy Mary Casillas Family Archives)
After graduating magna cum laude with a degree in social work in 1989, I en- tered the workforce, was appointed to the Chula Vista Planning Commission and the Civil Service Commission. Soon thereafter, a vacancy on the City Council was announced. I submitted my application for the appointment but my co-finalist, a male, was appointed. I didn’t expect anything out of it—it was just an exercise. When a second City Council vacancy opened, I applied. Again, I was a finalist. However, you had to pledge not to run after serving the remaining two-years of that vacancy. I said, “No, I’ll just wait until the next election cycle, and I’ll run.”
Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, Gaylord Hotel construction, 2022 (Photo courtesy Mary Casillas Family Archives)
194
San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 6 – Perseverance
195
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator