SACRAMENTO— The League of California Cities Board of Directors elected Fowler Mayor Daniel Parra to serve as the organization’s 2023-24 president. Parra was installed on Sept. 22 as part of the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo.
Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials. Cal Cities’ mission is to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
“It is an honor to serve as president for Cal Cities during its 125th year of advocacy and education on behalf of California cities,” said Mayor Parra. “I’m eager to help lead California cities in fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities that cater to the needs of all Californians.”
Parra has served on the Fowler City Council since 2008. During his tenure, Parra has been instrumental in the revitalization of Fowler’s downtown using redevelopment funds. The effort not only helped bring new jobs to Fowler, but also brought the community together and encouraged residents to buy and stay local.
Parra has been actively involved with the League of California Cities for many years, having served twice as chair of the Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Policy Committee. Parra has previously served as state director for Cal Cities’ South San Joaquin Valley Division and is a past president of the Cal Cities Latino Caucus.
“Daniel is a strong and experienced leader, and I have seen firsthand his dedication to Cal Cities,” said Carolyn Coleman, League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO. “As president, Daniel will spearhead our unified efforts at safeguarding local government and advocating for the issues that are most important to California cities.”
A native of the Central Valley, Parra is active in several community organizations including the Fowler Lion’s Club and the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Parra previously served in the United States Air Force.
This week the Cal Cities Board of Directors also elected Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy to serve as first vice president and El Cerrito Council Member Gabe Quinto to serve as second vice president. Artesia Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj, who served as the 2022-23 president, became immediate past president.
Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy elected League of California Cities first vice president
The League’s Board of Directors also elected Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy to serve as the organization’s 2023-24 first vice president. Kennedy was installed on Sept. 22 as part of the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo.
“It is with great honor that I take my place among the esteemed leadership team of the League of California Cities,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kennedy. “I am committed to furthering Cal Cities’ mission to protect local decision-making and educate city officials. It is my priority to ensure the needs of cities are a priority in state-level decisions.”
Kennedy, a lifelong public servant with a 40-year career in education and city administration, has been a Rancho Cucamonga City Council member since 2014. Her diligent work ensured a balanced city budget and the preservation of essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2021, Kennedy has been involved with the League of California Cities, participating in the Transportation, Communications, and Public Works Policy Committee, and serving on the Cal Cities Inland Empire Division Legislative Task Force.
“Lynne’s passion and dedication as a city leader and member of Cal Cities is inspiring,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “She is sensitive to the concerns of individual cities and the importance of working together to find solutions to the difficult challenges all our cities face.”
A resident of the Inland Empire, Lynne is active in several community organizations, including the San Bernardino Valley Chapter of The Links, Inc., and serves as Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at the Chaffey Joint Union High School District.
El Cerrito Council Member Gabe Quinto elected League of California Cities second vice president
The League’s Board of Directors elected El Cerrito Council Member Gabe Quinto to serve as the organization’s 2023-24 second vice president. Quinto was installed on Sept. 22 as part of the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo.
“As an active member of Cal Cities since 2015, I have had the honor of being part of an organization that has helped cities in the state of California on the most critical issues of our time,” said Council Member Quinto. “I look forward to further fostering positive change for California cities through our collaborative efforts.”
When Quinto began his first term on the El Cerrito City Council in 2014, he became El Cerrito’s first Filipino-American, and first LGBTQ Council Member. Quinto has prioritized equity and diversity in El Cerrito and on all the boards he’s served on over the years.
Quinto’s extensive involvement with Cal Cities includes past presidencies on its Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus, and East Bay Division, as well as committee roles in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Governance, and Environmental Policy.
“Gabe’s involvement in Cal Cities has been invaluable,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “His wealth of experience as a Council Member, Mayor, and regional leader in El Cerrito has greatly enriched our organization and I look forward to his growth as a statewide leader and contributions in the coming year.”
Quinto is active in several organizations, including Equality California and CivicWell. He also serves as a board member of A Wider Bridge.
