Mr. Chavez is a former mayor and councilmember from the City of La Puente. During his time on City Council, he was a member of the SGVCOG Governing Board. He also was elected to serve in the California State Assembly (District 57) from 2000 to 2006. Along with his many legislative accomplishments, Mr. Chavez helped organize and served as the first Chair of the San Gabriel Valley Legislative Caucus, from 2000 to 2006. His leadership of this organization was critical in its and the SGVCOG’s successes in Sacramento, and he helped strengthen the SGVCOG member agencies’ ties with our representatives in Sacramento. 

Mr. Lewis served many posts, including Chief Deputy, under Los Angeles County Supervisor Peter Schabarum. He also served on the Southern California Rapid Transit District (RTD) Board of Directors from 1976 to 1985. One of Mr. Lewis’ greatest marks on the San Gabriel Valley was his support of Supervisor Schabarum’s efforts to “privatize” the RTD services in our Valley. This ultimately resulted in the creation of the Foothill Transit Zone. He later served on the Executive Board of the Foothill Transit Zone for five years.  

Mr. Scharbarum served in the California State Assembly from 1967 to 1972, representing Covina and surrounding communities. In 1972, he was appointed to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ First District, and served on the Board until 1991. Supervisor Schabarum was successful in many initiatives while serving on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, including securing $70 million in federal, state and local funds to develop local and regional parks. Perhaps most notable for the San Gabriel Valley was Supervisor Schabarum’s role in forming Foothill Transit. Supervisor Schabarum led the fight for the Valley’s right to form an independent transit organization in a court case that eventually went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Foothill Transit is now recognized as one of nation’s safest and most efficient transit operators.    

Mr. Torres was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 to represent California’s 34th District. He served in Congress until 1998. While in Congress, the majority of his legislation focused on federal housing programs, disaster preparedness, and hazardous waste—all issues that directly affected his constituents. Congressman Torres was also active in the field of transportation, and he played a central role in bringing transportation dollars to Los Angeles County, and specifically the San Gabriel Valley and the Alameda Corridor East Project. From 1999 to 2007, Mr. Torres served on the California Transportation Commission. His service on this Commission was important for advocating on behalf of San Gabriel Valley transportation priorities and projects. 

Mr. White was first elected to the Pomona City Council in 1990, and served there until 2000. In 1996, he was selected to serve as the City’s representative on the Governing Board of the COG. Councilmember White played a pivotal role in the COG’s economic and transportation issues, and was an early advocate for the Alameda Corridor East Construction Authority and later served on its Board.