Biography of Jess Margarito

* Served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1966-68 and was honorably discharged.

* Became a student activist while at Valley College in Van Nuys and founded a branch of MEChA, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan.

* In 1968, worked as a part-time recreation aide at Las Palmas Park.

* By 1969, had become a full-time senior recreation leader and worked in that position for 10 years.

* In 1970, helped found the San Fernando Valley branch of La Raza Unida and worked in that party’s campaigns for state Senate, Assembly and San Fernando City Council. Also worked to get the party officially recognized by the state.

* Ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the San Fernando City Council in 1972.

* In 1974, through La Raza Unida, filed a federal court case against the city of San Fernando, charging that at-large elections prevented Latino candidates from being elected.

* In 1980, the court ruled against La Raza Unida and elections are still held at large.

* Hired by Valley Cable TV in 1980 as an information and programming specialist and helped the company obtain the franchise for the city of San Fernando. Worked there until 1984, when he was elected to City Council.

* Also worked for the U.S. Census Bureau in 1980.

* Elected to the City Council in 1984 and served until his resignation in 1990.

* Named community outreach and business development adviser for El Camino Real Savings and Loan in San Fernando in 1984.

* Appointed mayor in 1986, the first year the San Fernando City Council had a Latino majority.

* Left El Camino Real Savings and Loan in 1988 and returned to the Census Bureau, where he worked until 1990.

* Resigned his City Council post in 1990 to become director of Recreation and Community Services Department, where he earned $62,000 yearly.

* Was terminated from his position as director at 11:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, by a 4-1 vote of the City Council.