Leticia Perez is a third-generation resident of Kern County. She graduated from Highland High School and attended local public schools. She earned a bachelor’s degree from U.C. Santa Barbara in “Law and Society” and earned a Juris Doctorate in Indiana.

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Leticia understands families come in all sizes and varieties. She grew up alongside a dozen foster children in a family dedicated to community service for more than forty years. Following her parents’ example, Leticia became active in political and social issues, as well as philanthropic efforts from a very young age, going to Bible College in a carriage—sleeping quietly under a seminary desk while her parents prepared for the ministry.

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Leticia returned from Law School in 2006 and gravitated toward community service. representing indigent clients while volunteering her free time on the Boards of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Community Service Organization, and New Life Recovery Training Center. She was honored to be selected by her peers as the first woman to preside as president of Kern County Bar’s Criminal Defense Section.

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After a period of time serving as Chair of the Kern County Planning Commission, she became the consultant for the California State Senate Committee on Economic Development and the State Permitting Process. In addition, Leticia has received numerous recognitions for her commitment to bringing more good jobs and economic growth to the area. She has developed strong working relationships with local businesses, job developers, and community leaders while leading the charge on some of the county’s most innovative economic development and renewable energy development projects.

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Leticia was Governor Brown’s appointed member of the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) and made history by serving as the First Latina President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC).

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Leticia often speaks on issues ranging from the nuances of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and alternative energy development. She is a frequent guest on local radio and television. Her work has been the subject of several news reports in the Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and she has been featured on the Daily Show with John Stewart.

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Leticia’s mother was a nurse in the Army during Vietnam. She comes from a family of veterans dedicated to military service. After her marriage to her husband Fernando, she has become a big n supporter of Mental Health for combat veterans and clandestine warriors who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Together, Leticia and Fernando are most proud of being the parents of their sons Jude and Noah.