Dear Community Members of  Vallejo,

I am running for Trustee for Area 3 (Northeast Vallejo:  Somerset, Hiddenbrooke, Ascot/Redwood Parkway, and Columbus Parkway) for the  Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD) Board of Education because our students, families, and educators deserve a school system that is:

• Collaborative, highlighting our diverse classified and certificated staff

• Transparent and fiscally responsible

• Relentlessly focused on student success and outcomes

As the youngest of three sons of immigrant parents and a proud alumni of the Vallejo public school system—Wardlaw Elementary, Springstowne Middle School, Hogan, and Jesse Bethel—I know first hand how powerful a strong local education can be. I also know how much work we must do to restore trust, improve safety, and raise academic achievement across VCUSD.

My journey reflects the determination I will bring to the Board of Trustees. As a full‑time student at UC Santa Cruz, I worked ten part‑time jobs while earning my Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and Education. I returned home to teach Multimedia and U.S./World History at my alma mater, Jesse Bethel High School’s Law Academy—where I was part of the founding graduating class. I hold a Master's Degree in Management, Innovation, Sustainability, & Technology from UC Merced. 

I have been in service to the City of Vallejo in multiple leadership roles. 

• 1st Filipino Chairman and Youngest Greater Vallejo Recreation District (GVRD) Board of Director. Responsibly restored and repurposed unused school zones by ensuring effective use of grant funding. Along with strengthening school partnerships with VCUSD and City of Vallejo by improving shared facilities such as Hanns Park Disc Golf Course, Main Recreation & Registration Office, Cunningham Aquatic Center, Setterquist Park, Norman King's Center, Terrace Park Playground, Brandon Crawford Field, Franklin Gym Conversion, Late Night Basketball and Lake Dalwigk while collaborating with local organizations to participate in Fishing in the Lake, and celebratory events at various Vallejo Parks.

• Drove the digital, media, and energy initiatives at Cal Poly Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), helping local students apply for trade schools and local colleges while assisting young cadets connect academic learning with real‑world sustainability challenges in the maritime industry. 

I have been nationally recognized by Costco and TEAM Vallejo representing Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Mazda as Top 100 car salesperson.

My local community involvement includes chairing the Vallejo Youth Commission, supporting Vallejo Community Access Television (VCAT), serving with the California Maritime Academy Foundation, Filipino Community/Vallejo Pista Sa Nayon, member of St. Catherine’s Church and the American Legion Manuel L. Quezon Post 603. I currently coach tennis and support athletics at American Canyon High School. 

I am looking forward to continue serving our community. -Rizal