Whittier 360 News Network
Rebecca Canales
Founder and CEO
WHITTIER, CA — Jessica Martinez, the District 1 representative on the Whittier City Council, is gearing up to defend her seat against community activist Magdalena Moe in what is expected to be a fierce rematch of the 2020 election.
Martinez, who was elected to the council in March 2020, broke barriers as the first Latina to represent District 1. Boasting an impressive academic background, Martinez holds a Juris Doctorate from Trinity Law School, a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from LMU, and dual Master’s Degrees in International Human Rights and Bio-Ethics. Before her political tenure, she notably served the community as a public school teacher within the Whittier City School District. Personal elements that further paint her portrait include being a mother to five, a wife to a military veteran, and a dedicated member of her local church. She filed for reelection on August 8 2023.
However, her term has not been without controversy. In January 2021, the spotlight was sharply focused on Martinez following her attendance at the “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C. In a move that demonstrated the division within the council, a failed censure motion was brought against her. Despite the effort by two of her colleagues to officially rebuke Martinez, the attempt was thwarted by a 2-3 vote. Her home was also the site of protests by intolerant critics who demanded her resignation during the start of the COVID pandemic in 2020. The criticism revolved around her actions before she was elected when she was a co plaintiff in a lawsuit against the State of California for what she believed was an unconstitutional distribution of state tax moneys to foreigners in the US illegally. Most of her tenure was low profile. In a meeting in early September after a tropical storm swept through Southern California she was the first member of the Whittier City Council to strongly condemn the kidnapping and murder of a young woman at Penn Park and called for the city to consider providing mental health services to the city's youth who are struggling to cope in the modern world.
The forthcoming election slated for April 9, 2024, will once again pit Martinez against Magdalena Moe. Moe, known in local circles as a business owner, is somewhat of an enigma when it comes to her intentions and strategies for the election. Our investigation did not unearth substantial information regarding her past actions on the council or specifics about her community involvement. Moe was also a former member of the Whittier Voters Coalition as recently as 2021 when she was interviewed for a News Segment on COVID 19 Vaccination shots according to YouTube search results.
Data related to campaign contributions over $100 for both candidates remains elusive.
The stage is set for an intriguing contest in the months leading up to April 2024. As District 1 residents look to make an informed decision, we at Whittier 360 News Network will continue to be your reliable source for updates on this race and more.
Update: Third Candidate Files Candidacy Declaration Form
The Whittier City Council District 1 race will once again be a three way race as a new contender enters the political arena. Mary Ann Pacheco, a retired college English professor and current member of the Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees, has thrown her hat into the ring, promising to be her own treasurer for this campaign.
Pacheco brings a wealth of experience and community involvement to her candidacy. She is a member of the Whittier Soroptimists, an organization known for its dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in the community. As a retired college English professor, she brings an educational perspective to the table, advocating for robust educational opportunities within the district.
One noteworthy aspect of Pacheco's campaign is her decision to serve as her own treasurer, a move that distinguishes her from her competitors, Jessica Martinez and Magdalena Moe. Similar to her fellow candidates, Pacheco's campaign has not yet raised more than $100 in contributions, and the sources of these funds remain undisclosed.
As the election date of April 9, 2024, draws closer, the residents of District 1 can anticipate an exciting and dynamic contest between these three candidates. The community will undoubtedly be eager to learn more about Mary Ann Pacheco's electoral intentions and strategies.
For more updates, insights, and local news, stay tuned to Whittier 360 News Network.
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