Meet Chris Barrera
A lifelong resident of Salinas
I am a lifelong resident of Salinas and a graduate of North Salinas High School.
A History of Service
Growing up my late father, Ted, instilled in me the notion of public service as a responsibility. Service is the core of who I am. I have served as the President of LULAC Council #2055 for several years. I am an active member of Salinas Steinbeck Rotary and Salinas Elks Lodge #614. I serve on several distinguished boards and committees in Monterey County. My driving force is service above self. Since the beginning of COVID 19 I have helped coordinate and participated in over 24 food distributions through Monterey County.
My service includes:
Veterans Appreciation Breakfast - 2020 Census Outreach - Thousands of dollars for local food banks - Help students bridge the digital divide - Help award hundreds of scholarships
A Small Business Owner
I am a small-business owner for Windermere Valley Properties, rising from a realtor to co-owner in the span of 4-years. I know the challenges faced by our local small business owners which have only grown worse as a result of COVID-19. Accordingly, I am quite active with the Windermere Foundation, donating money from each, and every, one of my property sales. At the end of the year, I donate this money to local non-profits.
Safegaurding Tax Payers Money
As a member of the Measure X Citizens Oversight Committee, I am responsible for ensuring that taxpayers’ safeguards in the Transportation Safety & Investment Plan are met as projects and programs are implemented. My duties include: conducting independent audits, reviewing transportation plans, ensuring local infrastructure projects stay on schedule and preparing annual reports regarding the administration of this important program.
Work History
For twenty years I was employed by Nob Hill Foods where I met many residents of Salinas. My experience as a union plumber helped me to understand the value of hard work. I am now a realtor and small business owner serving the local community. My father and mentor, Ted Barrera, was a Monterey County Deputy Sheriff and realtor. My father instilled in me the values of integrity, commitment to excellence and dedication to my community.