Manuel "Manny" Minjares

I was born and raised in Monterey Park, California by my loving parents and one older brother. I am married to my wonderful wife Susan, have two beautiful children ages 12 and 7 and have a third little one on the way! They both attend school in Fillmore and participate in local youth sports programs.

I attended California State University Northridge and became an Urban Studies and Planning major after an undergraduate Urban Studies class sparked my interest in the built environment. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning in 2003.

While in school I worked for the Associated Students Recreation Department as a sports official. I completed a one year internship with the City of Los Angeles Housing Department in their Planning and Policy Division and followed that up with a one year internship with the CIty of El Monte’s Planning Department while simultaneously working with the United Parcel Service. I applied, interviewed, was offered and accepted the position of Assistant Planner for the City of Fillmore immediately following my internship at the City of El Monte. In addition to my duties as an urban planner, I was tasked with administering the City’s First Time Home Buyer, Housing Rehabilitation, Downtown Storefront Rehabilitation and Demolition Programs.

As a planner I had the fortunate opportunity to work on the Annexation of the 3 Rivers Park property, North Fillmore Specific Plan, Fillmore Business Park Master Plan, Fillmore Community Aquatics and Tennis Facility amongst many other commercial and residential projects.

During my first year in Fillmore I volunteered to become a youth basketball coach and basketball official in the Fillmore Youth Basketball league. This past basketball season was especially significant to me as I was asked to manage the basketball program and made the decision to join the Channel Coast Basketball Officals Association. My goal was to become a better sports offical and bring those skills back to the community I love to share with the officials in the Fillmore Youth Basketball league. The result was a resounding success as the level of officiating was the best I have seen since I’ve been in Fillmore. We topped the season off with all-star games for each age group and had the first ever Referees versus Coaches game.

I am presently employed as a Property Supervisor with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. I directly supervise 28 employees and oversee the day to day operations at 24 affordable rental communities with over a thousand units in Ventura County. Being responsible for finding eligible, upstanding residents while maintaining safe, attractive, and financially sound communities is a huge challenge. A challenge I love taking on day in and day out in an effort to enhance the quality of life of our residents and the communities within which they reside.

I learned a great deal about this wonderful community and made lifelong relationships in my roles as a City Staff member and member of the Youth Basketball Program. I feel the combination of my past and present employment experience, education and humble eagerness to assist the community will be extremely valuable assets to the Fillmore City Council.