Sean Elo-Rivera

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Sean Elo-Rivera

Nonpartisan

San Diego City Council District 9

Tenure

2020 - Present

Term ends

2024

Years in position

Predecessor

Georgette Gómez

Prior offices

San Diego Community College District District E

Successor: Geysil Arroyo

* * *

Report an officeholder change

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

Chapman University, 2009

Law

Western School of Law, 2013

Personal

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal website

Sean Elo-Rivera is a member of the San Diego City Council in California, representing District 9. He assumed office on December 14, 2020. His current term ends on December 10, 2024.

Elo-Rivera ran for election to the San Diego City Council to represent District 9 in California. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020.

Elo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

Elo-Rivera served as a member of the San Diego Community College District board from 2019 to his election to the city council.

## Contents

* 1 Biography
* 2 Elections
* 2.1 2020
* 2.1.1 Endorsements
* 2.2 2018
* 3 Campaign themes
* 3.1 2020
* 3.2 2018
* 3.2.1 Ballotpedia biographical submission form
* 4 See also
* 5 External links
* 6 Footnotes

## Biography[edit]

Sean Elo earned a bachelor's degree in social science from Chapman University in 2009 and a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2013. His career experience includes working as a teacher, coach, and director of campaigns and policy. Elo's organizational affiliations include the San Diego Leadership Alliance, San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, and RISE San Diego.[1]

## Elections[edit]

### 2020[edit]

See also: City elections in San Diego, California (2020)

General election

##### General election for San Diego City Council District 9

Sean Elo-Rivera defeated Kelvin Barrios in the general election for San Diego City Council District 9 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) |

62.7

| 26,835

| Kelvin Barrios (Nonpartisan)  |

37.3

| 15,990

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 42,825

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

##### Nonpartisan primary for San Diego City Council District 9

The following candidates ran in the primary for San Diego City Council District 9 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Kelvin Barrios (Nonpartisan)  |

31.6

| 7,426
✔ |

| Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) |

20.5

| 4,819

| Johnny Lee Dang (Nonpartisan)  |

14.8

| 3,473

| Andrew Gade (Nonpartisan)  |

9.5

| 2,222

| Ross Naismith (Nonpartisan)  |

8.5

| 1,997

| Sam Bedwell (Nonpartisan)  |

8.5

| 1,986

| Alex Soto (Nonpartisan)  |

6.7

| 1,564

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 23,487

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

#### Endorsements[edit]

To view Elo's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.

### 2018[edit]

See also: Municipal elections in San Diego County, California (2018)

General election

##### General election for San Diego Community College District District E

Sean Elo-Rivera defeated David Alvarez in the general election for San Diego Community College District District E on November 6, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) |

50.6

| 140,895

| David Alvarez (Nonpartisan)  |

49.4

| 137,638

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

| Total votes: 278,533

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Nonpartisan primary election

##### Nonpartisan primary for San Diego Community College District District E

David Alvarez and Sean Elo-Rivera defeated Rafael Perez and Allan Candelore in the primary for San Diego Community College District District E on June 5, 2018.

Candidate

Votes

|
|
|

✔ |

| David Alvarez (Nonpartisan)  |

46.9

| 10,692
✔ |

| Sean Elo-Rivera (Nonpartisan) |

21.3

| 4,857

| Rafael Perez (Nonpartisan) |

21.2

| 4,834

| Allan Candelore (Nonpartisan)  |

10.5

| 2,391

* * *

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

| Total votes: 22,774

|
|

= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

## Campaign themes[edit]

### 2020[edit]

#### Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Sean Elo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elo-Rivera's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

First and foremost, Sean is a husband, son, brother, and committed friend who is fueled by love. His family's diversity and experiences riding an up-and-down roller coaster in and out of the middle class will forever shape the way Sean sees the world and motivate him to make it better.

Sean Elo earned a bachelor's degree in social science from Chapman University in 2009 and a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2013. His career experience includes working as a teacher, coach, and director of campaigns and policy. Elo's organizational affiliations include the San Diego Leadership Alliance, San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, and RISE San Diego.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

* I'm running for City Council because I love this community and believe we can overcome all of our challenges in such a way that will transform America's Finest City for some into a world-class city for all.
* Experienced Leader. Trusted Advocate. Democrat.
* Whether it's prioritizing public health and economic recovery, or ensuring that all families can afford a house to make a home, Sean is focused on bringing San Diego back even stronger.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I believe San Diego has everything we need to truly become a world class city with Opportunity for All. "Opportunity for All" is all about tapping into our potential as a city by providing every person the chance to reach their potential as individuals. These are my top three priorities:

Housing and Homelessness: Sean's "Housing For All" plan will make homes more affordable, provide tenants stability, ban discriminatory practices, and end homelessness.

Racial Equity: After generations of injustice, this is our moment to right the wrongs of the past and create a better future for all San Diegans.

Clean and Healthy Neighborhoods: At the core of our environmental policy platform is the recognition that we are in the midst of a global climate crisis and the belief that every person deserves to live in a clean and healthy neighborhood with access to nature and open spaces.

You can read more about my vision and plans on my website: https://seanelorivera.com/vision/

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

### 2018[edit]

#### Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Sean Elo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Elo-Rivera's responses.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Free College for All - You and your children should be able to earn a college degree without accruing a mountain of debt. Other major cities in California have made community college tuition-free and we can do the same. More Full-time Professors - Our students need more full-time educators and our hardworking professors deserve to make ends meet. Meet Students' Essential Needs - Housing, healthcare, food, and transportation impact a student's ability to learn. I will ensure better connections to existing resources, so our students have access to life's essentials while minimizing cost.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Expanding Access to Opportunity Through Education - Every young person has a right to a high quality education that will allow them a chance to reach their potential. Campaign Finance Reform - From school boards to Congress, every body of government should be free from corruption. Solving the Student Debt Crisis - The higher education system has been rigged against students. There was once a time when earning a college degree was a path to the middle-class. Now, far too often, a degree comes with decades of debt that make owning a home and raising a family a faraway dream. We did better before and can do better again.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Protecting and Improving Student Experience - Each and every college in the District should provide students with all they need to receive the education they seek. Doing this also means ensuring professors and counselors are fully equipped and supported to do their work and earn enough to support their families. Responsible Budgeting - Trustees approve the District's budget and should ensure every dollar is invested wisely. Hiring the Next Chancellor - The Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District is responsible for overseeing the second-largest district in California. Chancellor Carroll has done incredible work and the Trustees must ensure her eventual replacement has the ability to lead the District into its next chapter.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

#### Ballotpedia biographical submission form[edit]

The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:

“  | What is your political philosophy?

Top 3 Priorities:

Free College for All - You and your children should be able to earn a college degree without accruing a mountain of debt. Other major cities in California have made community college tuition-free and we can do the same. More Full-time Professors - Our students need more full-time educators and our hardworking professors deserve to make ends meet. Meet Students’ Essential Needs - Housing, healthcare, food, and transportation impact a student’s ability to learn. I will ensure better connections to existing resources, so our students have access to life’s essentials while minimizing cost.

Political Philosophy:

The Opportunity For All Agenda

Free College for All

Imagine a San Diego where every person knew she or he could attend college without money standing in the way. Where everyone graduates without debt and with the freedom to build the life they’re told is waiting for them after college. Such a future isn’t some faraway dream. It’s within our reach.

States such as New York and Rhode Island have guaranteed free community college to their residents. Some California community college districts, including Santa Barbara, are covering the cost of tuition, fees, and required books and supplies. There is no reason we cannot do the same in San Diego.

Everyday, I lead and work with a team of dedicated individuals who are tackling huge challenges – the criminal justice system, transportation, and even an election system meant to disenfranchise.

I know how to level the playing field and will be relentless about getting the job done for the San Diego Community College District. From day one as a Trustee, I will fight with all of my energy and ability to ensure every San Diegan has the freedom to grow up in a community where cost is never seen as a barrier to college.

More Full-Time Professors & Counselors

The impact of an over dependence on adjunct faculty at San Diego community colleges isn’t just felt by professors and their families, it is felt by our students.

Fact: There are community college teachers and counselors who start their work day in Chula Vista and spend the second half of the day in the City of San Diego. Some travel much further, working campuses as far as Los Angeles County. Each campus requires full-time preparation, full-time attention, and full-time dedication. But more often than not, despite their hard work, these committed and selfless educators can barely make ends meet. They deserve better. So do our students.

When a professor has to leave right after class so they can make it to their next campus, students are not given an opportunity to engage with the teacher personally after the lesson, which can make a significant difference in a student reaching their goals. When a counselor has to mentally juggle multiple community college systems, it becomes more difficult to provide the roadmap and support students need to navigate the maze of higher education.

San Diego Community College District has taken important steps to address this issue and I am committed to furthering these efforts. Through local and statewide advocacy, we can make even more headway.

Meeting Essential Needs for Students & Professors

In 2011, in the midst of law school, I was homeless. For weeks, I searched for a safe location to park my car and sleep in order to get a full night’s rest for school each morning. One night in late-November, I was startled by flashing blue and red lights and the sound of police intercoms. I lied in my backseat convinced the police were there to remove me from the car. I had no idea what my penalty would be – maybe a ticket? maybe a night in jail? I didn’t know, but I was certain it wouldn’t be good. Luckily, the police pulled over another car, but I spent the remainder of my night shaken up by the immense lack of security I felt.

The next day, I wasn’t at my academic best. Nor was I at my academic best for the remainder of the semester. I was exhausted by the time finals rolled around, putting my scholarship and chances of remaining in law school in jeopardy.

My experience with homelessness gave me a first hand perspective on the impact of not having basic needs met. That’s why it is my mission to build bridges from the San Diego Community College District to our local government and non-profit community to do all we can to connect students with the essentials they need to fulfill their potential. Our campuses can and should be hubs for the programs and services that keep students housed, healthy, fed, and with a way to get to school and work. As a proven coalition builder with deep experience identifying potential allies, establishing and maintaining partnerships, and taking projects to the finish line, I will make sure this becomes a reality.

Is there anything you would like to add?

About Sean:

First and foremost, Sean is a son, brother, and committed friend who is fueled by love. His family’s diversity and experiences riding an up-and-down roller coaster in and out of the middle class will forever shape the way Sean sees the world and motivate him to make it better.

A first-generation college student, Sean attended Golden West Community College. He then transferred to and earned his bachelor’s degree from Chapman University, where he studied psychology, sociology, and history. While in school, Sean was an award-winning high school swimming and water polo coach. Inspired by President Obama’s historic 2008 Presidential campaign to make a more widespread impact, Sean went abroad and served as an English and Special Needs teacher in Peru and volunteered as environmental preservationist in Ecuador. He then taught English in a rural South Korean community.

Sean subsequently came to San Diego to attend California Western School of Law where he was selected to receive a Creative Problem Solving Scholarship. At Cal Western, he served in multiple leadership roles, including president of La Raza Student Association and Amnesty International and as a Student Representative.

Inspired by his diverse background and belief in the importance of historically disadvantaged communities working together, Sean also worked to strengthen the Student Diversity Coalition. Sean received a Pro Bono and Public Service Honors Society Award for his work with the City Heights Community Law Project, where he helped bring free legal clinics to schools.

Sean now serves as an associate director of a local non-profit organization committed to working with the community to create a healthy, safe, and productive San Diego. In this role, Sean leads a team fighting to create change from the ground up at all levels of government. He is an effective coalition builder who is committed to ensuring the people most impacted by decisions are at the table helping make those decisions.

When not at work, Sean remains committed to improving the community. He is a 2017 RISE Urban Fellow, serves as President of the San Diego County Young Democrats and as a board member of multiple non-profit organizations, including Community HousingWorks and the San Diego Leadership Alliance. Sean also enjoys traveling and eating with his wonderful girlfriend, Angela.[2]

| ”

|
|

—Sean Elo[1]

## See also[edit]

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## External links[edit]

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Candidate

San Diego City Council District 9

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|

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on May 1, 2018
2. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Political offices

Preceded by
Georgette Gómez |  San Diego City Council District 9
2020-Present | Succeeded by

Preceded by
\-  |  San Diego Community College District District E
2019-2021 | Succeeded by
Geysil Arroyo

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