Rosario Romero, Human Services Supervisor, Dept. of Human Services

I am committed to being a strong, reliable voice for our bargaining unit. I understand the challenges we face on the job every day, and I believe every member deserves fair treatment, respect, and a contract that reflects the value of our work.

If elected, I will focus on clear communication, accountability, and making sure every member’s concerns are heard and addressed. I believe representation means listening first, advocating strongly, and keeping members informed about decisions that affect our workplace.

I am not afraid to ask tough questions, stand up for what is right, and work collaboratively to find solutions that benefit our entire unit. Our strength comes from unity, and I will work to make sure every member feels supported and empowered within our union.

I am running because I care about our workplace, our rights, and our future. I would be honored to represent you and work together to build a stronger bargaining unit for all of us.

 

 

Angee Esparza, Human Services Supervisor, Dept. of Human Services

For those who may not know me, my name is Angee Esparza, and I am proud to stand before you today asking for your support as I run to serve on the SEIU Bargaining Team for Unit 1 – Supervisory.

I have worked for Kern County DHS for over 25 years, and during that time I have remained a proud and committed SEIU member. I have had the privilege of serving as a Shop Steward, a temporary SEIU Liaison, and most recently as your voice at the bargaining table during our last negotiations.

I am running again because I believe in the strength of our collective voice. The decisions made at the bargaining table affect every one of us — our working conditions, the respect we receive, and the future of our workforce.

I will not make promises I cannot guarantee, and I know the road ahead will not always be easy. But I promise you this: my voice will never be silent, my effort will never be restrained, and my commitment to representing you will never waver.

Together we are stronger. Together we are powerful. Together we are SEIU.

United and mighty. Vote Angee Esparza. ¡Sí se puede!

 

Francisco Zamora, Technologies Services Supervisor, Aging and Adult Services Dept.

My name is Francisco Zamora, Technical Services Supervisor at Kern County Aging and Adult Services. With nearly 10 years of IT experience at Kern County and 15 years in the private sector as a data analysis and systems administrator. I am running to be a member of the bargaining team for these incoming negotiations in 2026. We need warriors at the table who will stand for fair wages, safe working conditions, and affordable healthcare.

I’ve witnessed how inflation has eroded our purchasing power, making it harder for hardworking families to make ends meet. Meanwhile, county management continues to push for an unexplained 5% budget cut while, at the same time, we are suffering from staff shortages across all county departments that harm both employees and the residents of Kern County we are proudly serving.

If elected, I will ask tough questions, demand clear and honest answers, and fight relentlessly for our priorities. I will insist that County Human Resources provide timely, thorough, and accurate comparisons with other contracts and industry standards. I will never settle for less than we deserve, and I commit to keeping every member fully informed at every step.

Together, we can build a future. I ask for your vote and your trust to fight for the contract we’ve earned

Larry fernandez, Human services Technician III, Hept. of Human Services

My fellow SEIU members, I am honored to have been nominated to run for Bargaining Unit 3’s representative in these upcoming contract negotiations. I have been an active union member since I joined the county in 2016 as an extra help employee. Through the years I have seen time and time again the stone walling and deceptive tactics the county has implemented to prevent us from having a fair contract. Quite frankly I have had enough, which is probably the same sentiment a lot of you feel as well. This past year we have successfully pulled together and committed to a strike to show the County we are no longer going to accept their scraps. That was just the beginning. We must stand strong, collected, and unwavering. We must commit to not backing down any longer and show the voices of the many outweigh the power of the few. If elected, I will not back down and use my voice to get the message across that we deserve better benefits, better pay, better working conditions, and a better way of life. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to continuing to stand by you in the future.

 

 

Shanikka Hawkins, Child Support Specialist II, Dept. of Child Support Services

My name is Shanikka Hawkins, and I work at the Kern County Department of Child Support Services. I have proudly been a member of SEIU 521 for five years and have remained actively involved in efforts to strengthen our union and support our members.

I‘m currently a member of the Contract Action Team. I participate in new employee orientations, where I welcome new staff, educate them about the importance of union membership and the power of collective strength. In addition, I served on the election committee, helping ensure fair and transparent union elections.

I believe strong representation starts with listening, communication, education of employee rights and action. My experience and involvement have given me a clear understanding of the issues that matter most to our bargaining unit and our union.

If elected, I will continue to advocate for equitable pay, accountability, and transparency for every member. I am committed to ensuring our voices are heard and helping build an even stronger union for all.

 

 

Jose Rene Merentes Arredondo, Substance Use Disorder Specialist II, Dept. of Behavioral Health.

I am Jose Rene Marentes Arredondo. I would like to take this time to inform the committee that I would appreciate the opportunity to serve on the bargaining committee.  As I am committed to being a strong and effective advocate for our union SEIU members. I understand the importance of being informed and up to date with critical union matters.

As a business owner, I have developed practical negotiation and problem-solving skills which I am confident will be of great use.

I am currently the union representative for NERAWC Behavioral Health, (CAT). I regularly support coworkers and address workplace concerns. I ensure all employees are treated fairly and convey all significant union matters encouraging them to stay active and involved.  I have a high level of experience in labor advocacy. Within my 44 years of employment, I have participated in four local union strikes which have given me a deeper insight into the importance of a collective membership and its strength.

 

 

Rebecca Daisy Graven, Substance Use Disorder Specialist II, Dept. of Behavioral Health.

 Being part of the bargaining committee for the Service Employees International Union is an opportunity to represent the voices, concerns, and priorities of the workers who make our organization strong. I believe I would be a strong member of this committee because I am committed to fairness, communication, and advocating for the needs of my coworkers.

Every day, we all work hard to support our communities and provide essential services. Because of that, we deserve a contract that reflects the value of the work we do. If selected for the bargaining committee, I will listen carefully to the concerns and ideas of my fellow members so that their voices are included in the negotiation process. Representation means more than just being at the table-it means bringing the real experiences of our workforce into the conversation.

I am also someone who approaches challenges with professionalism, collaboration, and a willingness to work toward solutions. Bargaining requires teamwork, patience, and a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for our members.

I would be honored to serve on the bargaining committee and help advocate for a fair contract, improved working conditions, and a stronger future for all of us. Together, we can ensure our voices are heard and respected.

 

Mary Hernandez, Substance Use Disorder Specialist II, Dept. of Behavioral Health.

My name is Mary Hernandez, and I am proud to stand before you as a candidate for Bargaining Unit 3 Bargaining Team Member.

For the past 13 years, I have had the honor of working at KBHRS as a SUDS II, and throughout that time I have been a proud SEIU member. I currently serve on the Executive Board Committee, Shop Steward, and as a Contract Action Team Leader. These roles have given me the experience and the voice to advocate for our members and fight for what we deserve.

I am running to represent all classifications because every member deserves to be heard, respected, and represented. If elected, I will communicate your needs, concerns, and priorities directly to the County. I will stand firm, negotiate with passion, and make sure you are informed every step of the way.

Our strength has always come from our unity. When we stand shoulder to shoulder, we have the power to create change and secure the respect, protections, and fair contracts we deserve.

I am proud to stand with you, and I humbly ask for your vote.

Vote for Mary Hernandez, Bargaining Unit 3.

Together, we rise. Together, we win. ¡Sí se puede!

David Camacho, Animal Control Officer, Dept. of Animal Services

My name is David Camacho, and I’m running for Bargaining Team, representing Bargaining Unit #6. I’ve worked for the Department of Animal Services as an Animal Control Officer for 13 years now. I’ve proudly been active in the union since Day 1. I’ve served as Chapter Treasurer, and I currently serve as a Shop Steward, Executive Board Delegate, CAT Team member, Trial Board member, and Kern County COPE Chair.

I’m a strong believer in unions and union strength runs in my family. I believe organized labor is one of the best ways to fight back against the billionaires who are actively trying to hurt our communities. Every year I traveled to every corner of this county for my job duties. I work side by side with my fellow county workers every day. I see how people are struggling to make ends meet in an increasingly unfair economy. I would be honored to represent you hard working County  workers on the Bargaining Team. And I pledge to ALWAYS keep you and your best interests at the forefront of everything I do. I have a long track record of being there for County workers and nothing is going to stop me from continuing that.

 

 

 

 

Chris Mojica Lizaola, Public Works Maintenance Worker II, Dept. of Public Works

As a dedicated employee of the county for four years, I have firsthand experience working alongside the hardworking individuals who maintain our roadways and sanitation services. My commitment to the blue-collar worker runs deep, and I genuinely understand the challenges and aspirations faced by our bargaining unit.

I believe in the power of representation and am passionate about advocating for fair contracts that acknowledge the vital contributions of our workforce. I will tirelessly strive to ensure our voices are heard and our needs are met in negotiations.

Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable workplace where every worker feels valued and supported. I am ready to serve as your representative, bringing your concerns to the forefront and working hard for the benefits we deserve.

Choose me to stand up for our rights and ensure a brighter future for all members of our bargaining unit.