Al Rios

Council Experience

Al Rios was first elected to the South Gate City Council in April 2017 and was re-elected for a 4-year term in November 2022. He served as Mayor in 2021.  As a member of the City Council, he shares the responsibilities of the City Council to set policies and goals for the community.

Personal Life

Al has lived in South Gate for over 20 years. All his children grew up here and attended public schools in South Gate or surrounding communities.

Professional Experience/Volunteer Work

For seventeen years, Al has been an educational leader who has promoted higher education in South Gate and surrounding communities as Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Political Science at ELAC, South Gate Educational Center. He has fought to increase course offerings, student services and led the effort to establish a bus shuttle service from the South Gate campus to the ELAC main campus. Prior to his career at the local community college, Al has worked with several non-profit organizations in various leadership capacities.

Al serves on the following Committees and Boards:

• SELA Collaborative, Charter Member & Steering Committee
• East Los Angeles Doctor’s Hospital, Board Member
• Gateway City Metro Service Council, former Chair
• East Los Angeles College Alumni Association, Charter & Board Member

   

  Awards and Honors

  Al is the recipient of the:

• Northgate Juntos - Certificate of Appreciation for Dedication to Empower and Uplift the Latino Community
• Spanish American Institute - Lincoln Award, first recipient
• City of Los Angeles Youth Advisory Council - Certificate of Appreciation  

Hobbies and Interests

During his free time, Al enjoys swimming, cycling, reading and spending time with family.  He is a staunch supporter of the youth and seniors.