Council Experience
Joshua Barron was elected to the South Gate City Council in November 2022 for a four-year term. He was selected to serve as Vice Mayor in December 2024 when the City Council reorganized. As the Vice Mayor, he shares the responsibility with the Mayor and Council Members of setting policies and goals that enhance the well-being of the community.
Personal Life
A lifelong resident of South Gate, Joshua was raised by his parents, Ernesto and Graciela, both of whom immigrated to the U.S. in search of the American Dream. From a young age, Joshua was taught the importance of education as a key to success. He attended Stanford Elementary, South Gate Middle School, and South Gate High School. Growing up, he was involved in the arts and sports, spending much of his time at South Gate Park, where he played baseball and basketball. As a teenager, Joshua was an active member of the South Gate Junior Athletic Association (SGJAA), both as a player and later as a Junior Coach.
Joshua has been happily married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 20 years. Together, they have three daughters: Victoria, a university student; Katelyn, a high school student; and Sofia, who is in middle school. They are proud to call South Gate home, where they have chosen to raise their children. Joshua’s goal is to continue working for the City so that his daughters, and future generations, will also choose South Gate to build their families.
Professional Experience/Volunteer Work
Before being elected to the City Council, Joshua served as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for five years, including two years as Chairperson. He also served on the Tweedy Mile Advisory Board for three years, two of which he was the Chairperson.
In his professional career, Joshua is currently a Vice President at a community bank and is a key member of the Financial Crimes Investigation Team. With over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, he has held roles at institutions such as Bank of America (Check Fraud Division), City National Bank (BSA Division), Manufacturers Bank (BSA Division), and currently, Preferred Bank.
Joshua has long been an active volunteer in the community. He has coached and served on the Board of the SGJAA, where he helped organize softball clinics with college players from around the country and hosted toy drives for the Santa Cop Program. He was also appointed Charter President of the Kiwanis Club of Southeast Los Angeles, organizing numerous events to benefit local youth, including scholarship opportunities. In 2024, he played a key role in launching the SELA College and Career Fair, which provided students with valuable exposure to universities, colleges, and various labor and trade careers.
Hobbies and Interests
Joshua enjoys spending quality time with his family, going on road trips, and supporting his daughters at their sporting events. An avid golfer, he dreams of one day retiring on a golf course. He is also a passionate fan of Los Angeles sports teams including the Dodgers, Rams, Lakers, and LAFC.
His mission includes addressing and improving infrastructure, fostering business growth to create local jobs, revitalizing business districts, and supporting community partner organizations. He is also dedicated to working with local schools and nonprofits to reinstate arts programs, collaborating with law enforcement to address resident concerns, enhancing community pride, and being a strong advocate for South Gate.
Joshua is passionate about mentoring the next generation and inspiring future leaders in the Southeast Los Angeles region.