WHO IS CARLOS J. LEÓN?
- "I didn't get the parents I wanted, but I got the family I needed." Carlos J. León
My childhood Journey
I was raised primarily by my sisters, but I never stayed in one home very long. From an early age, until I graduated from high school and joined the Army, I lived with different relatives, for varying periods of time.
The most memorable and challenging living arrangement for me was when I was 16, and met my biological father for the first time; the year he was released from prison.
During that year, I was challenged with a troubling realization, that my father was a heroin dealer. Thankfully, he never wanted me around his situation, but sadly, we both knew that living with him was better than living with my mother, who was battling a heroin addiction of her own.
A PERSONAL TRIUMPH
Needless to say, during this time of my life, my high school attendance and grades suffered severely, but not my desire to succeed. I moved out of my father's home and became self-reliant.
Despite several personal and academic setbacks, I persevered. Through my own unwavering suvival instincts and the support of numerous teachers, and counselors, I graduated from Schurr High School, in Montebello, and soon thereafter joined the U.S. Army.
Upon completion of my tour of duty, I enrolled in college, and received my A.A. degree in Liberal Studies from East Los Angeles Community College, and my B.A. in Chicana and Chicano Studies from UCLA.
A pathway to discipline and Purpose
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proud to have served
Immediately after graduating from high school, I enlisted in the United States Army. From basic training in Fort Benning, to stations in Fort Ord, California, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, I am proud to have served my country with distinction and dedication.
Join me, Friday, November 10, 2023
3pm - 6pm
American Legion Eugene A. Obregón Post 804
4615 East Cesar E. Chavez Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
U.s. Army + U.S. national guard
Upon my honorable discharge, I returned to District 52, and joined the CA National Guard, and later, the American Legion Post 804, in East Los Angeles.
My time in the military instilled in me a sincere personal motivation to protect and serve others.
Notable Achievements:
- Expert Infantryman Badge
- Army Achievement Medal
- Non-Commissioned Officers Academy
- Honorable Discharge
a career dedicated to helping others
the greater good
As much as the military has instilled in me a profound discipline, clarity of mission, and motivation to pursue my life's purpose, it's been the opportunities to volunteer locally, and a career dedicated to helping others, here in District 52, that has inspired me the most to serve the greater good.
answering the phone
As a volunteer and professional, here in our district. I've answered phones, and counseled survivors of rape, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence, mental and emotional abuse, and many other crisis services. I've also provided people with access to adult education, health services, elderly care, and local union representation.
helping youth cope
In addition to my volunteerism, and activism, I'm also a 15-year veteran Deputy Probation Officer, currently assigned to the Dorothy Kirby Center, a coed juvenile mental health facility; and Camp Scott, a Secure Youth Treatment Facility. Prior to my current role, I was a Detention Services Officer at Central Juvenile Hall.
My Early Years
my first Volunteer assignment East Los Angeles Rape and Domestic HOtline
Provided information and referrals geared towards prevention and intervention in particular mental health resources for survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Emotional Abuse.First Academic Role UCLA OFFICE OF COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Contributed to UCLA's Community Directory and Campus Tour Guide.HOTLINE RESOURCE COUNSELOR AVANCE HUMAN SERVICES, INC.
Provided information on AIDS-related issues, Maintained Southern California's AIDS Referral Directory; supervised volunteers; and coordinated all presentations.COMPUTER RESOURCE SPECIALIST UCLA CHICANO STUDIES CENTER
Provided more analog than digital tech support for the deparment. But look where we all are now!Food Bank Coordinator, BIENESTAR HUMAN SERVICES, INC.,
Coordinated the Food Bank's daily activities. Set criteria for client eligibility and corresponded with other agencies on clients' behalf.
My commitment to our community and marginalized groups has been a driving inspiration throughout my career, and personal life purpose. I am very proud of the work I have done, and continue to do, on behalf of the disenfranchised members of our community, including survivors of domestic violence, mental abuse, drug addiction, those impacted by HIV/AIDS, undocumented immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and our youth.
what I do Now
2016 - PRESENT
DEPUTY PROBATION OFFICER
L.A. COUNTY PROBATION DEPT.
Supervise detained juveniles. Counsel and maintain order among individuals and facility, Provide situational counseling for program members Serve as administrative liaison for department.2007 - 2016
DETENTION SERVICES OFFICER
First line of contact for juvenile probation communications and processing.2004 - 2007
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
Trained union counselors. Curriculum included financial assistance, debt counseling, unemployment, disability, mental health, and child care services..2002 - 2007
AFL-CIO LABOR COMMUNITY SERVICES LIAISON
Assisted union members in crisis with food and emergency financial support.1999 - 2001
Field Deputy, LA county supervisor, gloria molina
Served as liaison between the District and the Supervisor, local government and private interest groups.
I was very fortunate to work with our honorable LA County Supervisor and former Assembly representative Gloria Molina. Thanks to her guidance, influence and legacy, I assure you that I'm the right person to represent you, and elevate our district from indvidual to familia, home to neighborhood, community and school, to jobs and business, business and economic success, to our cities and state.
Please vote for me to lead us there!
Advocacy + activism
Democratic Politics
• Have always voted as a registered democrat since 18 years of age. • Member Northeast Democratic Club • Various years Los Angeles County • Member Democratic Party Central Committee • Delegate to the CA Democratic PartyPolitical + Social Volunteerism
• Justice for Janitors (Century City Rally) • UCLA Student Activist against Sexist, misogynistic, Racist Fraternity Songbook • 1993 Student activism to create a Chicano Studies Department at UCLA • No on 187 (Volunteer) • AIDS Lobby Day (Sacramento) • Cedillo for Assembly (Volunteer) • Romero for Assembly (Volunteer) • Romero for Senate (Treasurer) • Veterans for Kerry • March on Sacramento • No on SB Phoenix, Arizona (Bus Captain) • March for California’s Future (Sacramento) • Villaraigosa for City Council • Annual Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Baskets, Turkeys & ToysAdditional Political + Social campaigns
No on Secession • Grey Davis re-election • Lock Out support UFCW Grocery Workers • No Walmart in Inglewood1st Labor • Federation Delegates Congress • No on 74, 75, 76, 77 • Hurricane Katrina Support • Strike Assistance Writers Guild of America • Strike assistance USW Arizona (Minors)