Diviana Navarro is a BenitoLink Intern Staff Reporter.
Rolan Resendiz has announced that he is running for the Hollister City Council District 2 seat, currently held by Vice Mayor Mickie Luna.
Born and raised in East San Jose, Resendiz, 38, learned that an education is the only way out of the cycles of oppression that stagnate the development and well-being of communities. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and then a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
Here in Hollister, Resendiz has worked closely with his partner Joel Esqueda to start up Arti-Culture, a community-based art studio that aims to promote art in the community, especially to the youth.
“If we invest in our kids at a young age, they’re going to come back and contribute in a positive way,” said Resendiz, a father of a 7-year-old.
Resendiz has also served on several committees, boards, and organizations. Back in 2016, he received the California Peace Award from Assemblyman Luis Alejo for his community service and dedication to the city of Hollister.
For the first in a long time, all five seats on the Hollister City Council will be up for election this November. With these new seats available, the city is faced with an opportunity for new representation and voices to be heard.
For Resendiz, the five open races on the Hollister City Council are not mere coincidence.
“I feel that right now is a very exciting time for the City of Hollister,” Resendiz said. “I am enthusiastic, energetic, and optimistic about all of the new possibilities for the entire community!”
Reporter intern Diviana Navarro is a student at Santa Clara University and is partially funded through the Emma Bowen Foundation with assistance from INN.