Mayor Pro Tem
City of Carson
Los Angeles, California
14 February 2016

Mayor Pro Tem Elito Macapagal Santarina was first elected into the Carson City Council on 4 March 2003 and served a four-year term. Four years later, he won a re-election on March 6, 2007.

Before migrating to the United States, Elito Santarina began his teaching career in 1967 and became a school principal from 1969 to 1973.

While working as a school teacher in Southern California, he pursued graduate studies and in 1980, he completed his Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from the California State University Dominguez Hills. After 30 years of service, he retired from LAUSD and pursued a consulting job with Lynwood Unified School District where he provided Direct Instruction on Reading and Language Arts.

Santarina’s involvement in community service began in the late 1980s when he decided to use his achievements to help make a difference. He occupied many positions in Carson City from City Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Citywide Advisory commissions, to leadership positions and active involvement in many local organizations.

Mayor Santarina is a recipient of numerous recognitions such as an outstanding educator and a community leader, the Mayor Tom Bradley Cultural Award, the California Department of Education Exceptional Leadership PTSA in Public Schools Awards, and the LAUSD Asian Pacific Educators Commission Leadership Award, among others.

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