Sandra is running for Assembly because she knows government must do better for families who are struggling and deliver for our communities. She’s stepping up to stand with the hardworking families of District 31—because the Central Valley deserves a real champion who understands our challenges and will always have our backs.
Sandra Celedon is a lifelong resident of Assembly District 31. She is the daughter of Mexican immigrants who began their lives in the U.S. as farm workers, searching for better jobs and a brighter future. Her father worked in a shingle manufacturing warehouse, her mother cleaned hotel rooms, and provided in-home supportive services. Their hard work allowed them to save enough money to buy a home in Calwa, a small unincorporated community south of downtown Fresno. Sandra graduated from Roosevelt High School before attending Fresno State to earn her degree in public health. Sandra’s service is driven by her values–the values she learned from her parents and the values she shares with so many families in the Valley. She believes that health is a basic right, that everyone deserves access to vital resources, and that people and their environments are deeply interconnected.
“Calwa and my parents gave me courage and self-esteem, and instilled in me the values of community, honesty, and integrity. My heart is rooted in community because of my upbringing, and I hope every child who grows up in Fresno is raised in a community like Calwa – full of love, joy, and encouragement.”
For more than 20 years, Sandra has been a prominent and impactful public health leader. As programs manager at Clinica Sierra Vista, she was at the forefront of securing funding to expand community health clinic services in our neighborhoods, bringing healthcare access directly to the people who need it most. As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Fresno Building Healthy Communities, Sandra has worked to unite people to cultivate vibrant, equitable communities where every child and family has the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life. Under Sandra’s leadership, Fresno BHC works to organize more than 30 nonprofit and faith-based organizations and create connected solutions in education, health, land use, community safety, transportation, civic engagement, and community development. The organization has become a driving force in shaping policy and systems-level change, breaking down barriers so that all residents—regardless of zip code or income—can thrive.
Sandra has championed local initiatives such as Measure P, bringing millions in much-needed funding for Fresno’s local parks, arts, and trails. Sandra led the efforts to build a skate park at Romain Park, a BMX park at Mary Ella Brown Center, and $6.6 million in renovations at Calwa Park. Sandra also worked to bring in $70 million in state funds to transform Fresno, which included $17 million to construct a Fresno City College campus in Southwest Fresno and create hundreds of jobs.
Sandra doesn’t just show up to ribbon-cutting ceremonies—she works tirelessly, day in and day out, to ensure the most underinvested parts of our community have a voice and a seat at the table and, more importantly, receive the investments we deserve.
“The Central Valley is a diverse community full of talented and motivated people. I want to see our talents recognized and leveraged to build the Valley of tomorrow. I am continuously inspired by the many young people in our community who use their voices and energy to create the Central Valley they deserve.”
“The Central Valley is a diverse community full of talented and motivated people. I want to see our talents recognized and leveraged to build the Valley of tomorrow. I am continuously inspired by the many young people in our community who use their voices and energy to create the Central Valley they deserve.”
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandra co-founded the COVID-19 Equity Project—a collaborative initiative uniting nearly 20 community-based organizations and more than 100 community health workers. Together, they delivered prevention education, vaccinations, and critical resources to more than 25,000 vulnerable residents throughout Fresno County. Thanks to its success and Sandra’s leadership, the model has been replicated in two additional counties.
When our communities have been overlooked, Sandra has stepped up to fight to get them the resources they deserve. We’re still facing tough issues that require pragmatic solutions and bold leadership. Sandra’s track record speaks for itself, and in the State Assembly, she’ll bring her fierce commitment to:
When she’s not hard at work, Sandra enjoys hiking and exploring the outdoors, watching documentaries and spending time with her husband, Maurice, their son, Ernesto, and their dog, Lola.
