Ward 2

Biography

Council Member Clarissa Cervantes is a mother and lifelong Riverside County resident who has devoted her career to empowering working families, fighting for social justice, and increasing participation in local, state, and national government.

As a Legislative Field Representative to the former Ward 2 Councilmember Andy Melendrez, Councilmember Cervantes helped residents create and develop innovative neighborhood projects, solve problems, and navigate City Hall, while working to improve and protect the quality of life in Ward 2. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Northridge and is completing her master’s degree in urban and regional planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Councilmember Cervantes ran for City Council to represent the growing and diverse population that encompasses the City of Riverside. Her extensive legislative and community experiences at Riverside City Hall and beyond, give her a unique perspective of policy, labor relations, community building and an understanding of how to deliver lasting results for the neighbors within Ward 2.

Councilmember Cervantes was sworn in on July 13, 2021 for a 5 year term and is the first woman elected to represent Ward 2, the 2nd Latina and 2nd openly LGBTQ+ elected on the Riverside City Council. Making her election as Ward 2 City Councilmember a historic win for the City of Riverside. Council Member Cervantes has a shared vision with Ward 2 residents of making her district the most developmentally responsible, art centric, culturally competent Ward with innovative and empowering projects that positively impact the quality of life for Ward 2 and the City of Riverside.