Council
Michael Luellen
Mayor
Javier Amezcua
Mayor Pro-Tem
Javier was raised in Calipatria and is an alumnus of Calipatria High School, Class of 1993. He attended California State University, Fullerton and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Kinesiology. Upon graduation, Javier accepted a position with the Coachella Valley Unified School District, working as a Physical Education Teacher. After teaching for five years, he left the education field for law enforcement and worked, first with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 and then, the California Highway Patrol, where he has been since 2008. Javier was stationed in Santa Fe Springs immediately after academy graduation, but transferred to the CHP El Centro Area office in 2010. Javier is an active member of the City of Calipatria’s Little League, the Latin and American Club and Calipatria High School where he coaches the freshman volleyball team. Javier has been married to his high school sweetheart, also a CHS alum, since 1997. He is the proud father of a son, who graduated from Calipatria High School in 2018 and a daughter, who is CHS class of 2020.
Fred Beltran
Council Member
Fred R. Beltran was born and raised in Calipatria, California, he attended the Calipatria Schools, Bonita, Fremont and Calipatria High School, where he graduated with the class of 1972. Fred married his high school sweetheart Martha on June 16, 1973, and has two adult children, Freddie Jr. and Jaime Daniel Beltran.
Fred began his law enforcement career on October 8, 1974, as a Police Cadet with the Calipatria Police Department. In August 1975, he was designated as a Police Reserve by Police Chief Frank Emanuel, where he later was promoted on February 1976 to full time status as a Police Officer, Fred attended the Riverside Sheriff’s Academy in Riverside, California where he graduated class of the 68 Basic. Fred later was promoted to Sergeant in February 1979.
In May 1979, Fred lateral to the Coachella Police Department. In November 1979, Fred transferred to the Westmorland Police Department where he was later promoted to Sergeant in October 1980. In February 1989, Fred was promoted to the position of Police Chief. In which he served (28 yrs) as the Police Chief for the Westmorland Police Department until his retirement July 1, 2017.
During Fred’s tenure with the Westmorland Police Department, Fred, was a member with the Westmorland Lions Club, Westmorland Little League Baseball, served as Executive Director of the Westmorland Police Activity League and Board Member of the Imperial County Narcotic Task Force.
Fred was elected as a City Councilman in April 1997 through November 2017 during his (20 yrs) tenure as a Councilman and (5) Mayor, Fred was a member of the Calipatria State Prison Citizen Advisory Committee, Calipatria Redevelopment Board Member, Imperial County Pollution Committee, Airport Comission Committee, and served as President for the Calipatria Centennial Committee.
Fred volunteered his services to the Calipatria Little League Baseball, as Coach and Umpire (1984-1998), and for the Calipatria Little League Basketball Program (2010-2019).
Sylvia R. Chavez
Council Member
Sylvia was raised in Calipatria, attended Calipatria High School and Imperial Valley College where she graduated with double majors in Business Management and Marketing. Upon graduation she accepted a position with the County of San Diego Greater Avenue of Independence Program as a Payment Supervisor. This pioneering program was a success and was modeled and implemented throughout the State of California.
After five years, she accepted a position in the private industry with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. In this new position she was hired to assist with automobile claims for accident victims, which occurred in the Republic of Mexico.
During this time, she also studied at University of Phoenix-San Diego Campus with her focus and major in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing. After 13 years a unique opportunity arose, and she was able to establish her own business as an International Claim Consultant. Having been an entrepreneur for more than 20 years she appreciates the challenges and implementation of marketing strategies in starting your business from the ground up.
Her objective is to assist in developing this rural community to its greatest potential by utilizing technology, reevaluating zoning to attract new investors, housing and commercial development, growth and employment opportunities and improvements to roads, parks and neighborhoods.
She is an advocate for special education, a member of several community organizations to include League of California Cities, School Site Council, Meals To Heal, Calipatria Chamber of Commerce and Calipatria Lions Club.
Sylvia has three adult children and two grandchildren in the Calipatria Unified School District.
