I was born in Brawley, California and grew up with five brothers and two sisters. We were raised in the agricultural town of Seeley, bordering the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, California. I have spent most of my life within Riverside and Imperial Counties and call it home with my wife, Agueda, and four children.
Upon graduating in 1983 from Central Union High School in El Centro, I attended undergraduate school at La Sierra College in Riverside. Having dreamed of pursuing a dental career, I entered Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry where I earned my Bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1990. I was awarded Masters of Science degree in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University in 1995. In that time, I have established and maintained successful dental and orthodontic practices in Riverside and El Centro respectively.
My interest in serving people began while I was attending dental school, where I served as university student-body vice-president. That passion of serving led me to becoming a community activist by helping people to organize and by actively participating in various fundraisers for political campaigns at the local, state and federal levels.
Democratic election campaigns for whom I have actively organized for include: Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge, Senators Diane Feinstein, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Boxer, 1992 and 1996 presidential campaigns of Bill Clinton and Al Gore, and California Lt. Governor John Garamendi.
It has been a rewarding experience working with Mayor Ron Loveridge, on projects involving the city at large particularly improvements to University Avenue in Riverside. Imperial Valley involvement includes serving as a board member to the El Centro Chamber of Commerce and Literacy Volunteers of America. I contribute substantially to local charities, and provide free dental treatment to underprivileged children through both of my practices.
Having decided to run for State legislature, I now campaign with the aspiration of making substantial improvements to California health care, education, and business development. I want to find ways to give healthcare access to all children; to generate higher paying jobs to hard-working citizens of Imperial and Coachella Valleys and to better manage air pollution and wastewater crossing our California border from Mexico. I want to ensure safer streets for all our communities and address much needed improvements to our roadways, infrastructure and regional airports. I believe that this can be accomplished with wiser spending, proper allocation of funds and overall government efficiencies without the need to increase State taxes.
I commit that these will be the issues that form the focus of my campaign and service to you. I will do this with fervor and loyalty. I bring to the table vast experience and qualifications necessary to represent Imperial and Riverside Counties in the California Legislature. This region of California has been home to me all of my life. I have been raised here, been educated in the public school system here and established my healthcare practices here. I have first-hand knowledge of what is important to the people here and I sincerely care about these communities. I am of the people and for the people. With your generous financial support and vote, I will win this election and be ready to work hard, long hours to serve you and our proud communities.
I thank each and every one of you in advance for your support to my candidacy. It will be with great pride and honor that I represent you.
Respectfully,
Richard Gutierrez
