City of Calipatria

Javier Amezcua

Mayor

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.

Maria Nava-Froelich

Mayor Pro-Tem

Maria Elena Nava-Froelich graduated from Calipatria High School in 1980 and Imperial Valley College in 1986 as a Patient Administration Specialist. She is employed since 1982 with the Calipatria Unified School District, currently the Director-Coordinator of the Calipatria-Niland Family Resource Center. She and her husband Christian have three adult children Ralph, Priscilla and Andres. Maria became a council member in 2011 and Mayor in 2019, 2016 and 2014. Her motivation and passion for the city include building a strong and healthy community, economic development, business growth and promotes community involvement.

2012-current & Chairman 2017: Imperial County Transportation Commission, Local Transportation Authority, Imperial County Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies and the Imperial County Resource Management Agency. 2016-current & Chairman 2018: Local Agency Formation Commission.

2014-current: Calipatria State Prison-Citizens Advisory Committee, 2011-current & Chairman 2017: Imperial County League of Cities and the Imperial Valley Continuum of Care Committee. Community involvement: Calipatria & Niland Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Corregidor Post 597 Women's Auxiliary, CUSD, President 2014-15 of the California School Employees Association Chapter #393, Imperial Valley Health & Safety First Committee & Comite Civico del Valle, Inc. Awards: MANA de Imperial Valley “Las Primeras” 2015, Sure Helpline “Iron Woman” 2017 and 2015 Recognition Awards from Senator Juan Vargas & Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia.

Hector Cervantes

Council

Hector holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Formally with the Imperial Irrigation District, Hector has experience in working with the public, budgeting and project management. He also served as a Volunteer firefighter for the City of Calipatria for ten years. His experience as a firefighter for the City gives him a unique understanding of the sacrifices of Calipatria employees. This is Hector’s second time on the City Council. During his first tenure he served as a Commissioner of the Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC). Hector brings unique experiences to the city and wants to bring economic growth, business and more community trust to the City. Hector and his wife have two children in the Calipatria Unified School District. 

Sylvia R. Chavez

Council

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.

Huston Hisel

Council

Huston has been a resident of Calipatria since 1972. He's a 1976 graduate of Calipatria High School and is currently employed at the Imperial Irrigation District where he's been working since 1984. Huston and his wife, Maria have two sons - Edward and Michael. During his sons' elementary school years he volunteered as a Little League coach and umpire. In 1990, Huston joined the Calipatria Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter where he reached the rank of Captain and received a certificate as an EMT. Huston retired from the fire department in 2000, and then went back to coaching Little League. He has also volunteered as a softball coach at Bill Young Middle School. As an elected Councilman, he hopes to continue to help improve the community of Calipatria by reinvigorating the City he loves.