By TR Robertson
Cipriano Vargas saw early in life the power of a strong work ethic. “As farmworkers, my parents gave everything to raise nine kids, and when I was 10, my parents were finally able to purchase a home in Vista,” said Vargas. Vargas, a lifelong resident of the city of Vista, recently announced his candidacy for Mayor. “I am running for Mayor because I believe Vista deserves the best,” said Vargas. “At City Hall, I will bring the energy, ideas and creativity to tackle the city’s issues and make Vista the finest city in the region.”
A proud product of the Vista Unified School District and graduate of Cal State University of San Marcos, Vargas was the first in his family to attend college and earn a degree. “Beyond working hard, my parents always reminded me of the importance of education,” Vargas said.
Appointed to the Cal State University Board of Trustees by then Governor Jerry Brown in 2012, Vargas found a passion for advocacy. He now serves as the President of the California State University San Marcos Alumni Association, helping graduates connect with local resources. “Seventy eight percent of the students graduating stay in the region, and it is important to support and assist them where possible,” said Vargas. Vargas also assists in the Puente Program at Mira Costa Community College, serving as a mentor for first generation college students.
Elected to the Vista School Board in 2016 and re-elected in 2020, Vargas now serves as the Board President and as a delegate to the California School Board Association. “I believe in fully funding public education, supporting English Language Learners, Special Education and homeless students,” said Vargas. “We need to provide students with the framework to thrive in the global economy.”
Vargas was recognized as a 40 under 40 leader in 2021 by the Vista Chamber of Commerce and a Regional Community Champion in 2014 by the San Diego Union Tribune
For Vargas, tackling inequalities in the community is a priority and he is committed to a multi-pronged approach to homelessness in Vista. “Housing and homelessness are critical issues, we need more resources to deal with mental health issues among those experiencing homelessness and extend services to assist individuals and families looking for affordable housing,” said Vargas. “It is unsustainable to continue approving multi-million dollar developments without considering the need for affordably priced homes for families living and working in our community.”
“Residents should have more involvement in how the final city budget comes together, what’s prioritized,” Vargas said. He said he would champion creating more surveys, public forums and workshops for community feedback and gathering data. Vargas said when questioning people around town, he found nine out of ten people had no idea about the city budget, how the money is spent or had an opportunity for input about the budget. Vargas said his cell number is on his website, which allows people to comment and connect about issues, a practice he plans to continue when elected as Mayor.
“Residents want to feel heard when they bring issues in front of the council,” Vargas said. Improving the city’s public messaging and transparency when it comes to informing citizens about city issues is also a priority for Vargas. “Public feedback on the city’s agenda is an honored and important tradition of our democracy,” said Vargas.
As Mayor of Vista, Vargas said he will focus on the city’s infrastructure. “As funding is received, Vista has an opportunity to move forward in a positive way,” Vargas said. “The proper use of the city’s resources and the ability to create new jobs is important. Attention to public safety studies and using growth studies effectively, both for business and residential, is critical to how we plan and what we want the city to look like in the future and improve quality of life for years to come.”
“Making a difference now in the community involves getting young people, parents senior citizens and small business owners involved,” Vargas said. “I would be honored to serve as the Mayor of Vista.”
(760) 385-8418
Cipriano@ciprianovargas.com
www.ciprianovargas.com
