Carmen is a recognized leader by many for her tenacity and commitment to ensuring Aliso Viejo remains a strong, viable community for generations to come. As the co-founder and former president of the Cityhood Committee, Carmen was successful in her attempt to bring a fiscally responsible cityhood plan to voters.

Upon incorporation on July 1, 2001, she was elected by her City Council colleagues to serve as the City's first Mayor, and served again as Mayor in 2006 and 2007.

Representing the citizens of Aliso Viejo, she currently serves as a board member for the San Joaquin TCA (Transportation Corridor Agency) and as an alternate Board Member of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). Carmen was a former alternate board member for ETRPA (El Toro Reuse Planning Authority) and served as the City's representative to the Great Park Advisory Council in 2007. Carmen offers a well-rounded professional scope of experience in the social service field as well as land use planning and commercial development, serving both public and private sector clients. She holds a B.A. degree in English and Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Stanford University.

She enjoys participating in many community activities, visits the local parks and trails on a regular basis and can be seen around town with her favorite pets and rescued Labrador Retrievers, “Gus” and “Charlie”. As an avid animal rescuer, she adopted Zephyr, an endangered California Desert Tortoise, who spends most of his time at home. Gus was adopted through Pooch Heaven, an animal rescue group that frequents the Aliso Viejo PetSmart on weekends. Charlie was adopted with help from “Save the Dalmations & Others”, another animal rescue organization which uses local AV volunteers,

As a 17-year resident of Aliso Viejo, Carmen is active in several organizations and continues to serve the community in many ways. Carmen is a former seven-year board member for AVCA and was the driving force behind the incorporation drive for Orange County's 34th city. She serves as Chair of the Aliso Viejo Community Cup, which is the annual golf tournament dedicated to raising funds for the Family Resource Center and other programs that benefit the children and families in Aliso Viejo, as well as the Aliso Viejo Historical Committee. Carmen is the current Co-Chair of the Latino Leadership Council for Mission Hospital and a steering committee member for the YMCA's "OC In Motion" campaign to promote health and wellness programs for youth. She is proud to call Aliso Viejo her home town.

Both Carmen and her husband, Duane, dedicate a great deal of time and energy to the benefit of several local charities and enjoy a good round of golf in their spare time.

Click here to send a message: ccave@cityofalisoviejo.com.

All correspondence is public record.