Fil-Am city councilor named VP of League of California Cities

Gabe Quinto in 2014 became El Cerrito’s first Filipino American and first LGBTQ city councilor when he began his first term on the El Cerrito City Council. LCC

SACRAMENTO, California — Filipino American El Cerrito City Councilor Gabe Quinto was named second vice president of The League of California Cities at the league’s annual conference and expo on Sept. 22.

Quinto became El Cerrito’s first Filipino American and first LGBTQ city councilor when he began his first term on the El Cerrito City Council in 2014. He has prioritized equity and diversity in El Cerrito and on all the

 “I look forward to further fostering positive change for California cities through our collaborative efforts,” Quinto said;

His extensive involvement with Cal Cities includes past presidencies on its Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus, and East Bay Division, as well as committee roles in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Governance, and Environmental Policy.

“Gabe’s involvement in Cal Cities has been invaluable,” said League of California Cities Executive Director and CEO Carolyn Coleman. “His wealth of experience as a Council Member, Mayor, and regional leader in El Cerrito has greatly enriched our organization and I look forward to his growth as a statewide leader and contributions in the coming year.”

Other affiliations

Gabe Quinto is active in several organizations, including Equality California and CivicWell. He also serves as a board member of A Wider Bridge.

This week, the Cal Cities Board of Directors also elected Fowler Mayor Daniel Parra to serve as president and Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Pro Tem Lynne Kennedy to serve as first vice president. Artesia Council Member Ali Sajjad Taj, who served as the 2022-23 president, became immediate past president.

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Established in 1898, the League of California Cities is a nonprofit statewide association that advocates for cities with the state and federal governments and provides education and training services to elected and appointed city officials. Cal Cities’ mission is to expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.