March 31, 2022
Assemblymember Robert Rivas on March 30 named Erica Padilla-Chavez, president of the Hartnell Community College District Governing Board, as Woman of the Year for Assembly District 30 -- part of an annual Women’s History Month observance by the Legislative Women’s Caucus.
In addition to serving as an elected member of the Hartnell board since 2009, Padilla-Chavez is CEO of Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance, Inc., providing behavioral health and youth prevention services to over 7,000 youth and their families in the Pajaro Valley.
To help south Santa Cruz County communities during the pandemic, Padilla-Chavez convened
and led a coalition of more than 30 non-profit and governmental organizations named
the South County COVID Triage Group. The effort provided financial and legal assistance,
housing retention and behavioral health support to residents impacted by COVID-19.
She also is an active community member in Soledad, where she resides. 
Rivas (D-Salinas) said Padilla-Chavez has demonstrated “an unparalleled commitment to the region,” adding, “Erica is a true public servant, embodying her motto ‘service above self.’”
Padilla-Chavez said she shares the recognition with the many women she has worked with throughout the challenges of the pandemic over the past two years.
“Together, we have led with compassion, integration, and genuine collaboration to aid our communities in multifaceted ways. There is no greater gift in life than to use our skills to make other people's lives better,” she said. “Thank you Assemblymember Rivas for acknowledging that a collective approach to achieving community wellness is the way forward.”
The 30th District includes all or portions of the cities and towns of Aromas, Big Sur, Chualar, Gilroy, Greenfield, Gonzales, Hollister, King City, Morgan Hill, Salinas, San Martin, San Juan Bautista, Soledad, Spreckels and Watsonville.