Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl has recently hired his third field deputy, Jessyca Avalos, since coming into office in July 2005. Avalos replaces Jennifer Rivera, who is now the legislative deputy for Councilwoman Janice Hahn, serving District 15 (the San Pedro area). Rivera, who worked for Rosendahl for six months, told the Palisadian-Post that she had always wanted to work in policy, and Hahn had contacted her about the opening. Rivera replaced Andrea Epstein, who now oversees the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks’ volunteer programs. ‘It was a heartbreak to lose Andrea after having the honor to work with her for two years, and Jennifer was outstanding,’ Rosendahl said. ‘These talented young ladies came here, and they learned things. We mentored them, and they moved on to other opportunities.’ Avalos, 25, will be Rosendahl’s liaison with the residents and organizations in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood and Santa Monica Canyon in District 11. Before accepting the position, Avalos worked for nearly two years as a field deputy and legislative deputy for Councilman Richard Alarcon, who represents District 7 (the northeast section of the San Fernando Valley). The Venice resident said she wanted to transition jobs because ‘I wanted to work closer to home on issues that affect me directly.’ Avalos also wanted to work for Rosendahl. ‘He’s full of energy, and he really cares about the community.’ Because of her experience working for Alarcon, Avalos said she is prepared to tackle her new job. ‘I have dealt with constituents’ issues and have familiarized myself with how the city runs,’ Avalos said. ‘I have learned how to be a problem-solver.’ Avalos graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in political science in 2006. She had intended to major in criminal justice, but a professor who taught political theory inspired her to pursue a career in politics. Before taking the position with Alarcon, Avalos was a field organizer for the California Democratic Party for the gubernatorial election in 2006. The West Los Angeles native attended Notre Dame Academy, a private Catholic girls’ high school. Her father, Andres, works for the L.A. Department of Transportation and her mother, Noemi, is a nanny. Her sister, Ruth, is a police officer at LAX. Rosendahl said Alarcon ‘sung praises about Jessyca.’ ‘She’s really bright; she’s an amazing organizer,’ Rosendahl said, adding that he’s pleased to have her as a member of his team.
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