Marjorie Hamada, candidate for the city of Rancho Cucamonga, office of the Mayor
As part of Inland Valley News’ Your Vote, Your Voice election coverage, the newspaper is introducing candidates seeking to represent communities throughout the Inland Valley in the November 3 general election.
Marjorie Hamada is seeking election as mayor of Rancho Cucamonga. Hamada, an attorney and small-business owner, is campaigning on resident engagement, responsible growth, infrastructure investment and public safety. The City of Rancho Cucamonga lists her ballot designation as “Business Owner/Attorney.”
Hamada said her decision to run grew out of conversations with residents who told her they do not feel sufficiently heard by City Hall.
“I am not someone who is comfortable simply identifying a problem; I believe in taking constructive action to address it,” Hamada said in her response to Inland Valley News’ candidate questionnaire.
Resident Voice, Growth and Infrastructure
Hamada identified three issues she considers especially important: improving resident participation in local government, addressing concerns about the pace and density of development, and ensuring infrastructure and public services keep pace with growth.
She said development should comply with the law while also protecting established neighborhoods and residents’ quality of life.
Hamada also emphasized roads, parks, water, schools, fire protection and law enforcement as services that must be considered when evaluating future growth.
Her campaign website similarly emphasizes limiting what she describes as unchecked development, strengthening resident participation and making sure infrastructure and public safety keep pace with growth.
A Residents’ Advisory Council
If elected, Hamada said her first major priority would be advocating for creation of a Residents’ Advisory Council.
Under her proposal, the council would include representation from each City Council district as well as at-large participation. It would meet regularly to identify community concerns, discuss possible solutions and communicate resident perspectives to the mayor and City Council.
Hamada said the proposed body would be advisory and would not replace the authority of the elected council or existing public processes.
Its purpose, she said, would be to provide residents with “a consistent, accessible channel for dialogue” with city leadership.
The Residents’ Advisory Council is also one of the central proposals featured by Hamada’s campaign.
Legal and Small-Business Experience
Hamada said more than 20 years as an attorney and small-business owner in the Inland Empire have prepared her for public office.
She said her legal career has required her to listen carefully, analyze complicated issues, negotiate, solve problems and advocate for clients with different backgrounds and circumstances.
Hamada said she has represented thousands of people during her career and has also participated in community education efforts designed to help people understand their legal rights.
She believes those skills would transfer to the mayor’s office by helping her evaluate competing interests, collaborate with City Council members and staff, and advocate for residents.
Hamada’s campaign website identifies her as a longtime Inland Empire resident who earned a business administration degree from Cal Poly Pomona before attending law school and practicing law in San Bernardino County for more than two decades.
Expanding Community Participation
Hamada said resident involvement should extend beyond City Council meetings and election season.
In addition to the advisory council, she said she would support accessible community meetings, clearer communication about major proposals and opportunities for residents to provide input before significant decisions are made.
She said she would continue meeting directly with neighborhood groups, residents, businesses and community organizations throughout her tenure.
“No single advisory body can represent every viewpoint,” Hamada said.
What She Says Distinguishes Her
Asked what distinguishes her candidacy, Hamada pointed to her proposal for a Residents’ Advisory Council and her professional background.
She described the council as a way for residents to provide regular feedback, raise concerns and evaluate the city’s progress throughout the term.
Hamada also cited her more than 20 years of experience as an attorney and small-business owner, saying that work has trained her to listen, analyze difficult issues, negotiate and advocate effectively.
Animal Welfare and Community Care
Hamada said one aspect of her life voters may not see in campaign materials is her love of animals.
She described her beagle, Lucy, as a beloved member of her family and said that connection has influenced her interest in animal services.
If elected, Hamada said she would support responsible oversight and adequate resources for a safe and humane animal-care facility.
She said the way a city cares for animals is one measure of its commitment to compassionate public service.
Beyond the Ballot
Hamada listed Omokase Sushi as her favorite local restaurant and Rancho Cucamonga’s Fourth of July Celebration as her favorite community event.
Her drink of choice is an oat milk latte from Steve’s Coffee.
For residents looking to explore the area, Hamada recommends the North Etiwanda Preserve.
She is currently reading Resolved: 7 Resolutions Extraordinary Christ-Followers Make by Jeff Vines.
Asked for one word her friends or family would use to describe her, Hamada chose “Sunshine.”
Her Message to Voters
If elected, Hamada said she hopes residents will say she “helped make Rancho Cucamonga an even brighter jewel of the Inland Empire.”
In her final message, Hamada again emphasized resident advocacy and managed growth.
“I am running because I love Rancho Cucamonga and want residents to have a strong advocate at City Hall,” Hamada said. “I will work to preserve what makes our city special by advocating for responsible growth, safe neighborhoods, well-maintained roads, quality parks, and infrastructure that keeps pace with development.”
