My name is Esther Sanchez. I was born and raised in Oceanside, first generation Latina on my mother's side, now part of a 5 generation Oceanside family.
My parents worked in the fields, then in a rubber factory and Camp Pendleton. With my parent’s strong work ethic and beliefs in family, faith, and education, I graduated from Oceanside High and then went on to receive my BA in Urban Studies from Brown University and JD from UC Hastings College of Law. A lifetime commitment to the community, I served as a deputy public defender for 20 years and chair of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association in 1998.
Encouraged by the election of Cruz Bustamante as the first Latino Lieutenant Governor, I decided to run for City Council in my hometown of Oceanside in 2000. In a field of 15 candidates, I won the most votes and have easily won re-election three times, currently running for my fifth term. I have worked hard to represent all communities and residents of Oceanside and of the region. I have served on the city council as the only woman and only person of color for the majority of my 16 years.
I was appointed Commissioner on the California Coastal Commission by Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass, earning the highest ratings by statewide environmental organizations in ensuring the protection, preservation and public access of our California coastline and resources.
I have a law practice in Oceanside. I am a strong believer in representative government, with a passion for the Constitution of the United States and of the State of California.