Name: José Antonio Ramirez

Birthplace: Coalcoman, Michoacan, Mexico

What high school did you attend? Washington Union High School

Area you represent: Target Area A which covers the western Fresno County communities of Firebaugh, Mendota, Tanquility, San Joaquin, Kerman, and Biola

Years as EOC Commissioner: 2 years

Profession: City Manager for the city of Firebaugh

Do you sit on other boards/commissions? Yes. I sit on the following boards/commissions:

• Dean Advisory Board for School of Engineering at California State University, Fresno
• Dean Advisory Board for School of Social Sciences at California State University, Fresno
• Executive Board for Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement ( MESA)
• California Valley Water Board
• San Joaquin River Resource Management Coalition
• California Coalition for Rural Housing
• Council of Governments (COG) Policy Advisory Committee, Chairman
• Fresno Latino Rotary, Club President
  

Best advice ever received: “If you want to lift yourself, you have to lift the person behind you.”
 

Favorite advice I give: “Go with your heart.”

Favorite restaurant, dish, or pig-out food: My all time favorite restaurant is Thai House (off of Chestnut and Ashlan).

Proudest moment: My proudest moment was earning a master’s degree in public administration.

Greatest personal accomplishment: My greatest personal accomplishment is becoming the youngest City Manager in the state of California. I was 28 years old.

My dream vacation: My dream vacation … going to Europe.

Favorite weekend activity: I know this is going to sound strange, but for me, I enjoy doing chores around the house.

Last good movie I saw: Face Off

Scariest experience: My scariest experience is being in car accident.

If I had a million dollars I would … set up a scholarship foundation in memory of my father.

Favorite place to shop: JC Penny

Favorite childhood memory: My favorite childhood memory is working in the fields with my mother.

Words that describe me best: firecracker

I like to watch: The Lakers!!!

In my spare time … I read.

If I’ve learned one thing in life, it is … put integrity first!

Anything else you’d like us to know? I consider myself a social entrepreneur