Meet Felipe Rojas-Flores

I was born, raised, and educated in Merced. From my time at Merced High School and through my time at UC Merced, I became involved as a volunteer which cultivated my desire to serve my community.

After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, I realized I could better serve my community by further pursuing my education. Therefore, I decided to attend law school and enrolled at Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Once I received my Juris Doctor degree, I put the degree to work by providing free legal assistance to low-income farmworkers across the Central Valley with California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc.

I enjoy going out for walks, traveling, and hanging out with my friends and family.

Why am I running?

For what feels like my entire life, South Merced has been considered “that” side of town, the side of town you avoid, the side of town you move out of when you can afford it. The community that raised me has been left behind. While other areas of Merced automatically receive attention and investment, our community spends decades advocating for it. 

That changes with this campaign. It is time South Merced has an advocate on the City Council. It is time decades of community advocacy pays off. It is time South Merced received the attention and investment it has been asking for. It is time for a New Day in South Merced.

Housing

After law school, I planned to return to Merced and buy a house, but the pandemic changed those plans because I was suddenly priced out of my hometown. Every Merced resident and I were now competing with out-of-town investors and buyers that offered tens of thousands over asking price. The only way I was finally able to buy a house was buying one that had termites and needed a new roof.

We should be able to afford a house in our hometown.

As part of the City Council, I will take a proactive approach to increase housing availability and lower costs for all Merced residents. This means changing rules to allow mix-used zoning and different types of housing for our diverse city AND limiting new houses to people who intent to live them so that we are not competing with investors.

A recurring concern voters tell me about is roads. Everything from potholes to high speed traffic in our neighborhoods. We can do better with how our streets are designed. For example, we can also add curb extensions near schools to slow down traffic and make pedestrians crossing narrower. A narrower intersection slows down traffic and reduces the time students, parents, and school staff need to cross the street. Main Street already has curb extensions and they are effective. Let’s apply what we know across Merced.

South Merced also needs sidewalks. While talking to a voter, I saw a mother pushing her baby carriage on the side of the road because there is no sidewalk. Sidewalks protect pedestrians and drivers. South Merced residents should not be left behind.

Infrastructure

Experience

I’ve dedicated my legal career advocating for farmworkers across the state. From the Coachella Valley, the Central Coast, to our beloved Central Valley, and even the State Capitol in Sacramento.

I will use my experience and advocacy skills to put our community first.


I’m also a union member with Legal Service Workers of Rural California, part of National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW)/ UAW Local 2320. I had the privilege of representing my fellow union members in negotiating a new contract. In that role, I developed my skills of managing different goals from a diverse union with members located across California. These skills will allow me to work effectively with other council members--even when we disagree-–to achieve our main goal: Making Merced a better place to live.

In The News:

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