Councilmember Denise Menchaca was elected to the San Gabriel City Council in March of 2017 and re-elected in November 2022. She enjoys the distinction of being the first Latina elected to the Council as well as serving as the first Latina Mayor from April of 2020 to March of 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was raised in Alhambra, California, where she attended local public schools. She attended the University of Southern California, having earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting. 

With a diverse resume, Denise has a proven track record of leadership and Community involvement. She was named the Congressional Woman of Distinction for San Gabriel by Congresswoman Judy Chu, National Latina of the Year by the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, Great Civic Leader by the Democratic Headquarters of the West San Gabriel Valley, Volunteer of the Year by the American Cancer Society and received the Golden Apple award by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).

Prior to being elected as Councilwoman, her public service included serving as a San Gabriel Unified School District Board member for eight years and as a Los Angeles County Commissioner for Older Adults. She continues to serve in a variety of capacities. Her service and civic associations include: San Gabriel Kiwanis Club (President), La Casa de San Gabriel (Board Member), 211 LA County (Board of Directors), San Gabriel Hope Lions Club (Member), National Women’s Political Caucus of the San Gabriel Valley (Vice President), Chinese American Citizen’s Alliance (Board of Associates Chairperson), Del Mar Continuation High School Site Council (President-ret), United Democrats of the San Gabriel Valley Club (President-ret).

Denise’s top priorities are to support historic preservation ordinances to guide smart development for our neighborhoods and commercial buildings, invest in public safety by supporting our first responders, provide a variety of services to our diverse residents, (especially our youth and seniors), improve the infrastructure of the city and responsibly manage local tax dollars.

 Denise has been married to John Menchaca for 34 years, raising their four children; Vanessa, Michelle, Roxanne and Michael Menchaca. As a longtime resident, business owner and community leader, Denise is proud to call San Gabriel her home.