About Carlos Franco
Elect An Absolute Homegrown Candidate
Growing up in Buena Park
With a lifetime devoted to serving Buena Park, I am now taking the next step in my commitment to our community by running for City Council.
Growing up in Buena Park as a first-generation American during the 90s, I learned the value of hard work, community, and perseverance. My educational journey, starting at (formerly) Beatty Elementary and continuing to Buena Park High School, grounded me deeply in the values of our community. These early experiences shaped my understanding and appreciation of our city’s diverse and tight-knit character.
In the early 2000s, my family’s purchase of a historic 1920s home in Buena Park marked a milestone in our American dream. Working alongside my father, a skilled handyman, I acquired vital skills in trades such as plumbing, carpentry, and landscaping. This experience not only taught me the importance of hard work and dedication but also instilled a sense of pride in contributing to the upkeep of our city’s heritage.
Committment to Community
My engagement with local organizations, particularly the Buena Park Rotary Club, helped broaden my impact across Orange County. My time at Cal State Fullerton deepened my involvement in community activities, where I dedicated myself to supporting at-risk students through collaborations with the Chicano Resource Center and the Academic Advisement Center. My role as Governor for the 5320 District Rotaract and as a New Generations Advisor enabled me to mentor high school students, encouraging them to pursue higher education.
In more recent roles as Vice Chair for the Human Relations Committee and Chair of the Buena Park Sister City Foundation, I’ve focused on fostering connections and understanding within our community. These experiences have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to bridge cultural, generational, and experiential gaps in Buena Park.
I now seek to serve you on City Council
As I now seek to serve on the City Council, I bring a deep understanding of our community’s values, challenges, and opportunities. My dedication to Buena Park is unwavering, and I am committed to making it an even better place to live for everyone. I humbly ask for your support and vote as we work together to build a brighter future for Buena Park.
Growing up in the 90's
From Buena Park
Carlos Franco–along with his sisters–is a first-generation American, his parents having come from two different states in Mexico. Carlos has always embraced a love of country and love of his neighbors.
From kindergarten at Whitaker Elementary to the former Beatty Elementary, Carlos Franco started his journey in the close-knit community of Buena Park.
Photo Credit: Mom
Growing up in the 90's
From Buena Park
Carlos Franco–along with his sisters–is a first-generation American, his parents having come from two different states in Mexico. Carlos has always embraced a love of country and love of his neighbors.
From kindergarten at Whitaker Elementary to the former Beatty Elementary, Carlos Franco started his journey in the close-knit community of Buena Park.
Photo Credit: Mom
First Home
The American Dream
Like many families, purchasing a home is a major milestone. In the early 2000s, the Franco family accomplished that milestone and put down roots in Buena Park, the Center of the Southland.
With a historical home, built in the 1920s, there has always been something that needs fixing or replacing. Fortunately, Carlos Franco’s father was extremely handy, and he taught young Carlos several trades including plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, and others.
Photo Credit: Mom
First Home
The American Dream
Like many families, purchasing a home is a major milestone. In the early 2000s, the Franco family accomplished that milestone and put down roots in Buena Park, the Center of the Southland.
With a historical home, built in the 1920s, there has always been something that needs fixing or replacing. Fortunately, Carlos Franco’s father was extremely handy, and he taught young Carlos several trades including plumbing, carpentry, landscaping, and others.
Photo Credit: Mom
Buena Park High School
Harnessing the Power of Community
Carlos Franco has always been a high-energy person. In his youth, that sometimes got him in trouble. However, it was that exact trait that gave way to harnessing the power of community.
Through the Buena Park Rotary Club and many other local service organizations, he used that energy to grow and mobilize the local Interact Club and expand service efforts in Orange County.
He also met some of his mentors, including Dennis Salts, former Centralia School Board Trustee and Library Board Member; Christiana Salts, Kindness Award Recipient; and Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Swift, Buena Park City Councilmember.
Buena Park High School
Harnessing the Power of Community
Carlos Franco has always been a high-energy person. In his youth, that sometimes got him in trouble. However, it was that exact trait that gave way to harnessing the power of community.
Through the Buena Park Rotary Club and many other local service organizations, he used that energy to grow and mobilize the local Interact Club and expand service efforts in Orange County.
He also met some of his mentors, including Dennis Salts, former Centralia School Board Trustee and Library Board Member; Christiana Salts, Kindness Award Recepient; and Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Swift, Buena Park City Councilmember.
Cal State Fullerton
It Takes A Titan
Even after high school, Carlos Franco understood the need to continue his involvement in the community.
He participated in several causes and organizations such as encouraging Buena Park High School Students to pursue a higher education and even served as keynote speaker for the 2014 “Buena Park Goes to College” event.
Carlos served as Governor for the 5320 District Rotaract, the college-level Rotary Club, and New Generations Advisor.
As a first-generation college student, he collaborated with the Chicano Resource Center and the Academic Advisement Center in efforts to retain academically at-risk students.
Cal State Fullerton
It Takes A Titan
Even after high school, Carlos Franco understood the need to continue his involvement in the community.
He participated in several causes and organizations such as encouraging Buena Park High School Students to pursue a higher education and even served as keynote speaker for the 2014 “Buena Park Goes to College” event.
Carlos served as Governor for the 5320 District Rotaract, the college-level Rotary Club, and New Generations Advisor.
As a first-generation college student, he collaborated with the Chicano Resource Center and the Academic Advisement Center in efforts to retain academically at-risk students.
Today
For Buena Park
Carlos owns and operates a boutique ad agency called Culture-Fluent, licensed in Buena Park.
Recently he served as Vice Chair for the Human Relations Committee for the City of Buena Park with efforts to embrace social justice.
As a founding member, he also served as Chair for the Buena Park Sister City Foundation, to focus on cross-cultural understanding at the local level.
He was the youngest Board Member for Giving Children Hope, which helps serve vulnerable children and families, and leads the NextGen Committee, which aids in the continuous mentorship of young adults towards upward mobility.
With a lifetime of service centered around Buena Park, Carlos Franco now hopes to give back in another way to a community that has given him so much. He is running for City Council, where he will continue to bridge gaps across cultures, generations, and experiences in the city where his family first put down their roots. Carlos humbly asks for your support and your vote.
Today
For Buena Park
Carlos owns and operates a boutique ad agency called Culture-Fluent, licensed in Buena Park.
Recently he served as Vice Chair for the Human Relations Committee for the City of Buena Park with efforts to embrace social justice.
As a founding member, he also served as Chair for the Buena Park Sister City Foundation, to focus on cross-cultural understanding at the local level.
He was the youngest Board Member for Giving Children Hope, which helps serve vulnerable children and families, and leads the NextGen Committee, which aids in the continuous mentorship of young adults towards upward mobility.
With a lifetime of service centered around Buena Park, Carlos Franco now hopes to give back in another way to a community that has given him so much. He is running for City Council, where he will continue to bridge gaps across cultures, generations, and experiences in the city where his family first put down their roots. Carlos humbly asks for your support and your vote.