Blanca Pacheco is the first Latina elected to the Downey City Council. She is the current Mayor Pro-Tem for the City, becoming the first Latina to hold this office. Blanca is also a practicing attorney and has a law office in Downey.
She has been practicing law since 2003, when she passed the CA State Bar exam. As a practicing attorney, she has volunteered her legal services within various fairs held by the Southeast District Bar Association and Ferias Legales.
Blanca has also been involved within the community. She is a past board member of the Downey Chamber Commerce. She has participated within numerous service clubs, which include Kiwanis Club of Downey, Gangs Out of Downey, and Assistance League. As President of the Kiwanis Club of Downey, she received the Distinguished President award for her exemplary leadership and commitment to her club. She also assisted the Downey High School Kiwinis’ Club in their high school service projects. She further assisted Gangs Out of Downey in their annual back pack giveaway.
Blanca has been a supervising attorney for Teen Court since 2013. Teen Court is an alternative to juvenile court, providing first time youth offenders the opportunity to correct their behavior. Minors who are found guilty in Teen Court are given an opportunity to complete a 6 month probationary period, and can have their conviction taken off their record. Blanca saw Teen Court’s success in Pico Rivera and was instrumental in bringing Teen Court to Downey.
Blanca has also participated in the MADE program for the past 3 years. The MADE program is a program within Downey Unified School District that provides high school students the opportunity to work as interns within various businesses during their summer months.
In 2016, Blanca was recognized by Assembly woman Cristina Garcia as Woman of the Year in the City of Downey. As demonstrated, Blanca is truly committed to the city through her community involvement.