Board of Directors

Mario Valenzuela is a passionate advocate for underserved communities and serves as the Treasurer of Clinica Sierra Vista’s Board of Directors. A practicing immigration attorney, Mario has dedicated his career to supporting marginalized populations, including military families, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and asylum seekers, through his work with the AIDS Legal Referral Panel and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Pro Bono Panel.

Though initially unfamiliar with Clinica Sierra Vista beyond its name and signage, Mario quickly recognized the organization’s powerful impact and deep commitment to health equity. His decision to serve was rooted in a lifelong passion for community service, which began as a police cadet in Los Angeles and has continued through years of volunteer work at food banks, parades, and legal clinics.

Mario brings valuable insight and leadership to the board, helping to guide the financial stewardship of CSV’s comprehensive healthcare services. His recent experience joining the Street Medicine team further reinforced his belief in the organization’s mission and the remarkable compassion of its staff.

For Mario, serving at Clinica Sierra Vista is more than a role; it’s a calling to help build a healthier, more just future for all.

For Enrique Sahagun, the call to serve began at home. Inspired by the generosity and selflessness of his parents, who always found a way to share what little they had with others, Enrique grew up with a deep commitment to helping those in need. In 1989, he relocated from Mexico to Oxnard, California, in an effort to provide better support for his family. That same spirit of service now drives his work as a proud member of Clinica Sierra Vista’s Board of Directors.

Enrique’s involvement with CSV has opened his eyes to the breadth and depth of services offered to the community, many of which he hadn’t known existed. Today, he actively shares information about Clinica’s programs with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, helping connect more people to life-changing care.

Serving on the board is more than a role for Enrique; it’s a continuation of his family’s legacy of compassion and a way to help others build brighter, healthier futures. He is grateful for the opportunity to give back and honored to serve alongside others who share a deep commitment to the community.

Originally from Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, Jose J. Valdovinos brings a deep personal connection to the communities Clinica Sierra Vista serves. After migrating to San Juan Bautista, an agricultural town in Northern California, he relocated to Bakersfield in 2001 through the federal immigration program.

Jose’s lived experience as an immigrant and member of a working-class community gives him a profound understanding of the challenges many of our patients face. As a member of the Board of Directors, he is proud to advocate for a healthcare system that is dignified, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all.

His commitment to strengthening community health is rooted in a strong sense of service and justice, making him a valued leader in helping guide CSV’s mission forward.