Serving with distinction on the Benicia City Council from 2018 to 2022, Lionel earned widespread respect as the accessible, independent, common-sense voice that tirelessly advocated for the well-being of all residents.

During his tenure on the council, Lionel spearheaded initiatives that significantly enhanced the quality of life in Benicia. He championed increased investments in street maintenance, froze water and wastewater rate increases, providing much-needed relief to residents and businesses, and his unwavering support for historic preservation initiatives safeguarded our city's rich heritage for future generations to cherish.

In the face of unprecedented adversity brought about by the pandemic, Lionel wasted no time in taking action to support Benicia's small businesses and protect the most vulnerable populations in town. He initiated a grant program that provided critical assistance to local businesses, helping them weather the storm and emerge stronger along with additional funds for the Benicia Family Resource Center to assist residents financially impacted during the pandemic. Furthermore, Lionel's advocacy for regulations targeting commercial blight downtown protected our city center, fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

Lionel's dedication to community service continues. Currently he serves on the boards of the Benicia Chamber of Commerce, Benicia Main Street, and the Benicia Community Action Council. He also remains an active volunteer for several local community organizations year-round including the Benicians Adopting Benicia, Benicia Grad Night, Benicia Litter Pickers, Benicia Peddlers Fair, Benicia Reads, and the Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation.

Prior to his tenure on the City Council, Lionel's passion for community engagement was evident in his leadership roles within various organizations. He served as chairman of the Benicia Economic Development Board, the Advocacy Committee at the Benicia Chamber of Commerce and the Design Committee at Benicia Main Street.  His community service included mentoring at the Benicia Middle School, volunteering for the Matthew Turner Elementary Parent Teacher Association and supporting the Kyle Hyland Foundation/Benicia Teen Center.

Lionel, along with his wife Jennifer and their two daughters, Graciela and Viviana, have proudly called Benicia home since 2005. His family ties run deep within our community with his stepmother, brother, two sisters, cousin, along with 14 nephews and nieces also proudly calling Benicia home.

Professionally, he is a business development specialist with more than 20 years of experience executing large-scale award-winning marketing campaigns and technical projects for a variety of private and publicly traded companies.  Currently, Lionel is the director of marketing and business development for Benicia-based F3 & Associates, a land surveying services firm and private utility locator.

A son of Latino immigrants, and Bay Area native, Lionel graduated from Pinole Valley High School before majoring in Government and minoring in Philosophy at Saint Mary’s College of California and receiving a Master of Science degree from Boston University majoring in Mass Communications with an emphasis in Advertising… which is where he met Jennifer, and the rest is history as they say!