Anaheim, CA — Anaheim Union High School District Trustee Al Jabbar announced that he received the endorsement of all five Anaheim Elementary School District Board of Trustees. President Mark Lopez, Clerk Jackie Filbeck, Trustees Juan Gabriel Álvarez, Dr. Jose Paolo Magcalas, and Ryan Ruelas have united in support of Trustee Jabbar because they believe he will deliver results for Anaheim residents.
“Al Jabbar has my full, enthusiastic support for Anaheim City Council,” stated Board President Lopez. “The City of Anaheim needs a representative who has been consistently visible in the community and has a proven record of advocating for residents over corporate interests. Al will bring that leadership, experience, and conviction to the council, both as a steward of our tax dollars and proponent for our community.”
“I support Al Jabbar because I have worked with him, and I know him to be an experienced leader who is deeply connected to our community and understands the needs of Anaheim and its residents,” stated Clerk Filbeck. “He is a man of integrity who serves with dedication, focuses on goals to improve standards and values transparency with accountability. Al is ready to represent District 3 and be a strong addition to our city council!”
“In the five years that I’ve been in public service, I’ve never met a leader with so much humility, dedication, passion, and most importantly love for the community,” stated Dr. Magcalas. “Not only does Al hold these vital qualities, but he also gets things done! He can work with all parties and organizations to ensure that our tax dollars are spent wisely.”
“Al has been looking out for the best interest of Anaheim families for years,” stated Trustee Álvarez. “He comes with a commendable set of sociocultural and political life experiences that have more than prepared him to represent us. His compassion for families, advocacy work and collaborative spirit make him the only choice for Anaheim City Council in District 3.”
“As Trustee of the Anaheim Union High School District, Al Jabbar has illustrated that he is truly a servant leader who cares about our community and not just another politician who looks out for their own interests,” said Trustee Ruelas. “Trustee Jabbar has made some tough decisions serving in this capacity and as a result of his leadership, our teachers, administrators, classified staff, families, and most importantly, our students, have all benefitted tremendously. Speaking as an educator in AUHSD, as a lifelong Anaheim resident, and as Trustee of the Anaheim Elementary School District, I cannot think of someone more qualified than Al Jabbar to serve as our next City Council member–someone who leads with their heart, who is honest and transparent, who always puts the community first. Al Jabbar is the real deal and is exactly what our great city of Anaheim needs right now in our local government.”
The united support from the Anaheim Elementary School Board of Trustees follows the key endorsement from State Senator Josh Newman for Trustee Jabbar. His collaborative leadership continues to be recognized by community leaders who have seen Trustee Jabbar’s work in action.
“I am grateful for the support of Anahiem Elementary School District Trustees Lopez, Filbeck, Álvarez, Dr. Magcalas, and Ruelas,” stated Trustee Jabbar. “We have all worked collaboratively to ensure Anaheim students receive the foundation they need for a successful life. As a City Councilmember, I intend to actively engage with our schools and ensure that families have access to the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. Anaheim residents stand to benefit when we all work together towards the same vision for our future and that’s why I’m honored to have the support of all five Anaheim Elementary School District Trustees.”
Trustee Jabbar announced his campaign for Anaheim City Council, District 3 on September 20th. His priorities include ensuring greater access to good-paying jobs, supporting small businesses, increasing access to health care and mental health services, investing in proven solutions to address homelessness, and encouraging sustainable development and community wellness with more open spaces.
About Al Jabbar:
Al Jabbar, the son of an educator and attorney, was born and raised in Sri Lanka and immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was a teenager. When they arrived in Orange County, Jabbar enrolled at Cypress College, balancing school while working multiple jobs to support his family. He waited tables during the overnight shift at Denny’s near Disneyland and picked up hours at a nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken and Del Taco. After work, Jabbar took three buses to make his 8:00 AM class.
Jabbar used his voice to increase equity and academic support as a Cypress College student government leader and Student Trustee to the North Orange County Community College Board. After earning his Associate’s Degree, Jabbar transferred to California State University, Fullerton, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. After working in mortgage services and real estate, he returned to school and earned his Master of Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. He chose to dedicate his career to public service by working for the County of Orange Probation Department and the Orange County Health Care Agency.
He became active in the several Anaheim Community Groups and was eventually appointed Anaheim Union High School District Trustee in 2013 – a position he was subsequently elected to twice. Understanding that immigrant families face barriers to accessing educational resources, Jabbar helped start the Parent Leadership Academy and played an instrumental role in creating the “Anaheim Educational Pledge.” This comprehensive student support system puts students on a pathway to college or a technical career from the day they enter Kindergarten.
He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff to Supervisor Doug Chaffee, where Jabbar has directed more county resources to help Anaheim address health care and transportation needs. He also served Anaheim as a Cultural & Heritage Commissioner for seven years, helping promote the arts and several cultural events within the city.
An active member in the progressive movement, Jabbar served as a board member of the Orange County Employees Association and the Orange County Young Democrats. As the former president of the Sri Lanka Muslim Association of California, he was instrumental in providing aid to Tsunami victims and other relief.
Jabbar and his wife, Sameeha, reside in Anaheim with their three children.
Learn more at AlJabbarforAnaheim.com