Biography
Council Member Steven Vargas was first elected to the Brea City Council in November 2014, re-elected in 2018 and 2022, and served as Mayor in 2021. He also previously served on the City Council from 1998-2002. Council Member Vargas holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology from Excelsior College of New York. He is currently a member of the League of California Cities Transportation, Communications & Public Works Policy Committee; the Orange County City Selection Committee; and a member of the North Orange County Cities Joint Powers Authority. Council Member Vargas also serves as a Member of the City’s Development Committee and is an alternate on the Orange County Sanitation District, as well as the Investment Advisory Committee. He previously served the County of Orange as a Third District Executive Assistant, and at the federal level, as an Outreach Coordinator for Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA).
Council Member Vargas is a member of the United States Navy Reserve (USNR) and holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Civil Engineering Corps. He has been activated for military service five times since 9/11, including a one-year deployment to Iraq, Al-Asad, and Falluja, during the 2008-09 surge.
Council Member Vargas loves to be involved in the community and serve others. As an engaged volunteer, he has held leadership positions in numerous non-profit organizations over the years including former President, Placentia Boys & Girls Club; previous District Executive for Cub Scout Pack 820; former Commander, Brea Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5384; and current Adjutant of the Brea American Legion Post 181.
Professionally, Council Member Vargas was a general contractor by trade and retired from Chevron after 20 years of service as a Construction Safety Specialist. He has lived in Brea since 1989 and shares a home with his wife, Lisa of 26 years, who he refers to as his “best friend.” Together, they have five daughters and seven grandchildren and enjoy spending family time together.