Council Member David Arellano was elected to the Lakewood City Council on March 5, 2024 by the voters of District 4.
David grew up in Lakewood and attended schools in the area, graduating from Lakewood High School.
“After spending my earliest years in the foster care system, being adopted and then moving to Lakewood was life-changing,” says David. “The sense of community, living in a safe neighborhood, friendships, and participating in local sports programs all helped to shape my character and aspirations. Growing up in Lakewood made me the man I am today.”
After exploring work in several fields, David realized his life-long passion for cars could provide a better life for his growing family. He started Preferred Auto Design in his driveway, growing it into what is today a full-service collision repair center that also specializes in classic car restoration. Being in business led him to join the Chamber of Commerce. Like many early Lakewood leaders, David rose to city leadership by way of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, where he recently served as Chairman of the Board.
David has also been active in the community in other ways, volunteering as a youth sports coach, including coaching track at Lakewood High School. He is an appointee to the Bellflower Unified School District Citizens Task Force, serves on the Los Cerritos YMCA Board of Directors, and has served on the Lakewood Measure L Citizens Oversight Committee.
David and his wife Melina, who also grew up in Lakewood, have two school-age daughters.
Council Member Arellano’s current term on the City Council runs through 2028.