Cristofer Alarcon

About Me

For more than four decades, I have been deeply involved in the civic, political and community life of El Dorado County. My experience has taken me from nonprofit leadership and election administration to political campaigns, local government, fraternal organizations and grassroots community service.

I have never viewed citizenship as something that happens from the sidelines. I believe that if you care about your community, you have an obligation to become involved, understand the issues and be willing to stand up for what you believe is right.

My record of community involvement began early. In 1980, I became the youngest charter member of the Hangtown Kennel Club, beginning a lifetime of participation in organizations serving the community.

A Record of Community Leadership

Over the years, I have held leadership positions with organizations that directly serve the people of El Dorado County. I served as Executive Board Member and Treasurer of the Boys & Girls Club of El Dorado County – Western Slope in 2011 and as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Food Bank of El Dorado County.

Serving as a nonprofit treasurer taught me that leadership is not simply about having a title. It means being accountable for the organization’s resources, making difficult decisions, protecting the public’s trust and ensuring that an organization fulfills its mission.

In 2008, I served as Chairman of the El Dorado County Charter Review Committee, an experience that gave me a particularly close look at the structure and operation of county government.

Elections, Government and Politics

My involvement in the political process has extended well beyond campaign rhetoric.

I became an El Dorado County Elections Inspector in 2005 and ultimately retired from the county’s Elections Department. Working within the elections system gave me firsthand knowledge of the procedures, safeguards and responsibilities behind one of the most fundamental institutions in a democratic society.

I have also worked as a political strategist and campaign manager, participating directly in the development of political campaigns, voter outreach, messaging and grassroots organization.

Among the campaigns I worked on was the 2010 election of retired El Dorado County Sheriff John D’Agostini. That campaign provided firsthand experience with the intersection of local politics, public safety, law enforcement and the voters of El Dorado County.

Political strategy taught me something that remains important to me today: winning an election and governing effectively are two very different things. The first requires convincing voters. The second requires earning and maintaining their trust.

Service and Fraternal Leadership

My commitment to service has also included membership in the Masonic tradition.

In 2004, I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at Sacramento Lodge No. 40. In 2005, I was knighted into Sacramento Commandery No. 2, Knights Templar. Grand Encampment Knights Templar

For me, these organizations represent more than ceremonial titles. They are traditions built around principles of service, integrity, personal responsibility, fellowship and commitment to something larger than oneself.

Professional Experience

I was also a member of the opening team at Red Hawk Casino, gaining experience in the demanding environment of launching and operating a major organization from the ground up.

That experience, combined with decades of nonprofit, political, governmental and community involvement, has given me a perspective few people develop from any single career.

A Lifetime of Perspective

I have sat on nonprofit boards and managed their finances. I have worked inside the county elections system. I have chaired a county charter review committee. I have worked on a successful sheriff’s election campaign. I have served as a political strategist and campaign manager. I have been involved in community organizations and fraternal institutions for decades.

In other words, I have seen El Dorado County from inside the institutions, from the campaign trail and from the perspective of the citizen.

That experience has shaped the way I approach public issues today.

I don’t believe civic engagement is about simply having an opinion. It is about doing the homework, understanding how government works, knowing the people involved, recognizing the consequences of decisions and having the courage to speak when something matters.

After decades of involvement, I have learned that communities are not changed by spectators.

They are changed by people who show up.

And I have spent a lifetime showing up.