Carmen Cave was selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor Pro Tem during the City Council's annual reorganization on Dec. 2, 2009. Carmen is a recognized leader throughout the county for her resolve and commitment to ensuring Aliso Viejo remains a strong and viable community. As the co-founder and former president of the Cityhood Committee, Carmen was successful in bringing a fiscally responsible cityhood plan to voters and was the driving force behind the incorporation drive for Orange County's 34th city. In fact, Senator Dick Ackerman honored Carmen for her efforts with the 2008 Woman of the Year Award for the 33rd District.

Proudly serving as the City's first Mayor upon incorporation on July 1, 2001, Carmen went on to serve as Mayor again in 2006 and 2007.

Carmen represents the City of Aliso Viejo as a board member for the San Joaquin Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) and Transportation Corridor System and is an alternate board member of Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). Carmen serves the City on the Aliso Creek Watershed Electeds Coalition. She served as alternate board member for ETRPA (El Toro Reuse Planning Authority) and was the City's representative to the Great Park Advisory Council in 2007.

The council member brings a wealth of professional experience to the table. She has extensive experience in the social service field; land-use planning; and commercial development. Carmen is currently working as Community Development Director for the City of Menifee, which incorporated on Oct. 1, 2008 as Riverside County's 26th city.

Carmen holds a B.A. degree in English and Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Stanford University.

She enjoys participating in community activities, visiting local parks and trails and is often seen around town with her husband, Duane, and their rescued Labrador Retrievers, "Gus" and "Charlie." An avid animal rescuer, Carmen adopted Zephyr, an endangered California Desert Tortoise. Gus was adopted through Pooch Heaven, an animal rescue group often found at the Aliso Viejo PetSmart. Charlie was adopted through "Save the Dalmatians & Others" - another local animal-rescue organization.

An 18-year Aliso Viejo resident, Carmen is a fixture in town, donating her time and efforts to several charities and organizations. She spearheaded and devoted her time as Chair of the Aliso Viejo Community Cup - an annual golf tournament dedicated to raising funds for the City's Family Resource Center and other youth programs in town. Carmen is Co-Chair of Mission Hospital's Latino Leadership Council and is a steering committee member for the YMCA's "OC In Motion" campaign to promote health and wellness programs for youth.

During their spare time, Carmen and Duane enjoy spending time with family and friends - and playing a round of golf or two.

Click here to send a message: ccave@cityofalisoviejo.com.

All correspondence is public record.