Carmen Hernandez was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. She has been a resident of Barstow since 1965. Carmen has been happily married for over 50 years, and has three children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

She graduated from Cathedral High School in New York City, received an AA from Barstow College, and a BA in Social Sciences and a Masters in Social Work from California State University San Bernardino.

Carmen’s background is extremely diverse, having been a county employee for 34 years, retiring as a supervisor for Children and Family Services. She was the first Hispanic Assistant Librarian in San Bernardino County, and taught Spanish to first and second graders.  She was also a bank teller and business owner.  She served as a  planning commissioner for seven years in the City of Barstow.

She served as the Chairperson for 2010 Census for the City of Barstow and was a San Bernardino County representative for the City of Barstow Emergency Response Team. She served 10 years on the board of the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino, and also served on the Board of Directors for Desert Manna Ministries.

Carmen was elected to the Barstow City Council in 2012, was re-elected in 2016 and elected again in 2022.

Her interests include traveling the world and experiencing other cultures, gardening and dancing. Carmen has been a community activist for Barstow, volunteering at St Joseph’s Martha’s Meal Ministry and Kiwanis Barstow Crossroads, which serves the children of Barstow.

Carmen’s vision for the City of Barstow is that, “Everyone’s voice is heard.” She feels her greatest accomplishment is not exemplified through the numerous awards she has received, but by having a loving family who give her the greatest joy and the privilege of serving her community.

To email Mayor Pro Tem Carmen Hernandez

click HERE

Mrs. Hernandez currently serves on the following City Council committees:

 Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District

Southern California Edison Government Advisory Panel (GAP)

Finance Committee

Homeward Bound Ad Hoc Committee

Street Committee