During his 24 year career in public policy, Gabriel Monares has worked on issues that have tremendous impact on the residents of California. With his efforts on environmental issues, educational facilities and tax policy, Gabriel has gained a reputation as a straight shooter who can get things done. He has a knack for bringing bipartisan consensus to complex issues.
Gabriel started his career as an aide to the late U.S. Senator Alan Cranston. He went on to work for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, State Controller John Chiang and former Los Angeles Unified School Board President Victoria Castro.
Gabriel was a driving force in the campaign to designate the San Gabriel Mountains as a National Monument. He helped negotiate the historic agreement with local stakeholders and utilities. His direct negotiations with the Obama Administration, state and federal legislators led to unprecedented protections for water rights holders and public utilities in the President Obama’s Presidential Proclamation.
From 2001 to 2010, Gabriel’s focus was within the Groundwater Cleanup arena as the Director of Resource Development at the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA). His primary responsibilities at the WQA were to secure funding for the $1.2 billion cleanup of the San Gabriel Basin Superfund sites. Gabriel has been instrumental in securing over $500 million in legal settlements and an additional $170 million from the Federal Government and the State of California to fund cleanup activities in the San Gabriel Basin. The cleanup has removed over 50 tons of contaminants including perchlorate and other harmful chemicals.
Gabriel formed The Monares Group in 2009. The Monares Group provides strategic counsel on public policy issues and government relations strategies. The firm also provides public relations, media relations, marketing and community outreach services.
Gabriel served as Chairman of State Controller John Chiang’s Inaugural Committee and is a Past President of the San Gabriel Valley Public Affairs Network.
He currently serves on the Board of various civic organizations, including the San Gabriel Valley Public Affairs Network, San Gabriel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Rivers and Mountains Discovery Center Foundation Board.
The local community is also an area where Gabriel is an active member. He currently serves as a Chief of the YMCA’s Indian Princess’s Kutenai Tribe in Hacienda Heights and has coached youth football, basketball and soccer for over 25 years.
Gabriel, a graduate of University of San Francisco, lives in Hacienda Heights, CA with his wife, Karen. They have 3 children Gabriel, Sarah and Gabriela. He’s also a very proud grandfather to 3 year old, Dominic Cash Monares.