Meet Consuelo.
Consuelo grew up in Escondido and has been a champion for her city and community since her youth.
Consuelo’s Background.
Consuelo Martinez was born in Southern California and has lived in Escondido since the age of four. She is the proud daughter of hard-working Mexican immigrant parents. Consuelo attended public schools in District 1 and graduated from Escondido High School then went on to graduate from Palomar College and California State University of San Marcos where she received two bachelor’s degrees in Political Science (Global Concentration) & Women’s Studies. Consuelo has been involved in the community for over two decades. When Consuelo is not at City Hall, solving a problem, or out in the community, you will find her supporting local businesses and advocating for causes that help and uplift our community.
As a creative, Consuelo also enjoys running her small business — Hidden City Finds. Hidden City Finds is a vintage and modern shop located inside the Escondido Antique Mall. Consuelo likes to find vintage and second-hand treasures as a sustainable way to shop and also support a circular economy. Consuelo loves supporting creatives and small businesses. Ask her for a tour or recommendations of favorites in our city and region.
Deputy Mayor Martinez
Consuelo was elected to the Escondido City Council in 2018 in a true wave of leadership change in the city. In November 2022, she was re-elected by a overwhelming majority to serve her second term as Councilmember for Escondido City Council - District 1. In December 2024, Consuelo was appointed to serve as Deputy Mayor for 2025.
Additionally, Consuelo serves on the following boards and committees representing the City of Escondido:
Regional
San Diego County Air Pollution Control District**
San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority
San Diego Water Authority**
League of Cities - San Diego Chapter
Cal Cities Public Safety Committee**
City
Boards & Commissions Subcommittee (Founding Member)**
Education Subcommittee
California Center for the Arts - Escondido Subcommittee
Housing Subcommittee**
Budget Subcommittee**
**Denotes previously served.
Consuelo in Her Community.
Consuelo is no stranger to leadership or service—she has devoted more than half her life to uplifting her community and creating meaningful change. Long before holding public office, Consuelo was already organizing, advocating, and building power with those often overlooked. From founding grassroots organizations to supporting immigrants, mentoring youth, and helping residents become more civically engaged, her work has always centered around people and her love for her city.
Consuelo leads with heart, vision, and action. She believes in leaving every space better than she found it and empowering others to do the same. A true changemaker, she’s passionate about equity, community voice, and ensuring that everyone—regardless of background—has the opportunity to thrive. Follow and be part of her journey and impact in the community she proudly calls home.
Leadership + Experience
Co-founder, Escondido Human Rights Committee
Founder, Alianza Comunitaria
Alumni, San Diego Water Authority Citizen’s Water Academy.
Policy & Advocacy/Leadership Development Director, San Diego Food System Alliance
Boardmember, American Friends Service Committee — West Region
Alumna, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality
Alumna, New Leaders Council/San Diego Leadership Alliance
Co-founder, Nuestro Voto, Nuestro Futuro
Co-founder, North County Immigration Task Force
Community Wins
Futsal Courts @ Washington Park
Earth Day Escondido
Relocation of MFRO Wastewater Treatment Facility
Numerous community murals
Stay Cool, Escondido campaign
District 1 Community Cleanups
Bike Walk Escondido - Midblock Creek Crossings & crosswalks
Planting hundreds of new trees in District 1
Escondido’s first splashpad at Grove Parking (coming by end of 2025)
New left-turn signal @ Washington & Rose (coming by end of 2025)
