Skip navigation menu
Students First.
When Martín Leads,
IN THE NEWS: PROFILE
SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL
IN THE NEWS: Da'S NEWSCENTER
Students First.
When Martín Leads,
San Ysidro Succeeds!
As your San Ysidro School Board Member, Martín helped deliver a balanced district budget and fully restore financial reserves—putting our schools on stronger financial footing and protecting resources for students. Through disciplined oversight and responsible decision-making, the district confronted its financial challenges while maintaining its commitment to classrooms, educators, and essential student services.
San Ysidro has earned two consecutive California Golden Bell Awards for educational excellence. Our award-winning English learner program helped 517 students become fluent in English in just three years while serving children who speak 32 different languages. The program’s results outpaced statewide English learner reclassification rates and demonstrated what San Ysidro students can accomplish with focused, effective support.
In 2025, the district earned another Golden Bell Award for its community-schools model. This nationally recognized approach brings together more than 40 community partners to connect students and families with food, health care, educational opportunities, and family services. Martín is proud to have served on the board as this collaborative program received statewide recognition.
Martín has also supported approximately $15.1 million in targeted services for San Ysidro’s English learners, foster youth, and low-income students.
Balanced Budget. Restored Reserves. Two Golden Bell Awards. 517 Students Reclassified. 40+ Community Partners.
— Martín Arias
Every Dollar Should Reach the Classroom!
"San Ysidro families work hard, pay taxes, and trust their school board to use public funds responsibly. They deserve to know that every possible dollar is supporting students, educators, safe campuses, and strong academic programs—not unnecessary bureaucracy.
As your School Board Clerk, I helped deliver a balanced district budget and fully restore our financial reserves. I will continue demanding transparency, responsible spending, and clear results from every major investment our district makes.
Responsible budgeting is not only about balancing numbers. It means protecting teachers and classroom resources, expanding opportunities for students, and directing support to the children who need it most—including English learners, foster youth, students with disabilities, and families facing financial hardship.
I’m Martín Arias. As a father, taxpayer advocate, and school-board leader, I will keep fighting to ensure our resources produce real results for San Ysidro students. Our children deserve nothing less."
IN THE NEWS: PROFILE
la revista binacional
MARCH 6, 2025
Martín Arias: A Champion for Public Service and Community Advocacy
Martín Arias exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a profound commitment to public service.
As a first-generation Mexican American, his journey is deeply rooted in the pursuit of a better life, one inspired by his parents' courageous immigration story.
Born and raised in San Diego, Martín's passion for community advocacy and policy reform has shaped his career and continues to drive his contributions to the region.
Martín Arias is a shining example of today's Latino Excellence - a leader whose work continues to create meaningful change.
Martín earned his bachelor's degree in political science from San Diego State University, a foundation that has guided his path in public service.
His latest role as the Taxpayer Advocate...
SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL
OCTOBER 13, 2025
Martín Arias Named One Of The Top 50 Latino Leaders of Influence 2025
MARTÍN ARIAS, TAXPAYER ADVOCATE, SAN DIEGO COUNTY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
Martin Arias serves as Taxpayer Advocate at the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk's Office.
As a proud first-generation Mexican-American raised in San Diego, Martín is inspired by his parents courageous immigration journey.
As your Taxpayer Advocate, Martín has delivered record high property tax relief through bilingual community presentations and partnerships to make home ownership more affordable for all San Diegans.
Martín personally resolved over 500 customer care cases and helped save our San Diego County veterans over $35 million in property taxes so they can retire and thrive with dignity.
Martín has been on the front lines of the county emergency response efforts helping the flood and fire survivors rebuild with property tax relief.
IN THE NEWS: Da'S NEWSCENTER
SAN DIEGO COUNTY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
SUMMER STEPHEN
Meet Martín Arias: Assistant Director of Prevention and Intervention Programs
October 12, 2021
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service.
Meet the Assistant Director of Prevention and Intervention Programs, Martín Arias, who has been with the DA’s Office since 2016.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, your position, and how you got where you are?
My parents were born in Mexico and immigrated to the US 30 years ago. I am a first-generation American born in the US and the first in my family to graduate from a university.
I graduated from San Diego State University in 2015. I began working at the District Attorney’s Office as a Crime Prevention Specialist five years ago and have since been promoted to Assistant Director of Prevention and Intervention Programs.
Get the latest updates from Martín
“As a bilingual father and school-board leader, I believe every family deserves to be heard, informed, and welcomed—in the language they understand and trust.”
“Como padre bilingüe y líder de nuestra mesa escolar, creo que cada familia merece ser escuchada, informada y bienvenida—en el idioma que entiende y en el que confía.”
— Martín Arias