LANCASTER – Angela Underwood Jacobs, a Lancaster City Councilwoman and community banker, announced Thursday that she plans to challenge first-term Rep. Katie Hill in California’s 25th Congressional District.
Hill, D-Agua Dulce, unseated incumbent Steve Knight last November, helping Democrats retake the House of Representatives by delivering a series of blows to the GOP in California. The 25th District, which includes the Antelope Valley, had been represented by a Republican since 1993.
Although Hill, 31, is described as a moderate by some political analysts, Underwood Jacobs tagged Hill as “one of Nancy Pelosi’s most strident supporters in Congress.”
“I am disappointed with the direction of our current congresswoman who regularly supports out-of-touch socialist ideals and Pelosi’s reckless spending plans that will place an undue tax burden on our nation’s hardworking families,” Underwood Jacobs said. “I will be an advocate for the people of the 25th district, not leftist ideologies and party bosses.”
In a news release announcing her candidacy, Underwood Jacobs said she began her career in banking as a teller and worked her way up from the frontline to senior management. As Regional Manager and Senior Vice President of California Bank and Trust, she now manages 12 branches, a production team and an administrative team. She also has served on the Lancaster City Council since 2015, where she has become known as a vocal advocate for small business and a staunch defender of working families, according to her campaign.
Other Republicans challenging Hill for California’s 25th Congressional District include Acton resident Suzette Martinez Valladares and fighter pilot Mike Garcia of Santa Clarita.
Martinez Valladares is a graduate of Cal State Northridge and a former district representative for then-Rep. Buck McKeon. She now serves as CEO of Little Steps of Faith, a faith-based non-profit that provides childcare and preschool education to L.A. County families, according a news release announcing her candidacy.
In a news release announcing his candidacy, Garcia’s campaign said he is a first-generation American citizen, a resident of Santa Clarita since 1983 and an officer in the Navy who flew more than 30 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I know how tough these primaries can be. With three Republicans now filed to run and likely more who will jump in, I wish them all luck,” Hill said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to Mr. Garcia for his service to our nation and thank him and his family for all they have given to keep America safe.”
Candidates have until Dec. 6 to enter congressional races.
To learn more about Angela Underwood Jacobs, visit https://www.angelaforyou.com/. To learn more about Suzette Martinez Valladares, visit https://suzettevalladares.com/. To learn more about Mike Garcia, visit https://electmikegarcia.com.
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[City News Service contributed to this report.]
Alexis says
Vote smart! Intelligent, informed voters would never allow the disgusting bashing going on here to influence them.
Dr. Miguel S. Coronado says
Angela Underwood-Jacobs is a personal friend of mine. Throughout the years, I’ve known Angela to be a wonderful wife, a fabulous mother, and an extraordinary leader in the City of Lancaster and the Antelope Valley.
Angela has served alongside my organization, Agents of Change Inc., the Lancaster Sheriffs Department, the California Highway Patrol, Eastside Union School District, in collaboration with the Antelope Valley Hospital and Tarzana Treatment Center to bring awareness about alcohol, tobacco and drugs to children in our community.
Angela is an extemplorary leader who is willing to stand up for our children and speak truth to power.
I highly recommend that you reach out to Angela, and recognize that she is a wonderful human being with an extraordinary heart and exceptional leadership skills.
I am a proud Democrat who supports the Democratic Party, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the progressive left. Nevertheless, I will always support my friends and pledge my loyalty, especially when they are attacked by strangers who write false accusations against Angela Underwood-Jacobs without first seeking out the truth.
Finally, out of the hundreds of thousands of people who live in the Antelope Valley, and the 25th district, very few people have the courage to step up to the plate and do everything they possibly can to change their community. Angela has done exactly that.
“I’ve never considered a difference of opinion, in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as a cause for withdrawing from a friend.” -Thomas Jefferson
If you don’t have anything good and truthful to say kindly keep your gossip and poisonous thoughts to yourself.
Alexis says
Dr. Miguel S. Coronado…I don’t know her, but I did have an opportunity to meet her at an event a few years ago, having to do with the homeless shelter. As a former homeless person, I found her to be a warm, caring, generous person. She took the time to talk with me, and was respectful. I don’t allow negative comments about a politician to influence me, because I am aware that gossip, and mean spirited comments permeate this forum when it comes to most elected politicians in the A.V. Thank you for your intelligent, and kind post.
Alexis says
In every community, there are the people that make a positive difference through action, encouraging others. Thank you Dr. Coronado for helping others over the years.
Dr. Mantini says
I feel so much better now that Rex schill Dr. Coronado has endorsed Underwood-Jacobs. Remember when the ‘Dr.’ showed up on the scene hours after that tragic bike fatality so he could ‘help’ the victim’s family?
How much did the Parris’ donate to your ‘foundation’?
Please go away.
Kathy says
Dr. Mantini…one hundred per cent of the donations went to the Valenzuela family for his funeral. Thank you Dr. Coronado for your help.
Kathy says
Dr. Coronado along with so many others helped this family in 2013. Thousands of petition signers tried to get a stop light at this dangerous intersection, to no avail. I feel sorry for the people that can think of nothing else to do with their time but do what they can to destroy what is positive in the A.V. Your the same people that would issue death threats if these comments weren’t monitored. By the way, Rex Parris was elected by you the people.
Dr. Mantini says
Dr. Coronado was sent by Rex looking to get in on a lawsuit. Spare us with the benevolence garbage. We all know who Rex is and what he’s about. He has many useful tools such as Dr. Coronado to help him. It’s amazing what a $10,000 donation gets you these days.
Chris W. says
Thank you Dr. Coronado for all that you do to help our youth in the A.V. You are an awesome professor. None of these commenters know you, and how much time you invest in this community to make it a better place. Anyone that speaks against others to try to destroy, never does one thing for this community but to tear it down with ugly rumors, gossip, and no facts. People that do nothing but speak against others are living miserable lives.
Chris W. says
You can’t stand that anyone does good in the A.V. You and your hateful friends do nothing but tear other people down. Shame on you for keeping this man in power, if all you say is true.
Old Vet says
Kathy: Pay no attention to screen name Mantini. There are a number of people that wake every morning on what they see as a mission to talk smack about every elected official in Lancaster and Palmdale. None of these people DO anything productive in our Antelope Valley. Think of it this way, Kathy, they are unhappy, unfulfilled, and envious of the people that care, and work hard to make this valley a better place. Let them moan and groan; that’s all they know how to do.
Vladmir says
I doubt Dr. Mantini is a doctor, but he’s probably not an opportunist like Dr. Coronado. Coronado is another in a long line of Rex toadies that do nothing except make themselves look important.
Brian K. says
Yes, she is a successful business woman! You have a problem with her being successful? She was elected in 2016, along with Parris, and the rest. So the voters did NOT stand up against Rex Parris racist hit mailer when it was time to vote, barely anyone showed up to vote him out. You’re a bunch of cowards for not standing up to Parris since 2008. Maybe in 2020 you can actually show up to vote.
AV Observer says
The populace of Lancaster is guilty of the Sins committed by Parris. The voters first, for electing this greedy, deceitful, and exceptionally odd individual. Then, the non-voters who outnumber the Kool Aid drinking Rex followers, but who could throw him and his nepostistic bunch out by showing up to vote.
Success in business in Lancaster is often a consequence of who you know and what you will do for them. Not all success, but a bigger share that we would care to admit.
AngelaisRude says
I was employed at Best Buy many years ago and worked the Customer Service desk taking returns and handling customer service issues. I never thought I would have to see this woman’s face ever again after how condescending, rude and inconsiderate she was when returning her items. I am talking about Angela. I hate that I remember her name too. She threw a fit over the restocking fee that is applied on certain items (clearly says on the fine print on the back of the receipt). She treated me like I was the help at her house. She even had the nerve to tell me she knew people in the city that could have my job. I giggled in mind because what Best buy paid me she could have those people have my job.
Cut to Xmas of that year. Who do I see at Target giving a Floor Sales associate a hard time for not having a item in stock on the shelves? Angela. How did I know it was her? You never forget how incredibly rude people are to you and she stands out with that five head of hers.( she has a large forhead.)
If her treatment of the common retail employee is below standards, how will she treat the people of Lancaster on a mass scale? Angela would not be nice, she would be rude and threaten the people of Lancaster with claims of knowing people in higher places to have their jobs.
Katie Hill sucks too. But she would be the lesser of the two evils.
Alexis says
A smart voter will gather information regarding facts, biography, stance on issues, and all pertinent information (unbiased), before voting smart. A smart voter would never base their decision by relying on comments in a public forum filled with opinions. Be informed, not influenced, is smart.
James says
Only you are smart everyone else is stupid.
Alexis says
This isn’t about me, James. This is about voters being informed, and voting smart. I’m sorry that you believe everyone else is stupid, but I don’t believe that. I truly believe there are smart, informed voters.
Lancaster Cowboy says
If there are smart, informed voters they aren’t in Lancaster, that’s for sure.
Kiko says
Where did Hill get so much money to unseat Knight? She is bought and paid for by the Globalist.
Fran says
Underwood-Jacobs is bought and paid for by Parris. I’ll stick with Hill for now.
QH Holdover says
Im afraid your correct as Underwood-Jacobs has been a rubber stamp on the council for Rex. I have never heard her stand for any issue. Another Republican talking head is not what we need.
Brian K. says
You are misinformed, QH Holdover. She does stand for certain issues, and the facts are there. Saying you have never heard her stand for any issues is dishonest, and divisive. She might not be the one for you, but for others she might.
QH Holdover says
Please give us a short list on issues she has brought forward as a Councilwoman.
C is for Candy says
I can tell you that I worked under Underwoods-Jacobs. She usurp what little power she had a Bank of America. She is those two words you used: Dishonest and divisive. Dishonest because how she knew of unethical going ons in the bank and she did nothing about them when confronted. She was divisive as she would consistently tell lower level employees (tellers) one scenario and then do a 180 and tell management the opposite. I was a witness to all of this. She would promise Tellers a chance for promotion in positions she had already filled. most of the time she would only promote those she had in her inner circle. I was lucky to be one of them or else I would have been treated unethically as well.
The funny thing is, I was one of her favorites there. I have some remorse not speaking out against her incompetence in running a business let alone a bank. But I was making good money and she would give me incentives that belonged to other employees. So at the time I didn’t care. I am speaking out now because being in charge of a bank, which is a private institution, is not the same as being in charge of the lives of a whole community. Angela would fail miserably as she has shown that she will only help you if you’re part of her inner circle.
Like you said, she may be right for some and not others. I feel real bad for those that don’t cater to her over inflated ego because she will not be good for those people.
K
Brian K. says
Being divisive is running down a scenario about her lack of character, being dishonest, unethical, etc., without putting forth your name, and bringing facts to the table for the people to make their own judgments. You know, going through the proper channels. Do you know how easy it is to ruin a reputation by hear say? If I knew your name, and I was so inclined, I could ruin you by telling others who listen to hearsay, not providing one lick of evidence. Shame on you, and to me you have zero integrity.
Brian K. says
Not to be overlooked (C is for Candy). Not saying a word, because, being the unethical person you are were benefiting from all this, while others were being treated unfairly. Yep, I should believe you.
C is for Candy says
That’s why I am credible, Brian. Thieves know thieves. Just like she would discard people when they become to no use of her at Bank of America, I am doing the same now. I am discarding her as she is of no use to me anymore.
Why would I say anything when I am making money? Why would have I? She would have fired me if I told her not promote a banker that use 1 dollar to open false accounts for customers when they didn’t ask. I tried to tell her in a way where she wouldn’t get mad, cos the temper, (don’t get me started on her temper), she would have been mad at me and fired me. how would I feed my family then? I’m just putting out there first hand experience with this individual. Whether you believe me or not is your choice. You must be friends with her Brian. Good for you, you will benefit from her winning, but sadly many won’t.
East Lancaster Resident says
Angela Underwood-Jacobs has many accomplishments since being on the Lancaster City Council.
She has:
Supported funding for LEAPS, a $90,000/mo, $10.8 million dollar project that was supposed to lower crime. Crime rose 9.8% in Lancaster last year
Supported the annexation of land in Antelope Acres into the city of Lancaster for use as solar fields despite the protests of residents.
Voted to fund TractionSeal, an experiment road sealer that was touted to be a road savior, but has many residents disappointed as it fails to fix potholes and major road
Did not stand up to R. Rex Parris when he called an African American veteran who ran for Lancaster city council a “gang candidate”.
Successful business woman, earning more than $100,000/yr as Regional Manager of California Bank and Trust and more than $100,000/yr and as owner of Underwood & Jacobs Consulting Solutions, according to her California Form 700. In 2015 she reported making over $100,000/yr from the Bridge Energy Group in Marlborough, MA as an Operations Specialist, according to this document: http://www.fppc.ca.gov/content/dam/fppc/documents/form700/2014/City/sub17/R_Underwood_Jacobs_Angela.pdf
Supports the Parris Administration’s continued obsession with the BLVD to the exclusion of East Lancaster.
Underwood-Jacobs has a track record.
Brian K. says
No, (C for Candy), I am not friends with her, so you see, now you are trying to attack me, and make me less credible. You have zero integrity. One day the consequences of your lack of morals will catch up to you.
Bank employee says
Oh my Candy! You’re a thief working at the Bank of America. I think you’re jealous of her success. I think I’ll call the Bank of America and report that someone is admitting to thievery and to be on the lookout.
AV Observer says
Please, Brian K. Never use morals in an argument when defending anything the Parris Administration does. Never. The corruption in Lancaster is appalling. If you are on the inside and you are getting your palm greased, it does not seem that way.
C is for Candy says
@BANK EMPLOYEE, hahaha go ahead call that place and let them know that Candy and Angela who worked for Bank Of America between the years of 2000 and 2012 or so, were thieves and would cause stress among employees with their incompetence. Tell them that they were aware of fraudulent accounts being opened and employees having sex in the bathroom during work hours and chose to ignore these unethical acts.
Tell them that they would set expectations for employees that didn’t consistently suck up to them at a higher level than those who were sucking up to them. Tell them that Angela would hold Xmas parties where illegal Moonshine was passed around. . . so much more…hands hurt typing…
Jealous of her success? To be a community banker and running for a congressional seat that constituents honestly don’t care for at the age of 50+….ya no. i’d rather be one of the homeless that R rex Parris buses here. I’d be a poor but honest person.
DUI Drew says
This is a train wreck of a campaign already, this woman is going no where. Local Republicans are not able to stand up to others in the district and local Republicans are in bed with the Dems and unions. Train Wreck !!
Alexis says
The corruption might be appalling, but please remember who put them there. Low voter turnout every year since 2008. The responsibility falls directly on the people of Lancaster. I know, the elections are in April, but you all were aware of the hit mailer right before elections in APRIL! Judging from reading these comments, there is a lack of morals within this public forum. Look in the mirror and Rex Parris and all the elected politicians are looking back at you, thanking you for your low voter turnout. You guys have done nothing but complain about the situation you placed yourselves in. Grow up and take responsibility for what you have allowed in Lancaster.
Alexis says
AV Observer…11.2% voter turnout in 2016, and low voter turnout since 2008, speaks loudly. The citizens don’t care to make a change, so it’s the fault of the people. If the people don’t like what the elected politicians are doing, then go to the polls and vote them out, instead of this continual whining since 2008.
AV Observer says
Yes, Alexis, that is what I said. The blame is on the people, both those who support Parris and his idiotic and corrupt doings, and those who did not show up to vote. We agree. It this the fault of the Lancaster Populace that has enabled the corruption Lancaster machine to continue to enrich themselves on the taxpayer’s dollars through ill-conceived and downright deceitful scams such as LEAPS, TractionSeal, Ecolution, et al. That in addition to the numerous inside deals, the rampant nepotism, ongoing bullying, and shenanigans.