gRAND mARSHALLS
2020 Grand Marshall
Corporal José Razo
U.S. Marines 1992-1998
Mr. José Razo was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and attended local public
schools. He graduated from San Fernando High School in 1992 and shortly after left to Marine
boot camp in San Diego, CA. Cpl. Razo served his country as a U. S. Marine from 1992-1998. He
served his tour of duty as a Reserve with 4 th LAAD Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 48 (MACG-48),
4th Marine Aircraft Wing (4th MAW) stationed out of the Pasadena Reserve Unit.
His MOS was 7212- Stinger Gunner. He was a team leader and the NBC Specialist for his platoon.
He joined the San Fernando Valley Marine Corps League 5 years ago and has served the League
as both the Jr. and Sr. Vice Commandant. He is also the Dog Robber for the Los Angeles County
Pound #389 of the Military Order of the Devil Dogs.
His desire to change his community brought him back to the area he grew up in to change the
lives of the students and families of the San Fernando Valley. José has been an educator for
over 23 years. He began his career in education as a teacher’s assistant at Pacoima Elementary
School. He became a teacher and was promoted through the ranks in education as well. José has
served this community as a teacher, coordinator, principal, and director. His last principalship
he served was at Telfair Elementary where he brought light to the needs of his students and
community in a 4-part series featured in the Los Angeles Times in November, 2019. Jose is
currently the Administrator of Operations for Local District Northeast and supports the 122
schools in the northeast San Fernando Valley. He strives to improve the living conditions and
education of the children he is entrusted with. He is an advocate for improving education as a
tool to break the cycle of poverty. He lives in Sylmar with his wife, Cristina and 2 daughters,
Angelica and Mia.