CSULB Student Body President

PHOTO by JOHN GILHOOLEY

Christopher Chavez’s first steps on the campus of Cal State Long Beach practically landed him on a political rung, and he’s climbed the hierarchy of student government ever since. Elected vice president of Associated Students Incorporated last year, Chavez now serves as CSULB’s student body president.

The 22-year-old political-science major (born and raised in Wrigley, St. Anthony High School ’05) acknowledges his term comes at a difficult time for university students—their lives, educations and futures impacted by budgetary cutbacks everywhere they look—but believes the situation gives him a broad perspective.

“I’m involved because I believe that dedicated people and well-run organizations can make a difference,” Chavez says. “Associated Students Incorporated is a non-profit corporation that is truly run by and for students. We advocate for student opinions on some pretty nitty-gritty stuff—academic policies, hiring decisions, corporate issues—and we oversee a $10 million budget in which we provide services ranging from event planning to campus food services to grant writing.”

Like most politicians, Chavez hasn’t ruled out a run for higher office—although he won’t get more specific than that.

“Politics has fascinated me since the 2000 presidential election,” he says. “Even though [politics] has a bad reputation, I view it as something that can do a lot of good in society. Even here at Long Beach State, it makes me feel good that I have a small role in making things better.”

When Chavez isn’t in class or at the office, here’s where you can find him around town:

BELMONT VETERANS MEMORIAL PIER “I don’t fish, but I just started dabbling in photography, and the late-afternoon light makes this a great place to take pictures of the city and the beach.” 15 39th Pl., Long Beach 90803. 562.434.1542; belmontpier.com.

EARL BURNS MILLER JAPANESE GARDEN “A wonderful getaway—beautiful and quiet and serene—when things become stressful. It’s on the west side of campus, but it’s not just for students; it’s open to the public. And it’s free!” 1250 Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach 90840. 562.985.8420.

THE GASLAMP “Most of my social life is on campus, and I’m not really a club person, so the restaurant and bar and entertainment of this place covers all the bases of a night out for me. The food and drinks are good, and Knyght Ryder, the ’80s tribute band that plays on Friday nights, is great.” 6251 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach 90803. 562.596.4718; thegaslamprestaurant.com.

GUADALUPE’S GRILL “It’s new to Wrigley and easy to miss, but order the chiles rellenos and you’ll have a reason to remember it!” 3431 Pacific Pl., Long Beach 90806. 562.490.2100.

ST. ANTHONY CHURCH “With its spires and mural outside and its beautiful altar and stained glass inside, this really is one of our city’s most overlooked architectural and spiritual landmarks.” 600 Olive Ave., Long Beach 90802. 562.590.9229.

Tags: belmont pier, best of, christopher chavez, csulb, guadalupe's grill, Long Beach, News, st. anthony, the gaslmap