About
In 1985, Aguilar's parents made Hawthorne their home, enrolling their children in the Hawthorne School District. Luciano Aguilar attended both Williams Elementary, now Zela Davis Elementary, and Yukon Intermediate School, now Bud Carson Middle School. It was at Yukon Intermediate in 1992 that Luciano met Leticia Olmos, his future wife and fellow Hawthorne School District alumna.
In 1995, Luciano married Leticia, and together after being honorably discharged from military service in 2005, they returned to Hawthorne to raise their children: Cassandra, Luciano Jr., and Jorge. Deeply committed to his community, Luciano joined the Hawthorne School District Board of Trustees in 2012, where he has diligently served for 12 years. His initiatives, such as The Hawthorne Family and Pet Extravaganza, have enriched the community by providing children with engaging and educational experiences. Additionally, Luciano has been instrumental in improving school facilities, expanding educational programs, and advocating for student welfare and academic excellence.
The Aguilar family is not only proud to own their home and business in Hawthorne but also to contribute to its vibrancy. Their services attract residents from as far South as San Diego and far North as San Francisco, underscoring their commitment to enhancing the community they love. Luciano Aguilar's dedication to public service, combined with his military background and entrepreneurial success, positions him as a visionary leader ready to serve as the next mayor of Hawthorne. His experience on the school board has further honed his skills in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. Luciano's deep roots in the community, proven track record of service and leadership, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of Hawthorne makes him an ideal candidate to guide the city towards aprosperous and thriving future.
Following his graduation from Leuzinger High School in 1994, Luciano embarked on a commendable 10-year career with the United States Air Force. During his service, he held roles ranging from translator in the jungles of Latin America to Security Response leader safeguarding vital national resources. His distinguished military tenure culminated as a member of the Presidential K9 team, where he was entrusted with the security of U.S. Presidents and international dignitaries including kings, queens, and heads of state.
The Aguilar family's entrepreneurial spirit led to the founding of a mobile dog training business in 2005, which gained national acclaim and secured a spot on the nationally syndicated and Emmy nominated TV show "America Now" for five seasons. Their latest venture, Presidential K9, a dog training, daycare, and grooming facility, has further solidified their commitment to excellence. Located in Hawthorne, this family-run business includes contributions from all three of their children: Cassandra, a recent UC Davis graduate with a degree in Animal Science and aspiring veterinarian; Luciano Jr., a dedicated dog trainer and graduate of the Hawthorne Math and Science Academy; and Jorge, who obtained his dog grooming certification while attending DaVinci Design.
Achievements
Military Service: Served in the United States Air Force for ten years, including five years in the Presidential K9 Unit.
Business Success: Founded a thriving dog-training business, conducting seminars nationwide and promoting bite prevention.
Television Career: Appeared on multiple Spanish TV shows and was a regular on Emmy Nominated “America Now,” taping over 100 segments, and winning a Telly Award.
Community Involvement: Organized live events, promoted Disney’s “Frankenweenie” and currently serving on the Board of the Hawthorne School District for 12 years.
Marine Corps Support: Hosting yearly live events for the past 5 years to collect toys for the Toys for Tots campaign, supporting United States Marine Corps families.
Final Resting Place Relocation: Assisted a Gold Star family in relocating the final resting place of their fallen son and organized a funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Local Home/Business Owner: Purchased a home in Hawthorne in 2019 and opened a comprehensive dog training business in 2021.
Rescue Partnerships: Collaborated with multiple rescues to rehome dogs with trust issues and those at risk in shelters.
Community Service
Luciano’s dedication to his community is unwavering. Appointed to the Hawthorne School District Board of Trustees in 2012, he was elected in 2014, re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He has coordinated the city’s annual Family and Pet Extravaganza and created opportunities for students to visit universities and TV studios, broadening their horizons and inspiring future aspirations.
In 2017, Luciano launched Hound Squad Radio, a program focused on the human-animal bond, raising over $25,000 for charity and supporting pet adoption through live events. In October 2018, he took control of The Dawgs Project, revitalizing the organization to support the military working dog community. As President of The Dawgs Project, Luciano recently launched a program to educate Hawthorne Math and Science high school students on how to care for and train service dogs for veterans. This groundbreaking initiative not only nurtures empathy and responsibility in young hearts but also fosters a sense of purpose and service. By teaching children the intricacies of dog care and training, The Dawgs Project aims to instill essential life skills while simultaneously addressing the pressing need for service animals among veterans facing emotional challenges.
Personal Philosophy
"Due to the oath I took upon entering the military, I chose and continue to choose to be non-partisan. This decision stems from my duty to follow the orders of those appointed over me, regardless of who is elected. Currently, I do not adhere strictly to party lines because I believe my primary obligation is to serve the people who elected me. Often, party affiliation requires setting aside personal beliefs to conform to the party's stance, but I believe in standing on my own two feet for the betterment of our community."
“I come from a culture where sometimes, instead of being supported and uplifted, I was talked down to and discouraged. I had to discover my true worth and believe in myself. Today, I take pride in my achievements, from protecting U.S. Presidents to running a successful business and serving my community. I want kids to understand that through hard work and determination, success is always possible, regardless of where they come from or the hardships they face.”
Family and Values
Luciano is a family man who values integrity, hard work and community. His life's work reflects these values, and he is committed to bringing them to the role of Mayor.