Joe LaCava

Joe LaCava is an American politician and engineer serving as a member of the San Diego City Council since 2020, representing District 1. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as chairman of the La Jolla Community Planning Association.

Early life and education
Joe LaCava was raised in the San Diego neighborhoods of Logan Heights and University Heights, before his family moved to Allied Gardens. After graduating Patrick Henry High School, he attended San Diego State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in engineering.

Career
LaCava worked for the United States Forest Service in Northern California upon graduation, and became a civil engineer when he returned to San Diego. He served on the Bird Rock Community Council before becoming chairman of the La Jolla Community Planning group.

He ran for the San Diego City Council seat vacated by Barbara Bry and won in both primary and general election contests during the 2020 San Diego elections, defeating general election candidate Will Moore. He took office in December 2020. He represents the 1st District on the San Diego City Council, which includes the communities of La Jolla, Carmel Valley, and Torrey Pines, as well as the campus of the University of California, San Diego. The district originally included University City until the 2021 redistricting where it was removed in favor of Pacific Beach.

After assuming office in December 2020, LaCava has served as president pro tempore of the San Diego City Council since 2021. He ran unopposed for re-election in the 2024 election.