Meet John Strangio
A lifelong Ukiah resident, business owner, and former fire captain, John Strangio has dedicated his life to serving the people of Ukiah — protecting families, creating jobs, and building a stronger, healthier community for future generations.
John has called Ukiah home for nearly 40 years. He grew up here — attending local schools, playing sports, and working his first job at Foster Freeze. Those early experiences taught him the value of hard work, community, and the importance of showing up for others. After graduating from Ukiah High School, John stayed close to home to help his mother as she battled cancer, continuing his studies at Mendocino College while working multiple jobs and serving his community.
John’s calling to serve led him to a 20+ year career in the fire service, where he rose through the ranks to become a Fire Captain. Throughout his career, John responded to emergencies, led teams, and supported his community through some of its most difficult moments. His time in the fire service shaped his leadership style — calm under pressure, honest in communication, and always focused on helping people. Though he retired early due to PTSD, John continues to carry forward his passion for service, safety, and community well-being.
When John left the fire service, he turned his energy toward building a business that would continue to strengthen Ukiah. Alongside his wife, Lauren, he owns and operates the Ukiah Valley Athletic Club, formerly the Redwood Health Club. Together, they’ve grown the business into four locations across the community, creating jobs and promoting health, fitness, and connection for local families. John most recently served for four years on the Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire District Board. The Strangios have also been proud sponsors of community events like Concerts in the Park and the Ukiah Triathlon, helping bring people together and keep Ukiah vibrant.
As a husband and father of three boys, John knows what it means to want a safe, affordable, and welcoming hometown. That’s why he’s running for Ukiah City Council — to give back to the city that’s given him so much and to ensure it remains a place where families can thrive.
John’s priorities are rooted in real community needs:
Housing & Affordability: Expanding market-level and affordable housing so families and first-time buyers can stay in Ukiah.
Homelessness: Addressing the issue with both compassion and accountability, ensuring help for those who seek it and safety for all residents.
Public Safety: Supporting first responders, improving emergency preparedness, and keeping neighborhoods safe and connected.
Business & Economy: Strengthening local businesses, filling empty storefronts, and promoting economic growth that benefits everyone.
Transparency: Bringing honesty, communication, and accountability back to local government — because people deserve to know why decisions are made, not just what they are.
John believes that strong leadership starts with listening. He knows that not everyone will agree all the time, but he promises to always listen, ask questions, and make decisions with integrity and fairness. For him, serving on the City Council isn’t about politics — it’s about people, about community, and about creating a future where Ukiah’s best days are still ahead.
“My goal is simple — to make a positive difference every day, just like my fire chief once told me. Ukiah is my home, and I’m ready to serve it with heart, honesty, and hard work.” — John Strangio.
A Personal Note from John
Ukiah isn’t just where I live — it’s part of who I am. I’ve seen this town through good times and hard times, and I believe in its potential more than ever. Every decision I make, every conversation I have, comes from a place of wanting to make our community stronger for the next generation — for my kids, and for yours.
If you ever see me around town, please say hello. I’m always open to listening, learning, and working together to make Ukiah the best it can be.
— John Strangio
Candidate for Ukiah City Council