Rep. Mike Levin Honors Mel Vernon as November 2025 Constituent of the Month
Rep. Levin & Mel Vernon
Oceanside, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) recognized Mel Vernon, Captain of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, author, professional musician, and esteemed public speaker and educator, as his November 2025 Constituent of the Month.
For more than 15 years, Mel has worked with Southern California teachers and educators, emphasizing the history, culture, and folklore of the Luiseño people through various mediums. He has authored multiple stories, including Kíicha Nights, Coyote Dreams and Mel and the Blue Arrow, a children’s book that shares Native American traditions and culture. He also performs live storytelling and co-facilitates a flute circle to increase civic engagement and awareness, helping ensure the cultural preservation of Luiseño heritage.
He is a member of the planning committee for the Valley Arts Festival, which celebrates Oceanside and its Indigenous community, and serves on the Community Engagement Panel for the decommissioned San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant. He also served as President of the Rotary Club of San Luis Rey (Oceanside) in 2021 and was a recipient of the Rotary Club’s Peacebuilder Nominee award in 2022. Impressively, Mel plays guitar in his classic rock band, The Kings of La Jolla.
Rep. Levin recognized Mel for his outstanding record of community engagement, cultural preservation, and his daily commitment to raising awareness of Luiseño heritage. He is an inspiration for all members of the community. Mel’s work reminds us to never forget, and learn from and celebrate the Indigenous population that has lived on this land for countless generations.
See below for Rep. Levin’s statement recognizing Mel Vernon in the Congressional Record:
“Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mel Vernon as my November 2025 Constituent of the Month.
“Mel Vernon is an example of what it looks like to dedicate ourselves to community engagement and cultural preservation. For more than 15 years, he has worked with teachers and educators across Southern California to ensure the history of the Luiseño people is not forgotten. Mel is committed every day to increasing awareness. I’m proud to support the work of Mel and so many others who serve our community. It’s an honor to recognize his accomplishments and service thus far.
“Mel is a great community leader, author, and musician. His preservation efforts remind us that, as a community, we benefit from learning about and celebrating the Indigenous population that has lived on this land for countless generations. I admire his devotion to preservation and am grateful we have people like Mel in our district who are dedicated to educating our communities about the great Luiseño people.”
ABOUT THE CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM:
Rep. Levin’s Constituent of the Month program recognizes outstanding North County San Diego and South Orange County residents who have gone above and beyond to help their neighbors, give back to their community, and represent the best of our country. Rep Levin’s October 2025 Constituent of the Month was Annalise Aitken, a 17-year-old San Clemente resident, student, and volunteer extraordinaire, and his September 2025 Constituent of the Month was Logan Bailey, an actor who recently starred in his first movie.
##