Council Member Sandy Rains

 
Council Member Rains Council Member Sandy Rains was appointed to serve as Mayor from December 6, 2022 through February 26, 2023. Council Member Sandy Rains was first elected on November 6, 2018 for a two year term on the City of Laguna Niguel Council, and was re-elected to serve a four-year term on November 3, 2020. From December 2021 to December 2022, Council Member Rains served as Mayor Pro Tem for a one-year term.

Council Member Rains is also actively involved in local political issues affecting our state, county and city. In January 2023, Council Member Sandy Rains was elected as Orange County Council of Governments representative and as the SCAG Regional Council District 12 Representative. Council Member Rains also serves on the Housing Committee for the League of California Cities.  Additionally, Council Member Rains is Council Liaison to the Parks & Recreation Commission, Senior Citizens Committee, City/CDBG Grant Sub Committee, Historic Preservation Ad Hoc Committee, Sea Country Festival Ad Hoc Committee, and Capistrano Unified School District.  On January 26, 2023, Council Member Rains was elected as the Chair of the Orange County Fire Authority Board of Directors. Council Member Rains has also previously served on the Executive Board of the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, as Vice Chairwoman, as well as an Ambassador.

Council Member Rains served as the President of the Laguna Niguel Women Federated. Under Council Member Rain's leadership, the organization has granted thousands of dollars in scholarships to high school and undergraduate students in her community. Council Member Rains prides herself in knowing and educating residents of Laguna Niguel about important issues that directly affect the quality of life in Laguna Niguel. 

Sandy has built a team of business leaders for years throughout the United States in her tenure as a Sales Director for an International Cosmetics Company. Sandy's success was due to her dedication and a "Get things done" attitude, she even drove a Pink Cadillac. Currently she is the Owner and President of a real estate investment business that specializes in restoring historical and century homes for rental and resale.

Sandy has spent much of her life enjoying and volunteering in her community. Her community participation and volunteer work include fundraising hundreds of thousands of dollars for various organizations to help her community. Sandy has put years into serving her community, even rolling up her sleeves to cook for thousands at a food festival.

Sandy was born in Canton, Ohio to Greek immigrant parents. Although Sandy was born in the USA, English is her second language, giving her much empathy for those wanting to immigrate and assimilate with the promise of living the  American dream.

Sandy is married to Maynard Rains, a retired United States Army Major. Sandy and Maynard have two daughters, Rosie, a Surface Warfare Officer, in the United States Navy. A great legacy to generations of service to our country's military. Nicole, is a high school student on the Autism Spectrum, pursuing her graduation and future career training. As a mom, Sandy has learned the importance of understanding the needs of this diverse community is committed to advocating for those with special needs and compassion.

Council Member Rains' philosophy for life is "Inhale Faith, Exhale Fear."

Mayor's Mentions

Each month, Mayor Rains concluded a City Council Meeting with the 'Mayor's Mentions', intended to recognize the incredible businesses located in the City of Laguna Niguel.