Elected to the Vista City Council in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, she currently serves as Deputy Mayor. Born and raised in Vista, Melendez was the first person in her family to graduate from college where she earned a degree in biblical studies, focusing on liberation theology and feminist interpretation. Her public service is expansive, from working with the faith community to completing a service term with Americorp where she coordinated volunteers and supported people with disabilities. With a personal history of poverty and housing insecurity, Melendez has been a leader in the fight for affordable housing and homelessness solutions. She has experience working with local non-profit organizations and providing social services and substance abuse treatment for people experiencing homelessness. Her work in local government includes creating an award-winning strategic plan to address homelessness, spearheading the removal of toxic pesticides from City parks, and initiating historic infrastructure improvements. 

In addition to serving on Vista City Council, Deputy Mayor serves as the Vista representative to regional boards including the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors and as the Clean Energy Alliance (CEA) board Chair.

Melendez is an advocate for the privacy and autonomy of women, public health, and economic equity. She is the first lesbian to be elected to the Vista City Council.