VO T E
Tuesday October 29th, 2024 Vol. 69 Issue 3
NOVEMBER 5TH
Q&A: CANDIDATE EDITION RHC ALUMNUS, YARISMA ROCHA TO BE THE NEW TRUSTEE-ELECT REPRESENTING AREA 2 By: Omar Lopez Editor in chief
Photo courtesy of trustee elect Yarisma Rocha
Q1: What motivated you to run for a position on the board of trustees? A: My motivation to run for Rio Hondo College Board of Trustees stems from the profound impact Rio Hondo College has had on my life. It was here that I developed into the woman I am today, finding a pathway to higher education at the University of Southern California, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. As an alumna, Rio Hondo College holds a special place in my heart; it was a nurturing environment that my daughter and I called home for five years, providing us with essential support, services, and countless opportunities. I am passionate about empowering our students and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to achieve their goals. Serving as a Trustee for Rio Hondo College is not just a position for me—it’s an honor and a way to give back to the community that shaped my journey. I will aim to help all our students
say, “Start Rio, Go Anywhere!” Q2: What applicable qualifications do you have? A: I am employed as a Technology Project Manager at City National Bank, where I focus on implementing new technology solutions for the bank. In this role, I manage initiatives and coordinate a team to achieve desired outcomes. Additionally, I am actively engaged in my community as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Pico Rivera. In this capacity, I have the opportunity to vote on significant issues such as infrastructure development, new business proposals, and code updates. This role allows me to use my voice to influence the direction of our city’s growth and ensure it aligns with the needs and values of our community. These experiences equip me for the Board of Trustees by enhancing my ability to make informed decisions, collaborate with stakeholders, and advocate for the resources and support our students need to succeed. Q3: What changes will you be advocating for if elected? A: As an alumna, I am passionate
about using my voice to advocate for our students. I will champion the support of our services and resource centers, recognizing that they are vital in connecting with students and understanding their needs. Additionally, I will support infrastructure development, focusing on creating new facilities and modernizing existing facilities to ensure our campus is equipped with the latest technology. Furthermore, I aim to advocate for changing the current enrollment age limit of two years at the Child Development Center to allow for the enrollment of children under two. This adjustment would greatly benefit student parents, making it easier for them to pursue their education while managing their family responsibilities. Lastly, I will work to bridge communication with school board members and city officials to ensure that our community is aware of the pathways and opportunities available at Rio Hondo College for upskilling, changing career paths, obtaining certifications, and pursuing higher education.
ENGLISH PROFESOR, MICHELLE VELASQUEZ BEAN IS THE ONLY WOMAN RUNNING FOR A SEAT FOR LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2
Photo courtesy of candidate Michelle Velasquez Bean
By: Omar Lopez Editor in chief
Q1: What motivated you to run for a position on the board of trustees or city council? A: As a teacher with over 24 years of experience, I have spent my entire career serving students and families in these areas, and I am grateful and excited about continuing my service to the community. I am a solutions-based, open-minded leader who believes in bringing all voices to the table, and as a Latina professor and leader of various nonprofit organizations locally and statewide, I have been motivated and committed to serving all people and
representing those not always at the decision-making tables. As a young mom and first-year college student, I remember living paycheck-topaycheck and having to pick out of a hat which bills we could pay because we couldn’t afford to pay them all. Every family and resident should feel supported, and I want to ensure hardworking families have what they need to thrive in La Mirada. It is my balanced perspective as a seasoned educator that brings a collaborative mindset that will uphold La Mirada’s family values, ensure strong public safety, and continue to build recreational, community, and educational programming and
partnerships–these are the interests of the hard working families of La Mirada, and it is the collaboration between school and college districts, county parks and services, government agencies and nonprofit organizations with the city that is vital to maintaining a safe, bright future for residents. As a long-time resident with deep roots in La Mirada, I also understand the importance of upholding fiscal stability for the city and positioning La Mirada for economic growth. Q2: What applicable qualifications do you have? A: As the Vice Chair of La Mirada’s Historical Preservation Advisory Council, I understand the policies and responsibilities of city governance and public service. As a past treasurer and executive leader in nonprofit organizations for youth groups sports and higher education, I understand how to monitor budgets and policy implementation. I am experienced in how to engage constituents and bridge connections between services organizations and county services and city departments, school and college districts,
nonprofit organizations and faith-based institutions, and other agencies in partnership with city government. I also have prioritized connecting with La Mirada residents as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Key leaders have also put their confidence in my ability to lead with their endorsements: United States Representative Linda Sanchez, California Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, California Senator Bob Archuleta, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Mayor Pro Tem Ed Eng, Norwalk-La Mirada School Board Member Karen Morrison, and many local leaders, neighbors, and community college trustees. Q3: What changes will you be advocating for if elected? A: I would like to prioritize collaborating with those who invest in improving the conditions of working families with a focus on strengthening community services and recreational programming for all, especially our youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, including advocating for childcare and addressing food insecurity with collaboration with food banks and other
organizations. Additionally, I would like to prioritize collaborating with community organizations, other government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based institutions to help address homelessness with compassion and long-term solutions. In advocating for changes to policies and practices within governing responsibilities, I would seek to align with the values of La Mirada: integrity, teamwork, service, openness, diversity, and unity. Candidate for La Mirada City Council, District 2 Election Date: November 5 Facebook & Instagram: Michelle4LaMirada www.michelle4lamirada.com OPPOSING CANDIDATES: Chris Pflanzer, John Sarega, and Dan Siwak Candidates were unavailable to answer questions.