11 April 2-8, 2021
OPINION South San Francisco... (From page 1)
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Nagales and Flor Nicolas, the first-ever elected Council Members from their ethnic sector. Bulos ally and ex-SSF Council Member then Assembly Member Gene Mullin had first recommended renaming the center for his constant collaborator. Ad hoc City Council naming committee member Flor Nicolas concurred, citing the “long list of accomplishments... working tirelessly for equal rights in employment, housing, crime prevention, and service for our youth” that merits Bulos’ memorialization by the town. “She was a staunch champion of women’s issues CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO and women in the workplace,” Nicolas praised her “Tita Alice.” “If it wasn’t for Tita Alice, Flor and I would not be here,” Nagales reminded at the meeting prior to the affirmative vote. The commendation befits her grandmother, Charity Ramilo, told Inquirer.net. Her “Mami” and Alice’s sister Ludy Peña Reyes encouraged their progeny to “exercise and de-stress” at the center that will now carry her name, Ramilo said in response to Council passage of the motion. That site’s new name “symbolizes the two things that meant the most to her - family (her home nearby) and the center (the community) that she passionately advocated for.” Like her grandmother the former chair of the department of sociology at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Charity Ramilo is a teacher of Filipino FLES (foreign language in the elementary school) at Flor Nicolas (fourth in gallery), first FilAm woman elected to the South the historic Filipino Educa- San Francisco City Council, makes a mo�on to memorialize the leader tion Center. who inspired her to serve the community and run for office. Charity’s brother Charles Ramilo sees his engagement in community as a consequence of witnessing their grandmother’s work. “It is important for Filipinos to see ourselves reflected in our community, and having ‘Mami’ Alice memorialized at the rec center will ensure that her contributions to our community will always be remembered,” the community health worker shared with Inquirer.net. “It would keep us inspired to empower ourselves and make meaningful changes in our society.” Charles would tell his own children that their greatgrandmother “had a big heart for the community, spending over four decades dedicating her life helping others and encouraging those including myself to do the same.” “These values that Mami Alice passed on are important to(Continued on page 27)
EDITORIAL
C
A perfect choice
alifornia Governor Gavin Newsom is to be congratulated – and thanked -- for making a perfect choice in appointing Assemblyman Rob Bonta as the Golden State’s next Attorney General. While it is a certainty that the governor had several equally qualified candidates in mind for the key post, FilAm Bonta was the best pick by far. We have high expectations of Bonta, but we are certain he is more than able to meet those expectations. His history as a public servant tells us so. The appointment is not yet final, however, as the Legislature still needs to confirm Bonta’s appointment. He is expected to fill out the remaining term of Xavier Becerra, who has joined the Biden administration as Health and Human Services secretary. His term will be short, as Bonta has to seek election for a full term in the 2022 elections. But hopefully, he will deliver the goods for the people of California much the same way he did as assemblyman. He will have his challengers within the Democratic Party next year, as can be expected for such an important political posting. And yes, the Republicans will do their best to block his appointment, but they do not have the numbers to succeed. At best, they will resort to name-calling and innuendo to sully Bonta’s excellent reputation as a lawmaker. As for the challenges that lie ahead, we know that Bonta thrives on meeting, and overcoming, any and all problems that will come his way as AG. Bonta’s job will not be easy as there has been a dramatic rise in hate crimes against Asian-Americans. As the state’s top lawyer, he will have to make sure that those who perpetrated such crimes are held accountable for their actions. Then there is the rash of shootings of unarmed civilians by the police. It is no secret that Bonta has had some policy differences with the police, but he is an able enough politician to know when to take a firm stand, and when to resort to necessary compromises. For as long as his heart is in the right place, we see no reason why Rob Bonta will not succeed. This, despite the fact that he only has little more than a year and a half to show that he can be as good as anyone who has ever handled the post of California AG. It may be too early to say, but Bonta could well follow in the footsteps of Vice President Kamala Harris who went from AG to senator to the second highest position in the land. He is certainly young enough to seek whatever higher post he aspires for in the years to come. For now, we expect Bonta to work well with Gov. Newsom, who is facing what we consider an ill-advised, politically motivated recall action. Newsom has done so much good for the great state of California, and appointing Rob Bonta as Attorney General must rank as one of his best acts. We say Mabuhay Governor Newsom, Mabuhay Attorney General Bonta.
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