City: South Gate
Position Seeking: City Council

Question 1: Please share a meaningful experience you had with art (visual, dance, drama, music, media arts) while growing up and its impact on you.

As a child, I participated in a Folklorico group for a few years with my younger brother. We were able to learn about our heritage and performed at schools and community events. It was a great way for us to express ourselves and from lasting bonds with other children. We always felt proud after each performance, especially if our parents were able to attend. This art form was a great way to introduce us to other art forms such as music, drama and fashion design. It was very meaningful to my brother, as he followed his dreams and has been a working actor for many years now. For me, it inspired me to formally study fashion design.

Question 2: What do you believe the role of City Council should be in developing and supporting the region’s arts and cultural infrastructure?

Given that funding for the Arts has been cut in schools, it is very important for local government to foster relationships with arts organizations and community groups that advocate for cultural diversity. They can help form collectives by engaging with local and outside influencers and helping bring resources to the city. It is important for all of our constituents to be exposed to all forms of art and have platforms where they can learn and share.

Question 3: What’s your vision for the city? What role, if any, does art and culture play in advancing that vision?

My vision for the city would be one that would expose constituents to diverse cultures and backgrounds, without losing its identity. I would advocate for cultural fairs that would offer different types of foods and promote various art forms. An art gallery highlighting local artists would be a great addition to the city. Outdoor gathering spaces that would allow for performances.

Questions 4: A recent report by the Otis College of Design found that 1 in every 6 jobs in LA County supports the creative sector and economy in Los Angeles County. If elected, how will you aim to ensure the continued vitality and growth of the creative economy and the artistic community that it supports?

An arts collective would allow for creative types, businesses and local government to help find ways in which they can all help each other grow. Creative agencies could help with marketing and advertising, local government could find ways to draw more movie/tv show production to the city, designers could create and manufacture their goods within city limits. It could also be a way to offer internships to students who are interested in the arts to gain firsthand experience.