Candidates Address Vital Issues in Boyle Heights
Four candidates vying to succeed U.S. Sen. Maria Elena Durazo in California’s 26th Senate District engaged with East Side residents in a forum on Wednesday evening. Discussions largely revolved around key issues such as immigration, public health, and environmental challenges.
Senator Durazo is approaching the conclusion of her term and is now campaigning for a position on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, currently held by Hilda Solis.
The candidate forum, organized by Project Pastoral, featured four of the eight contenders: Juan Camacho, Wendy Carrillo, Sara Hernandez, and Sara Rascon. This event served as a platform for the candidates to articulate their plans for representing Boyle Heights and East LA. Project Pastoral’s Enrique Velazquez explained that they initially invited actively campaigning candidates, but later broadened the invitation to include others.
Approximately 60 attendees voiced apprehensions about affordable housing, access to healthcare, and environmental concerns linked to the nearby Exide Technologies factory. Among them was Martha Martinez, a 70-year resident of Boyle Heights. Martinez highlighted that affordable housing ranks as her highest priority, stating, “My children are paying very high rent,” reflecting the urgency for sustainable housing solutions in the community.
Another attendee, Joseph Villela, emphasized his desire to understand the candidates’ plans for addressing the district’s evolving needs. “I want to hear what their priorities are,” Villela said. “How are they prioritizing Boyle Heights?”
Candidate Profiles and Backgrounds
Juan Camacho came to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of two and has deep roots in the San Gabriel Valley, where he currently serves as president of the California Institute for Equality. He focuses on protecting LGBTQ+ civil rights and promoting youth leadership. Wendy Carrillo, an immigrant from El Salvador, has roots in Boyle Heights and City Terrace and previously represented California’s 52nd District in the Legislature. Sara Hernandez is an attorney specializing in housing, immigration, and environmental law, currently on the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees. Lastly, Sara Rascon brings her expertise in sustainability and environmental justice; she recently served as community affairs director for Mayor Karen Bass.
Public Health and Social Services Initiatives
Public health emerged as a significant focus during the forum. Rascon detailed her efforts as a county liaison to the mayor’s office in expanding social services and mental health resources for East Side families, notably through Proposition 1, which allocated $65 million to L.A. County’s mental health services. “Our undocumented immigrant community should never be afraid to go to the doctor,” Rascon asserted.
Hernandez noted that Proposition 1 funding would aid early intervention programs and local nonprofits. Camacho added that mental health, community clinics, and school funding must be prioritized to foster healthier communities. Carrillo highlighted his legislative work to secure $50 million for the revitalization of Boyle Heights General Hospital, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to budget advocacy.
Protecting Immigrant Communities
All four candidates expressed strong opposition to federal immigration enforcement, outlining their plans to safeguard immigrant communities. Rascon shared his experience patrolling neighborhoods to deter federal agents, while Carrillo criticized the state’s decision to share DMV data with the Department of Homeland Security. Hernandez proposed expanding “safe zones” in schools and taxing private immigration detention centers, and Camacho insisted on holding the federal government accountable for its policies. They collectively pledged to introduce progressive taxes aimed at mitigating funding losses in state medical programs affecting immigrants.
Environmental Justice Concerns
Environmental justice also featured prominently in the discussion. Candidates Rascon and Hernandez aimed to address pollution and promote green spaces, while Camacho stressed the importance of community involvement in these initiatives. Carrillo cited previous investments in environmental projects, including park clean-ups and remediation of areas contaminated by the Exide Battery Plant.
Upcoming Candidate Forum
Continuing the dialogue, Rascon, Hernandez, Camacho, and Carrillo will appear at a candidate forum hosted by the Maravilla Regional Advisory Committee.
Date and Time: Today from 1 PM to 3 PM
Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Hall, 4018 E. Hammel St.
