“We have to keep this city going in that direction to fight for working families when this city has become so unaffordable that the most extreme expression of that is unhoused Angelenos,” said Karen Bass.

By NANCY CRUZ
EL NUEVO SOL

(Lea el artículo en español y vea el ensayo fotográfico de Sonia Gurrola.)

August 6, 2022, Los Angeles—Dozens of Latinas mobilized in support of  Karen Bass as Mayor of Los Angeles at Placita Olvera this past Friday. Civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, Supervisor Hilda Solís, State Senator María Elena Durazo, and muralist Judy Baca were among the many iconic women in attendance.

Karen Bass has served as the U.S. Representative for California’s 37th District since 2011 and is now in the run for Mayor of L.A. She finished first in the June 7th primary elections beating former Republican-turned-Democrat billionaire Rick Carusso by only six percent.

At a time when elections are won by thin margins, Latinos must understand the power they have in exercising their right to vote. This is why it is crucial that Latinos are educated and registered to vote come November 8th.

“Latinas are the number one population, not only in the city of LA, but across the state of California and we are unseen no more,” states Wendy Carrillo, Representative of 51st Assembly District.

The understanding that while this city thrives on values and diversity, these are never secure and as LA citizens we must fight to keep them alive. Latinos have the power to collectively make a huge impact at county and state levels.

“We cannot assume that this is a liberal a welcoming progressive city. That is who we have been, and we are going to fight to make sure that is who we stay, but we cannot take that fight for granted,” Karen Bass said. “We have to keep this city going in that direction to fight for working families when this city has become so unaffordable that the most extreme expression of that is unhoused Angelenos. That is unjust. That is a humanitarian crisis. That is an emergency and it should be addressed that way.”

While homelessness has been a major issue in Southern California for many years, the recent inflation rate in Los Angeles has made housing unaffordable. This has caused many to become homeless or see themselves on the verge of it. LA citizens need someone who will advocate for their needs and provide them with the necessary resources to combat this issue.

“Karen Bass has been fighting so that we provide shelter to the homeless, and that we keep our family values where we need them the most. In our communities – building up equity, building up housing and making sure that there’s good jobs and economic support for everyone,” states Supervisor Hilda Solis.

There was a sense of community present at the rally solidified by the way in which all attendees felt themselves seen by Bass. They expressed their support and appreciation by emphasizing they wanted a leader who would take the necessary steps to ensure there are programs being created that will provide the help needed for their community to thrive.

“The LA uprising; the beating of Rodney King…Karen Bass started the community coalition. She’s an organizer at heart. To bring black and brown communities together to ensure the safety of our families and that work and that legacy continues,” said Carillo.

In addition to the overwhelming support expressed for Bass, there was a great emphasis on the urgency of women’s reproductive rights and voting yes for Proposition 1 at the rally.

“Proposition 1 is one of the proposals that will change the destiny of many women in California. It would give the constitution the opportunity to amend it and protect the right for women to have either an abortion or continue with birth control,” said Claudia Estrada, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project.

With so much at stake with the recent Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe V Wade, these women have gathered in the attempt to encourage Latinas come together and have their voices be heard at the polls.

“In 2022, this is not an issue we should even be talking about. It might be that we have a Supreme Court that is unjust, that it is in my opinion corrupt,” Bass said. “It might not be that this is what should happen in our country at this time, but what happens in our country can also happen in our state. [In San Clemente] they’re debating whether or not in that particular county they can restrict a woman’s right to choose. So healthcare and freedom are on the ballot in November.”

Photo by Sonia Gurrola | El Nuevo Sol.

Latinas have the power to make an impact by educating themselves and others as it allows for them to better elect city officials who will protect their rights. Voting Yes on Proposition 1 ensures that California remains a safe haven for all women protecting their right to choose.

“We come from some religion and we have been told for so many years that abortion is a sin,” Dolores Huerta said. “Well we have to say this – Every woman has the right to decide what she does with her body. We have to talk to our people and tell them don’t get confused. Religion and politics are separate. Don’t vote against your own interests. And I’m going to share a quote Benito Juarez said ‘El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz.’”

At times when it feels as though we are going backwards, we must come together and choose to fight for the quality of our lives as well as the essence of our city. There is an urgency for people to unite and take action.

“If you can’t vote, talk to your family and friends about the election and volunteer at a nonprofit organization to ensure our community is out to vote November 8th,” said Joanna Perez, LA citizen and community leader.