By ELLEN ENDO
Newly-elected Los Angeles City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado made her first official address in Little Tokyo on Jan. 23, stating that she sees the community as “a model and beacon for diverse leadership (and) interconnectness.”
“When I became an eviction defense attorney, I specifically focused on protecting Asian Pacific Islander communities here in L.A. which were marginalized, representing renters specifically focusing on seniors who are AAPI and also small businesses, because I recognize the power and legacy of small businesses,” she said.
Jurado made the comments during a reception sponsored by 10 local organizations and held at the Japanese American National Museum.
Last November, she defeated 14th District incumbent Kevin de León, becoming the first Filipina elected to the City Council and one of three Asian American Pacific Islanders. The other two AAPI Councilmembers are Nithya Raman in the 4th District and John Lee, 12th District.
In addition to Little Tokyo, Jurado’s district includes Boyle Heights, Skid Row, El Pueblo, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, and most of downtown L.A.
She will chair the Council’s Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee and serve as vice chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee. Other committee assignments are Civil Rights, Equity, Immigration, Aging, and Disability; Economic Development and Jobs; and Energy and Environment.
Jurado, 34, received her Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of California of Los Angeles.
During her remarks, she touched on concerns raised by constituents, such as housing and homelessness.
“We’re so close to Skid Row, the epicenter of the homelessness crisis in the nation.” She said she will delve into “how we can partner with the mayor to not just give it lip service but direct service, which is top of mind for me.”
Jurado wants to explore “development that doesn’t come at a cost of our communities. What benefits can we gain, not just in the short term but in the long term, that won’t disrupt our identity…and make sure that we can protect it as generations go forward.”
Turning to L.A.’s recent fires and crises, she stressed the fact that emergency response systems were “woefully unprepared,” adding, “I want to work with all of you to make sure public safety is for all of us as we continue to figure out how we can all feel safe. Safe from crime. Safe from displacement. Safe from eviction and deportation. And safe to be home and love the people that we want.”
The event was coordinated by the Little Tokyo Community Council and sponsored by Go For Broke National Education Center, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, JANM, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Southern California, Keiro, Kizuna, Little Tokyo Business Association/Little Tokyo Business Improvement District, Little Tokyo Service Center, and the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association.