Opinion: The future of LA’s District 9 hangs in the balance

The race for Los Angeles City Council District 9 (CD 9) is shaping up to be one of the most important local elections for South Los Angeles. CD 9 is considered the lowest-income district in Los Angeles.

As a lifelong resident of the district, I have seen many of the challenges remaining the same: rising housing costs, public safety concerns and the lack of  voices addressing the local environment. 

In my opinion, incumbent Councilman Curren D. Price’s tenure failed to provide the leadership and progress South Los Angeles desperately needs.  While the community tried to survive, there have been allegations of financial misconduct and public safety concerns under his leadership.

As voters prepare to choose between Jose Ugarte and Estuardo Mazariegos, the election presents more than a choice between the two candidates. A victory would mark a historic milestone, making the election of the first Latino councilmember to represent CD 9 since 1963 and help shape the future of South Los Angeles. 

To many residents in South Central L.A. like me, this election is about rebuilding trust and who can best address the challenges that continue to affect working families. From small-business owners and working families to students and longtime residents, the community wants investment and resources. District 9 residents have called for visible leaders, accountable and responsive to public safety needs. 

Candidates promises

I attended a recent forum hosted by CALÓ News and the LA Local, where candidates Ugarte and Mazariegos addressed homelessness, public safety and street cleanups. Mazariegos shared that he would prioritize public safety concerns and ensure South Central funding is used properly. Ugarte, on the other hand, plans to tackle South Central needs with a three-step approach, such as job training and mental health resources before offering housing. 

Mazariegos has built his campaign around the message that South Central is not for sale, prioritizing fair wages, rent relief, and stronger services for working-class families. 

Ugarte, on the other hand, served under Councilman Price, where he led the charge to fight poverty in South Los Angeles with the Solid Ground Prevention program, which helps new cases of homelessness for families by stabilizing housing and working to build a secure future. 

Both candidates carry merit and a clear vision for South L.A., addressing everyday concerns. As a CD 9 constituent, I expect the next Latino councilman of the district to bring real-world promises to the South LA community, such as crime rates, street cleanups, public funding, and raising wages. 

I’m a true believer that all eligible voters must vote. Don’t wait until Nov. 3. Several voting centers are open at different locations throughout South Los Angeles. These include the Ahmanson Senior Center near BMO Stadium, Denker Recreation Center near BMO Stadium, Greater Bethel Cathedral Church, and Second Baptist Church.  

Dulce Galvez is a South Los Angeles resident.

For more information about the CD 9 election and other L.A. races, visit our list of midterm election voting guides and coverage.