By Stephanie Ahorro, 2025 CLA Intern
These past few weeks, I participated in two community events that stood out to me. The first was a Sunday Duffy boat day with my college friends in Newport Beach. I was responsible for bringing food; everyone else brought snacks and drinks. The weather was perfect—bright sun, clear skies, and calm air. It felt like a much-needed, rejuvenating day.
What made it even more special was that we celebrated one of my closest friends before she moved out of state for grad school. This was her going-away gathering. Spending that time together reminded me how important it is to ground yourself and create meaningful moments with the people in your community.
What stuck with me most was how courageous her decision was. She's leaving her family for the next few years to pursue higher education and career opportunities in labor union advocacy—something that doesn’t always fit the "expected" path for women. It’s a powerful reminder of how civic engagement can look like choosing yourself, your future, and your voice, even when it means making sacrifices.
The second event I attended was a City Council meeting in El Monte on Wednesday. What surprised me most was how packed the room was—almost every seat was taken—and the energy was tense. Residents were furious about the lack of attendance from councilmembers and the mayor, especially since many had shown up specifically to make public comments.
Several community members spoke out about corruption in local government, calling out how personal relationships and family ties have allegedly influenced who holds positions of power. Their frustration was palpable, mainly as they talked about financial hardships, public safety concerns, and feeling unheard by their elected officials. Some even resorted to yelling and using inappropriate language—not something I condone, but I understand where the emotion came from. In very different ways, both events reminded me of what it means to show up for your community, values, and future.