Layla Hernandez
Nov. 5, the last day to vote in a long list of elections, is almost here!
Early voting is available, and voters can cast their ballots by mail or in person at voting centers across Los Angeles County. To check registration status, request a vote-by-mail ballot, or find a local voting center, visit lavote.gov.
Downey Latino News asked candidates for Bell Gardens City Council about policing, transportation, and the future of the city. Voters in Bell Gardens will select two candidates for full four-year terms.
The candidates are incumbents Gabi Gomez, who was appointed to the council last year to replace Councilmember Alejandra Cortez; Councilmember and union organizer Jorgel Chavez; paralegal and community volunteer Isabel Guillen; and integration technician Michael Reveles.
Guillen could not be reached after multiple attempts, and Reveles declined to respond to the questionnaire.
Both Chavez and Gomez express a deep personal connection to Bell Gardens and align on most issues, with some departure on focus and context.
Chavez emphasizes “improving the quality of life for all residents” through policy areas like “strengthening rent stabilization and eviction protections,” “senior programming,” “union apprenticeships,” and “supportive housing” for those experiencing homelessness.
Gomez highlights the importance of fostering partnerships across various levels of government to bring resources to the community, focusing on broader commitments like “housing justice” and “environmental and mobility justice.”
On housing affordability and rising rents, Chavez suggests actionable steps such as “expanding Just Cause eviction protections,” “encouraging the creation of accessory dwelling units to increase housing supply,” and “offering resources to educate renters on their rights and provide legal assistance.”
Gomez situates the problem within the broader homelessness crisis in LA County, noting that in Bell Gardens, “nearly 80% of residents are renters, and the majority of households live on low to moderate incomes.” Her approach centers on homelessness prevention, advocating for “additional support and resources for eviction prevention and rental subsidy programs.”
Regarding the police budget, both candidates agree that spending should remain at current levels and both support alternatives to traditional policing.
Chavez proposes “non-police teams for mental health emergencies” and “homeless outreach.”
Gomez emphasizes community engagement through programs like Neighborhood Watch and expanding youth initiatives, stating, “community engagement plays a critical role in preventing crime and building trust.”
Chavez has lived in Bell Gardens for most of his life, while Gomez has resided in the city for more than 10 years.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and are listed in alphabetical order. Candidates self-reported their occupations and residences.
Why are you running?
Chavez: I’m running for Bell Gardens City Council because I want to continue making a positive impact in my hometown. My priorities focus on improving the quality of life for all residents by strengthening rent stabilization and eviction protections, expanding senior programming, and increasing access to technology and digital literacy. I’m also committed to addressing homelessness through supportive housing and pushing for job growth through union apprenticeships. Public safety is another key issue for me, ensuring that our community feels safe and supported. My goal is to ensure Bell Gardens thrives with inclusive and forward-thinking policies.
Gomez: I am running for Bell Gardens City Council because our community deserves strong, compassionate leadership that prioritizes the needs of working families, promotes public safety, and drives economic development. As a resident and public servant with over 30 years of experience in social services, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our city faces—from the need for housing justice for our most vulnerable residents, to improved mobility options, to ensuring everyone has access to essential services. I’m committed to fostering partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels to bring much needed resources to our community.
I want to build on the work I’ve already started in council, such as advocating for safe streets, supporting our police department, and promoting revenue diversification to help our city thrive. I also want to continue championing environmental and mobility justice, ensuring that our infrastructure supports cycling and other transportation alternatives to cars for residents who need them.
Bell Gardens is my home, and I want to continue working to make it a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and has the opportunity to succeed. That’s why I’m running for City Council—to ensure that we build a vibrant, inclusive future for all.
What is your vision for the future of the city?
Chavez: My vision for the future of Bell Gardens is a city where all residents can thrive, regardless of their background or income level. I see a community with affordable housing options that protect tenants and families, where seniors have access to enriching programs and services that meet their needs. I envision a city that embraces technology and digital literacy, bridging the gap for those who may not have had access before. I also want to foster an environment where job opportunities are abundant through union apprenticeships and workforce development programs, helping our community build lasting careers. Ultimately, I see Bell Gardens as a safe, inclusive, and vibrant place where every resident has the resources and support they need to succeed.
Bell Gardens passed rent stabilization in 2022, establishing a framework to limit excessive rent increases. However, rents are still rising. What are some other solutions that can help prevent renters from being priced out of the city due to these rising costs?
Chavez: • Expand Just Cause Eviction Protections: Strengthen protections to prevent unjust evictions and rent hikes under false pretenses.
• Increase Affordable Housing: Partner with nonprofits and leverage funding to build more affordable units.
• Incentivize ADUs: Encourage the creation of accessory dwelling units to increase housing supply.
• Enforce Rent Control: Strengthen oversight to ensure landlords comply with rent stabilization laws.
• Tenant Education and Legal Support: Offer resources to educate renters on their rights and provide legal assistance.
Gomez: One of the most critical challenges facing renters in Bell Gardens and throughout Los Angeles County is the rising cost of housing, which threatens to displace families, especially those with children and seniors. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), in 2023, 8,300 families with children were unhoused, while seniors (aged 62 and over) made up 22% of the homeless population. These numbers are deeply troubling and highlight the urgent need to stabilize housing for our most vulnerable residents.
In Bell Gardens, where nearly 80% of residents are renters, the majority of households are living on low to moderate incomes. The median household income in the city is about $50,000, far below the county average, which makes rising rents a significant burden for many. In addition to protecting our Rent Stabilization Ordinance and enforcing the Rental Registry, providing additional support and resources for eviction prevention and rental subsidy programs will help to ensure that families and seniors remain safe and housed. Preventing displacement not only keeps families together but also ensures that our city remains inclusive and supportive of all its residents.
The police budget makes up 42.3% of the city budget. Do you think this is the right amount of spending? What public safety strategies do you think the city could implement that don’t rely on traditional policing?
Chavez: Public safety is the most important priority to any city official. With 42.3% of the city budget allocated to policing, it’s important to explore additional strategies. Alternatives could include:
• Community Violence Prevention: Engaging residents to reduce violence.
• Crisis Response Teams: Non-police teams for mental health emergencies.
• Homeless Outreach: Providing housing and support services.
Gomez: The city’s budget allocation to the Bell Gardens Police Department (BGPD) reflects our ongoing commitment to public safety. While maintaining a strong police presence is necessary to keep our community safe, I believe we should also invest in alternative public safety strategies that don’t rely entirely on law enforcement. That’s why, in addition to the police department’s budget, we are continuously looking for ways to supplement these funds through innovative grants and partnerships that help us expand our community-based engagement opportunities with educational events at schools and community venues.
Community engagement plays a critical role in preventing crime and building trust. Programs like Neighborhood Watch, which actively involve residents in monitoring their neighborhoods, are great examples of collaborative efforts that reduce crime while empowering the community. I believe we can explore more non-traditional public safety strategies that focus on prevention and intervention. By expanding mental health crisis intervention teams to respond to non-violent situations more effectively than police officers, and increasing investment in youth programs, job training, and after-school initiatives we can help prevent crime before it starts.
While our police department’s budget is important for our city’s safety, supplementing it with grants and investing in alternative public safety strategies allows us to create a more holistic approach to protecting our community. Balancing traditional law enforcement with innovative, community-based solutions, will ensure that Bell Gardens remains a safe and thriving city.
Should the police budget increase, decrease, or stay the same?
Chavez: Stay the same
Gomez: Stay the same.
The 2020 Complete Streets Plan identifies the necessity of improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in anticipation of the Southeast Gateway Line, expected to operate by 2035. If elected, what would you prioritize from the 202 Complete Streets Plan? How would you address any community concerns regarding increased car traffic during its implementation?
Chavez: If elected, I’d prioritize expanding bike lanes, pedestrian walkways, and safer crossings from the 2020 Complete Streets Plan to prepare for the Southeast Gateway Line. To address traffic concerns during implementation, I’d phase construction, engage the community for feedback, and offer temporary traffic solutions. This will create safer, more accessible streets while managing disruptions.
Gomez: When I am elected, my top priority from the 2020 Complete Streets Plan would be to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure to ensure that residents have safe, reliable access across the Los Angeles River and the I-710 to the future Southeast Gateway Line stations planned in South Gate, Cudahy, and Bell. As we prepare for the completion of this new transit line by 2035, we need to start developing the necessary infrastructure that promotes cycling, walking, and other forms of micro mobility, reducing our reliance on cars, enhancing mobility, improving public health, and mitigating traffic congestion.
Safe and accessible routes to transit hubs are essential to making public transportation a viable option for our community. In line with the Complete Streets Plan, the repainting of sharrows and bike lanes with high-visibility materials, which I advocated for, has been completed, along with the addition of dedicated pedestrian pathways and enhanced lighting to make these routes safer for everyone.
Community concerns about increased car traffic during the implementation phase are understandable, but we can address these by taking proactive measures. For instance, I would work with traffic engineers to ensure that construction is staggered in a way that minimizes disruptions to daily commutes. Temporary traffic calming measures, like additional signage and rerouting plans, can help mitigate the impact on car traffic while construction is underway.
We also need to focus on the long-term benefits of these infrastructure improvements. By making it easier for people to walk, scoot, skate, or bike to the Southeast Gateway Line, we can reduce car usage over time. This will help alleviate traffic congestion in the future, rather than add to it.
Maintaining an open dialogue with the community throughout the implementation process is essential. Hosting regular community meetings and providing updates on construction timelines and traffic mitigation efforts will help address concerns and keep residents informed. By prioritizing safe and accessible pedestrian and cycling routes, we can ensure the Southeast Gateway Line is a success for everyone, making Bell Gardens a more connected, sustainable city.
