Layla Hernandez
Planning Commissioner Miguel De La Rosa is running to represent the city at large on the Bell Gardens City Council.
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De La Rosa is advocating for affordable housing, quality education, safety, and economic prosperity. In regards to rent stabilization, De La Rosa suggests expanding affordable housing programs, first-time homeowner grants, and the construction of new low-income housing units. De La Rosa also hopes to create a solution that benefits both renters and landlords.
De La Rosa is neither in favor nor opposes increasing the policing budget, but instead advocates for thorough audits of how funds are being spent and exploring alternatives that address issues of poverty, mental health, and substance abuse.
De La Rosa has lived in Bell Gardens for 25 years.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity. Candidate self-reported their occupation and residence.
Why are you running?
I am running for City Council because I believe that Bell Gardens deserves strong, visionary leadership that reflects the needs and desires of our diverse community; I am committed to supporting the needs of special groups such as seniors, persons with disabilities, and single-parent households by advocating for affordable housing.
As Chairperson for the City of Bell Gardens Planning Commission, I’ve worked to shape responsible development that enhances our neighborhoods. I want to bring that experience to the City Council to ensure that we create opportunities for all residents— ranging from affordable housing, business growth, or access to essential services. Bell Gardens is at a critical point, and I am committed to working collaboratively to ensure that our city thrives while staying true to its roots.
What is your vision for the future of the city?
My vision for Bell Gardens is one where every resident has access to affordable housing, quality education, and safe neighborhoods, where small businesses can grow and flourish, and where we preserve our community’s identity while adapting to modern solutions. I believe in a city that prioritizes the well-being of its residents by investing in public infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and expanding green spaces. I want to foster a vibrant, inclusive city where families feel proud to call Bell Gardens home for generations to come.
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?
Rent stabilization provides a critical foundation to build upon. To further protect renters, I would advocate for expanding affordable housing programs, first-time homeowner grants, and advocating for the construction of new, low-income housing units. Additionally, tenant education and assistance programs can empower renters to better understand their rights and find resources to remain in their homes. Informing residents of city resources & partnering with nonprofit organizations to offer legal and financial support to at-risk renters is another tool to help prevent displacement.
It’s also important to note that the cost of maintaining property is also rising, it’s critical to create solutions that benefit both renters and landlords to maintain a healthily balanced housing market. We must support local landlords, some approaches to consider include tax incentives or grants for landlords to support property maintenance and improvements — which would ease the burden on landlords and keep housing affordable for tenants.
The police department 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?
Public safety is a top priority for any city, but I believe we should continually assess how our resources are allocated to ensure that they are used efficiently. While our police department plays a critical role in maintaining safety, we also need to explore complementary strategies that address the underlying causes of crime such as: poverty, mental health, and substance abuse. Collaborating with local non-profits and investing in community-based programs like neighborhood watch, youth outreach, mental health crisis intervention teams, and housing services can create a balanced approach to public safety—one that includes prevention, education, and support services.
Should the police budget:
Stay the same. I believe that the police budget should be carefully reviewed to ensure it healthily balances with the city’s budget. Instead of increasing or decreasing it outright, I would advocate for a thorough audit of how the funds are currently being spent and identify opportunities to improve the efficiency of our police department. Improving response time and units available to dispatch is key; should the budget allow, I would increase the police budget.
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 2020 Complete Streets Plan? How would you address any community concerns regarding increased car traffic during its implementation?
Lane closures significantly impact the daily lives of our community. If elected, I would ensure pedestrian safety and cycling lanes are in place in anticipation of the Southeast Gateway Line; this would provide alternative modes of transportation, reduce congestion, and contribute to environmental sustainability. However, I understand the concerns about increased car traffic during the implementation of these plans. To address this, I would suggest that our Department of Traffic and Safety optimize traffic lights to ease delays & disruptions. Additionally, engaging the community through town halls and regular updates will help address concerns and ensure that these improvements benefit everyone.
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