As an Eastside (District 1) resident, I would like all other Eastside residents to hear what is at stake during this election. The three candidates running for District 1 City Council have many similarities and differences. There is incumbent Alejandra Gutierrez, and challengers Wendy Santamaria and Cruzito Herrera Cruz. The two front runners are Alejandra Gutierrez and Wendy Santamaria.
As a longtime resident I have always viewed the Eastside as the heart of the city, as we have the working class, the blue-collar workers that keep the city running. We have many historical buildings such as Santa Barbara High School and Santa Barbara Junior High. We have a rich culture with beautiful traditions such as the Milpas Street parade, the Casa de la Raza, and the Guadalupe Church festivals.
Alejandra Gutierrez being from this district and having attended Franklin Elementary School knows the importance of the Eastside and preserving these local traditions.