Iciar Rivera for Chinatown

 

Get to Know Me

Hello! My name is Iciar Rivera and I am running for the resident representative position in the Historic Cultural North Neighborhood Council (HCNNC) for Chinatown.

I am an environmental biology major, a former histology and entomology researcher who is currently a science teacher to at-risk youth and the prison population in Los Angeles. I have been politically active since my high school years and have worked to produce documentary films for indigenous communities in Baja California and have raised awareness about their land as a radio producer discussing political and social issues concerning Los Angeles on Pacifica Radio. I believe government is most effective on a small community scale and I would fight for the residents of Chinatown.

Iciar Rivera Chinatown Council Los Angeles

My Vision for Chinatown

I believe in seeing Los Angeles progress while still maintaining its cultural identity. Although I grew up in a neighboring county, I have deep connections to Los Angeles and have lived in this city for most of my life. Through my mostly native Angeleno perspective I am obligated to keep the historical identity of the neighborhoods relevant and culturally intact by maintaining the business and service functions of the neighborhood for its residents.

Chinatown is changing in a similar pattern of nearby neighborhoods: without input or discourse from longtime residents. Invasive commerce and developers are interested in our neighborhood for economic gain, without necessarily seeking to protect the area’s history and culture. Many neighbors are attracted to this area because of its history. Unfortunately, Chinatown’s culture is threatened by the influx in developmental interest. I would fight for the voices of the often silent Angeleno that because of social, economic or legal status feels at risk to speak up. Help to preserve the local identity of Los Angeles for Angelenos!

• View my Candidacy Presentation (PDF)

Iciar Rivera for Los Angeles Chinatown

From our HCNNC Candidate Forum:

What do you see as the most important issue facing the Neighborhood Council? What is your position/perspective on this issue?

I feel there are a few issues at play here. That although the most important issue facing longtime Chinatown residents is housing; this is not pertinent to new residents. This divide results in the neighborhood council system having to become a voice for the majority of long time residents. A voice that is too often drowned out by developers and developer allies. The new NC that serves specifically our village-like communities in central city needs to be a vehicle for the longstanding community of Chinatown to formalized their demands directly to city hall.

What are some challenges to outreach/civic engagement in the neighborhood? How would you address those issues to encourage more participation?

Our number one challenge is true Language Justice through our cultural values. Languages in our community include dialects of Cantonese, Mandarin, Taishanese, Spanish, & Vietnamese and Khmer. Making the NC system less intimidating will strengthen community participation. Likewise, representation is an issue. Chinatown, as well as El Pueblo, Solano Canyon and Victor Heights, are ethnic Asian & Latino communities. Simply “going into the community and asking questions” is not civic engagement or outreach. Those of us that become part of the NC board should already be part of the life and fabric that makes up the community. A top-down organization is not representative, welcoming or inclusive.