[Student Reporters] Interview with Rafael Gonzalez(Office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa)
Lily Hyerin Lee / 9th LACES
Q: Could you tell us about yourself?
A: My name is Rafael Gonzalez and I'm from Los Angeles. Right now I work in the mayor's office. I am the associate director for everybody's community services. I am the first person who's in charge of the community nation's team for the mayor. We share with the community on what is going on in the city and what the mayor's different initiatives are. We share with the mayor as well what the community is thinking or saying. We're sort of the eyes and ears of the community and the bridge between the people and their city halls.
Q: How and why did you come to speak at this event?
A: I was invited through a phone call by Mr. Park who is with the KAC and I accepted because I am a big fan. I also knew Grace Yoo who is the executive director and a close friend of mine whom I respect tremendously.
A: I think there was so much going on during that period so much hostility so much distrust and lots of isolation. When the verdict came down on Rodney King which sort of released every piece of energy…that was good bad and ugly into the air… there was an explosion. There was a social explosion of everything that was frustrating with the different communities and it was a very reactive time. I think a lot of people didn't even know what they were doing although some did. There is a positive thought [to] this which is that it did force the city to sort of confront; we were basically forced to sit on the table. [However] I think we still have a long way to go. It's always easy for us to talk about what the differences are [but] we should talk about the commonalities and the good things we can use together [also]. We're basically living in a city where many communities lack in the social and economic structure.
Q: What is your take on sustainability in LA?
A: If there was something that could bring all of us together…it's going to be food. I think there's a long process [to obtain] food because you have to find the land cultivate the land and [find] the things that would make sense for the community areas. I mean that forces us to work together. If you're looking for land in a place like LA it's not that easy. If you're going to cultivate a fruit vegetable or flower you need time [for] planning. I think food and the process of cultivation is a very beautiful and special process that requires many of us who would not [normally] talk to each other to come together and communicate with each other.
Q: What is your view on racial diversity in Los Angeles?
A: My view is that it is a beautiful thing. I think it's a piece that makes Los Angeles [the] city that it is. Our strength is [in] our diversity and I think the fact that we are able to know more about ourselves by knowing others really contributes to our body electric as a city.
Q: If you could change one factor in LA what would it be?
A: If I could change or bring something to LA I would bring more jobs. Jobs that pay people a living so that they can support their families so that they don't have to live in poverty. Also so that their kids don't go to school hungry and they could learn in school and then develop themselves into human beings and [develop] a profession. They can be [productive] citizens. If we don't start at all with the good paying jobs…we aren't going to grow as a community.