Sara Hernandez has been working to improve our community for over ten years , as an LAUSD teacher , non-profit founder , policy advocate , lawyer and public servant with years of working in government .
She currently serves as the Executive Director for Coro Southern California , a national leadership development program in public affairs that equips emerging leaders with the skills , networks and resolve to tackle some of the most pressing issues in the Southern California region .
Sara is also the founder of HYPE Los Angeles , a nonprofit that provides talented low-income students in the LA area with life-changing educational opportunities during their high school years .
We asked Sara a few questions to help you support her candidacy .
You have been a resident of Downtown LA for about seven years , where were you before ? I ’ ve lived in the 34th District for almost a dozen years , first in Koreatown and then most recently here in Downtown Los Angeles . The 34th District represents the best of Los Angeles , in terms of its diversity , culture , food , and people , and I ’ m extremely proud to call this district my home .
What made you decide to move here ? I moved to Downtown when I started law school at Loyola Marymount University , in Westlake . Growing up in rural California , I ’ ve always wanted to live in an urban environment and downtown fulfilled that dream .
What are your favorite places in Downtown ? My favorite weekend destination is anything on Broadway – that street has an incredible selection of food and cuisine , and it is great people watching . I love Daikokuyo in Little Tokyo – there is always a line , but it has the best ramen in the city .
My favorite street is Main Street between 4th and 6th . This part of downtown represents the diversity that every neighborhood should strive for – it has permanent supportive housing and market-rate lofts , great restaurants at all price points , Chrysalis that provides jobs for those hard on their luck , hair salons , art galleries , music venues , and an amazing art supply store . And there will always be a special place in my heart for Pershing Square . It ’ s , literally , the center of downtown and has potential to be an amazing public square .
When did you start your political career ? I have always been interested in public service and civic engagement . My parents were young lawyers fighting for the rights of farm workers in rural California , and they instilled in me the importance of giving back to your community and engaging with your neighbors . I brought that with me through my work in Los Angeles as a public school teacher , as a found of a non-profit , and ultimately to City Hall , working for Councilmember Jose Huizar .
You worked with Jose Huizar , and his office has been very involved in the evolution of our neighborhood , what did you learn from him ? Councilmember Jose Huizar has been a tremendous role model and mentor . He has set an inspiring example of what needs to be done to build healthy communities , whether that means helping small business owners create jobs and vibrancy on the streets , advocating for more walkable , bike-friendly streetscapes , promoting more parks and open spaces , or ensuring that the most vulnerable get the services and support they need . I ’ ve learned from him how to be an advocate and fighter for the issues that actually improve peoples ’ lives in our community .
Now , let ’ s get to the exciting stuff , what made you decide to run for Congress ? This race is deeply personal for me . Our communities and our values are under attack , and it ’ s critical we send representatives to Congress who are ready to stand up and fight back .
We need fresh leaders who understand how federal policy plays out on the ground - whether it ’ s how federal HUD dollars affect housing and homelessness issues downtown , how transportation and infrastructure funding brings about the 6th Street Bridge , the Regional Connector , or the LA River Revitalization Project , or how immigration policies will affect so many students , families , and small businesses in this district . I have been on the ground as a public school teacher , nonprofit founder , and downtown director delivering results on these very issues , and I hope to continue this fight on the federal level in Washington .
What would you want people to know you for ? I hope people will see me as a listener , a doer , and a change-maker . I have shown this in my work re-envisioning Pershing Square , providing more homelessness services and outreach through the C3 Program in Skid Row , and helping in the create Councilmember [...]