On social media, we continue to see public officials attending events that have little or nothing to do with what is happening in the city’s streets.
“Today, we came together for another Shine LA across the city – cleaning up our neighborhoods and getting our city ready for the world stage,” posted Mayor Karen Bass on her X account (formerly Twitter).
Just a few blocks away, dozens of residents are mobilizing in response to harassment by alleged ICE agents.
Other council members continue with their agendas as if nothing is happening. They have not shown up in the streets nor sought a plan to counter the attacks and abductions in the Los Angeles community.
Most neighborhoods in Los Angeles are home to Latinos—immigrants who suffer daily harassment from supposed federal agents. However, on social media, we continue to see public officials attending events that have little or nothing to do with what is happening in the city’s streets.
Last week, District 13 Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez celebrated the availability of public restrooms along the Hollywood corridor during a city council meeting. Other council members celebrated as well. During those same days, councilmembers from Districts 1 and 14 appeared smiling at a public event while people were protesting and fleeing from the alleged federal agents.
It is the residents who have taken to the streets in the absence of elected politicians.
Discontent is already circulating on X. Tired of the lack of response, some are calling for their removal from office. Some politicians have admitted that the situation has overwhelmed them and that they are facing an unexpected and unlawful attack. And what is the response? None. It seems that community organizations have taken the lead.
The mayor’s statement is a terrible mistake: “cleaning up… getting ready for the world stage”… So, is the city’s harsh reality being covered up?
Now more than ever, the community needs elected officials to be visible, to be present in the streets, and if necessary, to cancel these events aimed at impressing others.
