Interview with Laura Martinez, EPA City Council Member

For our February 2009 newsletter, CR Executive Director Wolfram Alderson got a chance to interview Laura Martinez, a newly-elected City Council Member, and a native of East Palo Alto.

PERSONAL HISTORY IN EPA

1.    How long have you and your family lived here?  

I am a third generation East Palo Altan.  My grandparents moved here in the 1960's. 

2.    Do you have any special memories of growing up / living in East Palo Alto that you can share?

I spent my summers going to the East Palo Alto library, growing strawberries at our community garden on Weeks Street, and playing tennis at Green Oaks.  

3.    Would you please describe your family background and culture?

I come from a large extended family both here and in Mexico. I have two younger siblings in college.  My brother Phillip is studying at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo.  My sister Linda is a freshman at Whittier College in Los Angeles (my alma mater). 

EDUCATION

4.    You left the community to attend college, graduated, then returned to the community. Why?

Growing up here in EPA I realized that many of the youth were growing up without support and positive role models in their lives.  I want to be a role model for them and instill in them that higher education is attainable.  I encourage other EPA students who have graduated high school and gone on to college to return and give back to their community.

5.    What college did you attend, and what was your focus of study?

I graduated with a B.A. from Whittier College.  I majored in Sociology and minored in Spanish. I had the opportunity to voluneer in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and with my professor created an emergency preparedness plan for our school. 

6.    It seems that educational strategies for youth in East Palo Alto are important and effective ways to raise up the quality of life in the community. Do you agree?

Education and youth resources are definitely the key to improve the quality of life in our community. The more programs that engage youth, the better. 

WORK

7.    Where do you work now? What is your official job title? Please share a little about what you do.

I work at the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA on Bell Street.  I'm the Youth & Teen Program Director.  The programs that I oversee are the Childwatch and Kid's Club Centers, Y Scholars, Teen Spot Program, Youth and Government, and will be starting a new youth nature walk program.   

EPA CITY COUNCIL

8.    You have been quoted as saying that you started thinking about running for City Council in high school. Is this true? What made you have this thought?

As a high schooler volunteering at the EPA library I realized that so many youth in our community lacked the support and quality education that I had.  I wanted to be a role model for the youth at the library.  I remember walking by the pictures of the council members at City Hall every time I would go to the library. One day I began thinking about what it would be like if I could be on the council? What could I do for my community? 

9.    Are you the youngest elected official in the history of East Palo Alto?

YES, and first female Latina born and raised in EPA!!

10.  Why did you decide to run for City Council?

I decided to run because I am committed to improving and protecting the quality of life for East Palo Alto, and the timing was right.

11.  What was the platform you ran on? Were there certain issues that you emphasized?

    * Protect tenants from unlawful landlord practices
    * Reduce violence through youth employment and re-entry programs
    * Develop a long-term financial plan for the city
    * Enrich community health
    * Collaborate with the local school districts
    * Ensure proper clean up of the Romic Site

12.  What do you think is the greatest challenge facing East Palo Alto?

Education and public bafety are our main challenges.

13.  What is your greatest hope for this community?

My greatest hope is that we become a caring community that values youth to the fullest and that, in turn, youth take pride and respect their community.

THE WORK OF COLLECTIVE ROOTS

14.  You are familiar with the work of Collective Roots…Do you have any personal experiences with gardening, producing food, or doing environmental work?

I am very familiar with the work of Collective Roots and their great work in getting the farmer's market off the ground.  My experiences in gardening would be in my upbringing as a child growing vegetables and fruits at the Weeks st. community garden.

15.  What do you think is the biggest challenge of our food system in East Palo Alto?

Our biggest challenge is not having a grocery store that offers choices for all community members.

16.  What do you think is the biggest environmental challenge in East Palo Alto?

We need to increase the number of trees and vegetation.  Beautification of greenery in EPA would create a more peaceful and calming environment. 

17.  Any words of advice or encouragement to the youth and community we serve?

Take full advantage of the resources that surround you.   If you don't know something, don't be afraid to ask.