Alhambra City Council Candidates: Questions and Answers

ColoradoBoulevard.net presented five fundamental questions to the five candidates for the Alhambra City Council.

By Editorial Board

We received the following responses; answers that exceeded our 75 word limit were edited to comply.

Ross J. Maza (Incumbent, District 2) is running unopposed. Katherine Lee (Incumbent, District 1) referred to her Candidate’s statement. Stephen Sham (District 1) did not reply to questions.

– Question #1:

How would you address traffic and pedestrian safety?

• Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula (Dist. 1)
  

Young people are using electric skateboards on Main Street and seniors ride electric scooters on the sidewalk proving a need for safe routes for alternative vehicles and pedestrians.  Street furniture at bus stops, shade, accessible and safe pathways are a must. Connect the city shuttle and bus stops to the light rail and Metrolink and to/from population centers including the University, shopping centers, senior centers, and major employers to increase use of public transit.

• Adele Andrade Stadler (Dist. 5)
  

First and foremost we must check the newest data to find where the most dangerous intersections, crosswalks, and other possible streets are unsafe. We should seek experts in the field and have them analyze it and help with recommendations.  I would also add comments and concerns gathered from our neighborhood walks this past summer.  We know that having wider reflective crosswalks, separated bike lanes, signage and education can help reduce fatalities.

• Jeffrey Gomez (Dist. 5)
  

Short-term: We need much more strict enforcement, better visibility with signs and painted pathways (zebra stripes). Long-term: Safe, protected and distinct pathways for pedestrians, markers, lights, countdowns and traffic calming, such as bollards, sidewalk extensions, roundabouts, no turning on red, and timing restrictions, are just a few that we need to implement. Why they haven’t? Sadly, our City Council lacks the courage, innovative ideas and interest to make these very simple changes a reality.

– Question #2:

As a future councilperson, what are your 3-5 priorities for Alhambra and/or your District and how will you achieve them?

• Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula (Dist. 1)

Restructure the city’s strategic plan with outcome-based goals: reduce empty storefronts, support local businesses, increase retail sales, create local jobs. Increase regional use of public transportation, sustainability programs including thirsty lawn replacement programs. Increase affordable housing by maximizing ADU’s, adaptive reuse of existing commercial structures, incentivize shared living spaces, subdividing larger homes. By establishing a Planning & Economic Department to better manage applicants. City policy is primarily informed by constituents NOT developers and their lobbyists.

• Adele Andrade Stadler (Dist. 5)

I would like to revitalize Valley Blvd with affordable housing, cafes and restaurants, and places for young people to play, repurpose the old library on Hellman and Valley into a pocket park, and come up with ways to manage our traffic along 710 and Fremont exit. These goals are part of our strategic plan and we look for each department head to help make these projects happen with input from people most affected by possible changes.

• Jeffrey Gomez (Dist. 5)

Residents need change now, not a traffic plan more than 5 years away. We need streamlined streetlights. We need more enforcement and traffic calming measures. We need more police and patrols. We need better community outreach and neighborhood watches. The more eyes, the better we reduce crime. It does no good if the City Council never addresses it, and they haven’t.  We need smart development, not ugly and out of place things that destroy our City.

– Question #3:

What are your views on the concept of an “Old Town Alhambra” on Main St. east of Garfield?

• Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula (Dist. 1)

I have long been an advocate of extending the shopping district east with a modern “Old Town Alhambra” shopping district.  To finally get it done, we need an opportunities assessment and a specific plan. We can establish an EIFD (Enhanced Infrastructure Finance District) – a financial tool for funding community improvements including cultural/art/commemorative spaces, streetscape improvements, childcare/senior centers, parking, broadband, business supportive infrastructure, transit and pedestrian accessibility, parks, and open space – and affordable housing.

• Adele Andrade Stadler (Dist. 5)

I think that they may want to see less large housing development and more small businesses around the area. Main street is vibrant and now that Covid has subsided it can continue to move in that direction. I believe and changes or broad building efforts should be with the community it affects first.

• Jeffrey Gomez (Dist. 5)

“Old Town” sounds great. But it needs to blend in with design and sizing of the area and not stick out like the mess of high rises on Main Street or Bay State. The planning commission, zoning and everyone involved needs to put Alhambra residents first. And it needs to be honest and transparent, not secret back door meetings and vague plans. Our City Council is notorious for this.

– Question #4:

How should Alhambra develop? What kind of development is needed and why?

• Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula (Dist. 1)

Revitalizing Alhambra’s role as a regional jobs and entertainment hub — replacing the movie theater complex with high-rise market-rate condos is NOT the way to go. Leverage historic locations including Artists Alley where Norman Rockwell worked to create tourism. Preserve Alhambra Wash as natural greenspace and recreation. Creative, reasonable, rational, community informed housing development NOT 75’ condos that block our views of the mountains and create a DTLA look and feel.

• Adele Andrade Stadler (Dist. 5)

We are being asked to develop by the state of California. We must have a balance of both responsible affordable development with plenty of green space and support with public transit.

• Jeffrey Gomez (Dist. 5)

We need smart development. We fund our City through sales taxes and property taxes primarily. So we need transparent development that puts residents first. Our City Council didn’t have the backbone to vote for projects that would have made us better off. And we are suffering the consequences. Simply, smart development in properly zoned areas means more money for other projects and safety initiatives. Our City is dying because our leaders failed us.

– Question #5:

Why should the residents of your district vote for you?

• Ari Gutiérrez Arámbula (Dist. 1)

I am ready to apply my 35+ years of government, business, and social justice advocacy to defend the interests of our community against big developers and help bring back the character and charm of the Alhambra we love. To help make our city safe, vibrant, and fun for our families and visitors who come for entertainment and great food. To lead the development of a modern “Old Town Alhambra”.

• Adele Andrade Stadler (Dist. 5)

I am a committed public servant who answers the phone and problem solves. I represent the City at many levels within multiple organizations. Most importantly, I care about how our City communicates and problems are solved. I will continue to focus on those values.

• Jeffrey Gomez (Dist. 5)

Unlike my opponent, I have two degrees in political science and have more than a decade of experience at the federal government level. We’ve had enough of political double talk without action. I have a real plan, solutions to problems and am above all transparent. Education and experience are key, and I have the most. I am here to clean up the mess my opponent left us. I will make Alhambra whole once more.

 

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