Readers React: Kevin de León’s grand gesture to L.A.’s youth

To the editor: I’m disappointed that much of the coverage of Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de León’s (D-Los Angeles) swearing-in ceremony focused on the location and cost. (“De León throws extravagant bash as Steinberg quietly leaves,” Oct. 19)

As a political science professor at a local community college and the director of an organization focused on building youth leadership in East Los Angeles, I can say this was a momentous event for our young people. De León personally delivered tickets to young people living in the oldest public housing development in Los Angeles.

This wasn’t for the rich or Hollywood celebrities; rather, it was a gathering of a diverse group of people from some of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles at a beautiful venue (Walt Disney Concert Hall) that normally isn’t a place for us to visit.

Latino voting and civic participation still isn’t commensurate with our population because we have not historically been part of government activities such as De León’s swearing-in.

I am so glad this event took place in Los Angeles for us to experience.

Maria Lou Calanche, Los Angeles

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