Quezon City-born lawyer new mayor of Daly City

Phil Ting, the 19th District Assembly member of the California State Assembly. swore in Buenaventura as the town chief.

“I am very humbled to have been elevated to the position of Mayor of Daly City for the second time in 3 years. It is a responsibility I accept with great humility,” Buenaventura said after taking his oath.

The second Filipino American elected to the city council bested his FilAm predecessor Mike Guingona to lead governance of the US municipality with the highest concentration of Filipinos.

“There is no one more positioned to lead Daly City forward,” said David Canepa, whom Buenaventura succeeded. “Mayor Buenaventura is a true public servant, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Priorities named

The new mayor listed his priorities. “Maintaining a balanced budget, increasing revenue by developing business in Daly City, affordable housing, public safety, providing services to seniors, more library funding, maintaining our streets and parks.”

Also sworn in were re-elected council members Guingona and Judith Christensen.

Christensen returns to the city council after losing her re-election bid in 2008 to Canepa.  She is the only female in the council, following the departure of Carol Klatt, who had dedicated 21 years to the post.  

Klatt, who is widely credited for supporting the birth of the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center, a nonprofit serving newly arrived Filipino residents, has retired.  A farewell reception is being planned for the revered council member December 10 at City Hall.

Perseverance 

Buenaventura, a private defender, lost his bid for Superior Court judge in June despite endorsements from US Representantive Jackie Speier and state and county officials.  He took a brief break until September when he jumped back in campaign mode for re-election to the city council.

Community activists and political strategists stress the importance of stating candidates’ birthplace and ethnicity – no matter the fraction – to reflect the gains of minority populations.  Because voters look for something to connect with candidates, this deserves a closer look.  

Succeeding generations can be empowered by the knowledge that someone who shares their ancestry or their roots has the qualities and skills to lead, they propound.  

Those who try to break barriers become ideal role models, even when they do not win.

Those who participate in the democratic process either as voters, campaigners, donors, or candidates stake their claim to this country, proving they belong.  And when their candidates do triumph, the victory is collective.

If immigrants can flourish in their adopted country,  how can they not succeed in their land of birth?

New blood 

The Daly City reorganization spotlighted the diversity of the Filipino American community with the Quezon City-born new mayor, his San Francisco-born predecessor, and Jada Trajano Rivera, who shared honors as Youth of the Year.

“Her service to the community has been incredible and her passion for a better Daly City is intense,” said Canepa. 

He added, “Her academic excellence, coupled with her commitment to serving people, has made our city a better place to live.”  

Rivera is a senior at Jefferson High School where she has excelled academically and in extra-curricular activities.  She is a consistent honor student while participating in varsity softball and the school dance troupe Fusion Mission.

“As editor of the Jefferson High School newspaper she manages a staff of 20,” added Canepa.

“Last year she was recognized by U.C. Berkeley from the National Women’s Association for her third place finish in her featured article, “Shaped Eyebrows Raise Attention.” – Rappler.com