Guest Opinion | Vivian Carrasco Hosp: Phil Hosp, A Representative for All Residents

Dear Neighbors:

For the past 8 months, I have supported my husband, Phil Hosp, in his campaign for Pasadena City Council, District 7. I have knocked on hundreds of doors and met thousands of residents – of all ethnic backgrounds and from all sides of the political spectrum. I have done so because my husband is a man of exceptional character and integrity, and he has the ability to bring people together to address the needs and concerns of all residents of District 7, not just the select few.

As a Mexican-American growing up on both sides of the US-Mexico border, I have learned first-hand the struggle of immigrant families who work tirelessly and risk everything to support their families and provide them with a better future, yet live in fear of being divided. I was raised in Tijuana, Mexico. My family moved to Southern California when I was 10 years old to attend school. I was fortunate to receive scholarships which allowed me the opportunity to seek higher education, and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a law degree from Loyola Law School, where Phil and I met.

Phil is a Veteran who volunteered to serve two tours in Iraq and earned a Bronze Star. He risked his life to serve his country, a country founded by immigrants. We could not be prouder to be part of a culturally diverse family. We are raising our daughters to embrace their Mexican-American heritage and to speak Spanish, my first language. We have chosen to raise them in Pasadena because it is a community where families grow and thrive.

I know firsthand that my husband honors the dignity of every resident of our District and City, including those who comprise the immigrant community. We reject the President’s policies on immigration, and strongly believe that honest and hard-working families, of any race, religion or ethnicity, should remain together, not be broken apart. We believe this to be the Pasadena way.

Through my husband’s campaign, he has opened the eyes of many residents to an uncomfortable truth about what is happening in our city. Election returns from March 7 show that his support is strongest in the most economically and ethnically diverse parts of the District. It has not been an easy job, and the truth has often been met with resistance, but I challenge you to not lose sight of it by these latest deceptive political strategies. I choose to vote for the candidate who is not afraid to stand up against special interests, and I hope you will too.

Please join me on April 18 in voting for Phil Hosp.

El 18 de abril, voten por Phil Hosp.

Sincerely,

Vivian Carrasco Hosp