By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Against the backdrop of federal immigration policy concerns, elected officials gathered along Van Nuys Boulevard between Oneida and Herrick avenues Saturday to celebrate the 58th annual Pacoima Christmas Parade, emphasizing community strength and the importance of local representation.
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley (portions), including Pacoima, Panorama City) kicked off remarks by thanking the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce for organizing the parade, sharing personal memories of attending as a child and marching with the Telfair Elementary School drill team.
“Today is about being here in community despite what’s happening in Washington, which unfortunately, I have firsthand knowledge and get to see it every week,” said Rivas. “But I come home to get inspired by all of you to keep fighting for our communities, to make sure that everyone is treated humanely, that immigrants will have a pathway to citizenship one day.”
Speaking in both English and Spanish, Rivas told the crowd that she travels to Washington each week to fight for the community and against the injustices faced by immigrants.
State Sen. Caroline Menjivar (D-Burbank, Lang, Panorama City, Van Nuys, San Fernando Valley, Winnetka) shared a personal victory, announcing that Benjamin Cruz, an 18-year-old detained four months ago outside Reseda High School while walking his dog, had been released to his family just days before the parade.
“I had one wish that I sent to Santa, and I had it on my Christmas list, and he gave me this gift a little earlier, before Christmas,” said Menjivar. “For whatever wish is on your Santa Christmas list, I hope that Santa grants all of them, because we in the San Fernando Valley deserve everything plus more.”
Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez, a former San Fernando mayor now representing the northeast Valley in Sacramento, emphasized the state’s protective stance.
“We here in California are fighting to protect our state, our families, our community from everything that’s happening, because we do this work, because we love you and we’re from here,” Rodriguez said, noting her family immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico, to Pacoima.
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, who worked in Pacoima starting at age 14, highlighted the neighborhood’s impact on local leaders and reminded residents that “all politics is local.”
“Just remember that when it comes to your representatives, all politics is local,” Padilla said. “And right here, you have representatives that remind you that your community has your back.”
Neighboring San Fernando was represented by Council Members Mary Mendoza and Mary Solorio, both of whom emphasized the close ties between the communities. Solorio noted her parents immigrated from Jalisco and Zacatecas, Mexico.
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto drew applause when she arrived in Dodgers gear, celebrating the team’s back-to-back championships before switching to Spanish to emphasize unity.
“El pueblo unido jamás será vencido” (The people united will never be defeated),” she declared.
LAUSD Board Member Kelly Gonez, representing over 140 schools in the east San Fernando Valley, thanked the organizing committee and recognized student performers, including the San Fernando High School marching band and drill team, Poly High School drummers, and Sharp Avenue Folklorico.
“Today is just a reminder about what is special in our community,” Gonez said. “We are strong, we are vibrant, and we all come together to ensure that our children and our youth have a bright future.”
Labor leader Sergio Rascon, business manager of Laborers Local 300, shared his own immigrant story, having arrived in Pacoima in 1964.
“Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you don’t belong here, because we all belong here,” Rascon said, urging residents to “never give up” and “stand up for what you believe.”
Roberto Barragan, executive director of ICON Community Development Corporation, announced his organization’s partnership with Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez and the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce to support the parade, including funding the banners displayed along Van Nuys Boulevard.
The parade featured multiple marching bands, drill teams, floats, Cabalgatas, and classic cars, continuing a tradition that has brought the community together for nearly six decades each holiday season.
