Young in Napa: A chance for fresh leadership in American Canyon
In the height of election season, political ads are taking up the space between our television shows and interrupting our family dinners with robocalls. With the Big Day right around the corner, there seems to be a collective sense of "let's get this over with" as we skip the government ad before a YouTube video that's begging us to say "no" to another proposition. It's exhausting, and I, for one, am ready to be through with it.
Just as American Canyon's mayor election has been a topic of great public opinion, residents are also grappling with the decision of who to elect for city council. Four candidates are running for two seats, replacing current council members Mariam Aboudamous and Pierre Washington, who is running to take the seat of current American Canyon mayor Leon Garcia. As all their terms come to an end, the opportunity for fresh leadership is one of careful consideration.
In anticipation of Election Day, I reached out to all four city council candidates, asking them how they plan to support American Canyon's young people.
Candidate Brando Cruz, himself a father of four young adults, pointed out the lack of opportunities for young people, especially those who are graduating from American Canyon High School. He asked his nieces and nephews what they would like to see in the community, among them being the return of the farmers market, more thrift stores, craft classes, pet events and study areas for college commuters. Cruz promises to be one of the biggest advocates for the incorporation of activities for youth and welcomes their input in the improvements they want to see in our community. Prioritizing the voices of young voters, he recognizes the need to include young people in political conversations.
Melissa Lamattina, an American Canyon resident of 48 years, sees the gaps between Napa's nightlife and that of American Canyon. For her city council run, Lamattina plans to prioritize the opening of a new town center, a project that's been in the works for the past several years. Whether this will become a priority of our new leadership remains to be seen, but Lamattina envisions an amphitheater for community entertainment, complete with pickleball courts and accessible ramps. These improvements to our community engagement and aesthetic appearance are at the top of the list for Lamattina, who foresees the potential impact that new social spaces will have on American Canyon's youth.
While infrastructure improvements and investments in community engagement are at the top of some candidates lists, others look at more of a big picture approach to civic betterment. City council candidate Davet Mohammed envisions a wide range of enhancements to our city which directly impact young people, taking a four-pronged approach to her campaign promises. For Mohammed, the issue of affordable housing hits close to her, as several of her children can no longer afford to live in the city they were raised in. Housing is one of her main areas of concern, promising to advocate for affordable housing so that young people can finally thrive in the city they call home.
Elmer Andrei Manaid, the fourth candidate for city council, also emphasizes the importance of American Canyon's young people and their involvement in the community. Manaid has been a speaker for FLAGG, Filipino Life and Generation Group, a club at American Canyon High School, which trains the next generation of community leaders. If elected, Manaid envisions a myriad of improvements specifically aimed at youth, such as a bowling alley, more affordable restaurants and eateries, and even a Top Golf. With these initiatives, Madrid hopes to provide American Canyon youth with a place to call their own and not have to travel to Vallejo or Napa to access these types of businesses.
The common theme among them is primarily fixtures of public entertainment. When they think "young people," they think of "happening nightlife," evidently. But what about those of us who don't enjoy a glass of wine before 11 a.m.? With all the proposed improvements to American Canyon, it may soon rival Napa with walkability and community amenities. However, even city council candidates can see how far we have to go until we achieve the full potential of our community.
American Canyon isn't meant to be a replica of Napa, complete with the same amenities and attractions. For now, the up-and-coming town is still establishing its footing as the "gateway to Napa Valley," elevating our status as a pass-through town to one who can stand alone as its own tight-knit community.
Soon, however, with new leadership to be elected promising new possibilities ahead, American Canyon will soon be a cornerstone of the community, a place where people are proud to live, just as city council candidates Mohammed and Cruz envision.
Whomever you cast your vote for next week, please remember that voting is the most important civic act you can perform. Vote to have an active role in your community, to say that your vote made a difference because you used your voice. Vote for no other reason than because people died so that you could have that privilege, a fact my Dad reminds me of every election year. Vote to see the change you want to see in the world and right here in American Canyon.
Chloe Moody is a graduate student in San Francisco State University's English Literature department. She lives in American Canyon with her partner.
