Fil-Am becomes only woman city councilor of Artesia, California

Artesia, California City Council’s new member Melissa Ramoso. AJPRESS

LOS ANGELES – Filipina American Melissa Ramoso on Wednesday, November 21, declared victory on winning a seat as the only woman on the Artesia, California City Council.

Since election day, Ramoso had held onto her position as one of the top three vote-getters in the Council elections where she was the only woman on the Nov. 6 ballot.

As the last rounds of outstanding ballots were counted by the Los Angeles County Registrar of Votes, Ramoso placed a solid third place.

“It has been such an incredible journey, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone before the Thanksgiving Holiday for their love and support.  I am deeply humbled to be one of Artesia’s newest Council members,” said Ramoso in a statement.  “I promise to work hard to justify Artesians confidence in me, keep residents informed about what the city is doing, and ask for their input as new projects and issues arise.  My door will always be open.”

Ramoso has worked for federal and state legislatures for 14 years. She intends to work with the same enthusiasm in the city of Artesia where she has long been a local resident, having graduated from the ABC Unified School District’s Richard Gahr High School before attending the University of California, Irvine.

“I love the hometown feel that it has, and the people, and pride that many residents show and express,” Ramoso previously told the Asian Journal during her campaign. “I want to keep that spirit, in addition to making the city grow and be innovative as our families grow as well,” she added.

Ramoso’s city council agenda combines leadership and public service experience to bring Artesia forward.

Being one of Los Angeles County’s Gateway Cities, Artesia is home to numerous ethnic enclaves, including the Filipino community which makes up the majority of Artesia’s Asian population.

There are also the Portuguese and Dutch communities who first settled in the area in the early 1920s and 1930. The burgeoning South Asian community along Pioneer Boulevard is the largest Indian enclave in Southern California.

Throughout her campaign, Ramoso stated that her top priorities was making City Hall more accessible, improving the quality of life for all Artesia’s neighborhoods and strengthening its local economy.

Artesia, Ramoso told Asian Journal,was where she first experienced a sense of community brought by culturally diverse businesses like Goldilocks, which first opened its doors not too far from where she currently lives.

“I can’t wait to get to work for all Artesians,” Ramoso said in a statement upon winning her seat.  “Artesia’s best days are to come!”