Gabriel Buelna is running for reelection to Seat 6 on the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees in the Nov. 3 general election.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire why he is seeking reelection, Buelna said, "Community college changed the direction of my life. I struggled academically in high school, and taking classes through West Los Angeles College gave me a second chance and helped me find a path to higher education." He added, "I am seeking reelection because I believe community colleges are among the most important institutions we have for expanding opportunity."

The nonpartisan race includes three other candidates: Randall Winston, Roberto David Lacarra and Tonia Arey, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

Party affiliation: Asked about his party affiliation, Buelna said, "Democratic Party."

Family: Buelna said in our questionnaire, "I grew up in South Los Angeles as the son of Mexican immigrants. My parents came to Los Angeles in the 1960s and built a life here while navigating a new country and a new language. They later studied English at West Los Angeles College before becoming U.S. citizens, an experience that gave community college a place in my family's story even before I attended one myself." He added, "My wife, Pilar, and I met as students at CSUN and married in 1993. We have three daughters, Paulina, Gema and Gabriela."

Education: Buelna said, "I earned my bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge, graduating in three years. I later earned a Master of Social Work from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Claremont Graduate University."

Experience and public service

Buelna has served as board trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District since 2017, according to BallotReady. He has been an adjunct professor at California State University, Northridge since 1999, according to our questionnaire, and is lead partner at The Buelna Law Firm, A.P.C., according to BallotReady.

Asked about his work history, Buelna said in our questionnaire, "I began my career as a children's social worker with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, working with abused and neglected children and their families. I later moved into nonprofit leadership, serving as Executive Director of Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission and then Plaza Community Services. At Plaza, I oversaw more than 100 employees and an organization serving children and families throughout East and South Los Angeles."

On previous offices, Buelna said, "I was first elected in 2017 and reelected in 2022. I served as President of the Board in 2022 as well." He also said, "Before joining LACCD, I served as an appointed member of the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission."

On the issues

Accomplishments in office: Buelna said, "One accomplishment I am especially proud of grew directly from my family's experience. My parents arrived in Los Angeles with education and skills, but limited English created a barrier to continuing that education. As Trustee, I helped lead LACCD's effort to expand in-language education, work that ultimately contributed to AB 1096 and the removal of a state barrier to credit-bearing community college courses taught in languages other than English."

He cited specific results: "LACCD's pilot grew from 15 in-language classes serving 313 students to 59 classes serving nearly 1,500 students in a matter of months." He also said, "I also helped advance Measure LA and its commitment of up to $500 million for affordable student and staff housing, and as Board President established the Student Basic Needs Task Force to pursue lasting solutions for students struggling with food and housing insecurity."

What sets him apart: Asked what critical differences separate him from other candidates, Buelna said, "A student struggling in the classroom may also be dealing with housing insecurity, a job, childcare or an unfamiliar system. At the same time, good intentions have to become workable policy, responsible budgets and programs that actually reach the people they are intended to serve."

Buelna's responses come from a Surround Sound News candidate questionnaire. His answers are presented verbatim and represent his own claims about his record and positions.