NOT JUST THE LAKERS AND DODGERS, BUT PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSIONER JESSICA CALOZA HONORED BY PABA By: Naiia Lajoie On April 7th, the Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner Jessica Caloza received the 2021 Community Champion Award from PABA (the Philippine American Bar Association). The LA-based, oldest and largest association of Filipino American attorneys in the U.S. typically presents the Community Champion Award to an individual whose work inspires, encourages, and supports the local Fil-Am community. Naturally, Commissioner Caloza was an obvious choice, with the event taking place online during the 34th Annual Installation and Virtual Awards Gala. Upon receipt of the honor Commissioner Caloza said, “I’d like to thank PABA for this special recognition and for all of its work to support the Asian and Filipino American community.” She continued, “My hope is to inspire others to serve, give back, and help, because together I know we can make a positive difference. This pandemic has shown us that we need to uplift each other and support our most vulnerable, including the Asian American community given the rise in attacks and violence. Each of us has a role to play in being community champions.” Jessica Caloza became the first Filipina American to serve on the Board of Public Works when she was appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti and confirmed by the City Council in March of 2019. Despite having only been on the Board for a brief time, she has conceptualized the City of Los Angeles’ inaugural Filipino American History Month Lighting Ceremony. In keeping with the theme of lighting, she has also shone a light on Historic Filipinotown through initiatives such as the Eastern Gateway project, in collaboration with Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell and artist Eliseo Art Silva. Not to mention she has promoted the...... Read more on Full Issue!