CSUN On Point

As the 2020 presidential election draws closer, the political climate is heating up. Impeachment proceedings continue to dominate the news cycle, and a crowded field of Democratic candidates is jockeying for position in the fight to win the nomination to take on Donald Trump, setting up a contentious election season.

With American politics divided along partisan lines, as evidenced by the last two presidential elections, the future is unclear. It could, however, be influenced significantly by the growing number of young voters, many of whom will be voting for the first time in 2020.

CSUN Political Science Department chair Dr. David Leitch said that a growing “generational split,” especially in the Republican party, could change the political narrative.

“In this election in particular, actually I do believe that young voters are unusually important,” Leitch said. “I think that we’re in a cycle now where we’re starting to see real changes in what the party labels mean, and what it means to be either liberal or conservative.”

Grassroots activists are working to register and educate young voters ahead of the election.

“I’m seeing young voters who are preferring not to choose a party,” said Michelle Fowle, activist and founder of The Resistance – Northridge, Indivisible. “They don’t want to be associated with a party, but they want to make their voice heard.”

Fowle said she spends much of her time speaking to potential voters and encouraging them to become politically active. These personal interactions are critical, especially for the youth.

“My sense is that young people right now are struggling to find opportunities for that face-to-face interaction,” Leitch said. “So many interactions are mediated – mediated by a screen of some type, mediated by text of some type.”

Young people may be frustrated by the obstacles to political engagement, but they also have “an awareness of the pervasive importance of politics,” Leitch said. “I think that there is a tremendous amount of potential energy that is looking for a route, and I’m hopeful that it finds [it].”

In Los Angeles, officials are introducing changes for next year’s election that aim to modernize the voting system and increase access for potential voters. A new ballot system, Voting Solutions for All People, will replace punch cards, and polling centers will now be open for a full 11 days before the election. Even on Election Day, citizens will be able to register to vote.

Although Leitch said he has concerns about cybersecurity threats, he said that increasing access is fundamental to a successful democracy. “Americans who believe in democracy ought to be in favor of maximizing access,” Leitch said.

Officials hope these changes will have a positive impact on citizen engagement in the next election. If young voters turn out like they did for Obama, Leitch said, they could swing the election.

Fowle said she would continue working to engage citizens, ahead of what could be a pivotal moment in American politics.

“[The] future is literally at stake,” Fowle said. “It really is crucial.”

Moderator: Tamie Benitez

Producer: Vivian Rayos

Anchor: Joe Willeford

Social Media Editor: Damian Gordon

Reporters: Jenny Almanza, Tamie Benitez, Damian Gordon, Vivian Rayos and Joe Willeford

Like much of Los Angeles, the neighborhoods of the San Fernando Valley are changing. In cities like Reseda, once-vibrant commercial districts lie dormant. But residents and city officials are working together to revitalize the city streets and promote a sense of community.

The Reseda Artwalk, held on Sept. 22 on Sherman Way in Reseda, drew thousands for the fourth consecutive year. Local artists, vendors, and performers lined the street, which was shut down for the event. By showcasing the diverse creative community living in the area, the event’s organizers hope to create a sense of pride among residents.

“Historically there’s a stigma to the valley, and it’s not a cool place to be,” said Addy Gonzalez-Renteria, co-founder and co-director of 11:11 A Creative Collective, the nonprofit arts organization behind the event. “We wanted to beautify and revitalize our neighborhood through the arts.”

The event is part of Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s Reseda Rising initiative, which aims to revitalize consumer interest and community pride in the Reseda area.

“Part of what [Blumenfield] is doing with the initiative is drawing the consumer focus and the resident focus back to that area, to let them know that there are fun, safe, interesting things to do here, that you want to come do,” said Tricia Robbins, Economic Development Director for Blumenfield’s office.

As rent continues to rise throughout the Los Angeles area, the idea of gentrification is often debated. Central to this issue is displacement, when people who can no longer afford to live in a gentrified area are forced to move.

“I think we all want to live in a safe, clean, nice-looking place, and I think gentrification can offer that,” Gonzalez-Renteria said, “but I think displacement is the one issue that we need to look at very closely,”

Professor Robert Kent, Chair of CSUN’s Urban Studies and Planning Department, said that he doesn’t see gentrification as much of an issue in the San Fernando Valley yet, but it could be in the future. Blumenfield’s Reseda Rising initiative, if successful, could bring a new set of challenges down the road.

“If they’re very successful in creating a sense of place down along Reseda, in ten or fifteen years we may be looking at some kind of gentrification,” Kent said. There are things a city can do to avoid the pitfalls of gentrification, however. “You try to mitigate the negative aspects through positive social programs,” he said.

Some residents are wary of change, especially when spurred by local government.

“We want to see the community improve, but we do not want gentrification forced upon us by the city,” said Garrett Frank, a local activist.

By working alongside city officials, Gonzalez-Renteria said she hopes to change this narrative, focusing on “the intersection between urban development and cultural development.”

“I think adding this level of consciousness into development is really important,” Gonzalez-Renteria said.

Reseda may be changing, but local elected officials said they hope that, by maintaining focus on the community, the process will be beneficial for current and prospective residents alike.

“I think that we, as a Council office, are trying our best to generate positive change and bring everyone along with us, so that it doesn’t push folks out,” Robbins said.

Anchor: Jenny Almanza

Moderator: Vivian Rayos

Producer: Tamie Benitez

Social Media Editor: Damian Gordon

Reporters: Jenny Almanza, Tamie Benitez, Damian Gordon, Vivian Rayos and Joe Willeford