As part of The Carson Compass’ Your Vote, Your Voice election coverage, the newspaper is introducing candidates seeking local office in the Nov. 3 general election.

Councilwoman Arleen Bocatija Rojas is seeking reelection to the Carson City Council in District 4, where she faces challenger John Hollaway. Rojas won the seat in a 2021 special election after then-Councilwoman Lula Davis-Holmes was elected mayor. She is campaigning on public safety, infrastructure improvements, responsible economic development and continued neighborhood engagement.

In her response to The Carson Compass candidate questionnaire, Rojas said her decision to keep serving is rooted in a lifetime of public service and a desire to protect the community where she is raising her family.

Public Safety, Infrastructure and Economic Development

Rojas identified public safety, infrastructure modernization and responsible economic development as the three most important issues facing District 4.

She said neighborhood safety should include efforts to address property crime and strengthen public-safety resources. She pointed to aging roads, sidewalks and neighborhood flood-prevention systems as infrastructure needs. Her third priority is economic development that brings in city revenue, attracts commercial businesses and creates local jobs.

Rojas said those priorities must be balanced with fiscal responsibility and continued support for core city services.

Infrastructure as a First Priority

If reelected, Rojas said her first priority would be accelerating infrastructure upgrades in District 4, including street resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, traffic-safety improvements and park upgrades.

She said she wants projects in Carson’s capital-improvement program completed efficiently, transparently and on schedule. Among the projects she highlighted were improvements at Foisia parks, new recreational equipment and additional security lighting.

She said her goal is to ensure infrastructure spending directly improves safety, mobility and residents’ quality of life.

Law Enforcement and Council Experience

Rojas pointed to her law-enforcement career and council service as preparation for another term.

She has served more than 30 years with the Los Angeles Police Department and is recognized as the first female Filipino American officer in the department’s history. She said her career gave her experience managing crises, working within complex public-safety systems and responding to community concerns.

Rojas said her council service has required her to manage municipal budgets, craft policy and work with local stakeholders.

Born in Guam to parents from the Philippines, Rojas moved with her family to Carson in the early 1970s and graduated from Carson High School.

Bringing City Hall into Neighborhoods

Rojas said accessibility would remain central to her approach. She proposed regular town halls, listening sessions and community-resource workshops at neighborhood locations such as parks and senior centers. She said she would also continue her digital newsletters and open-door office hours.

“Communication from your elected officials must be proactive, transparent, and accessible, rather than reactive,” she said.

Experience and Coalition Building

Asked what distinguishes her candidacy, Rojas pointed to her municipal experience, public-safety background and regional relationships. She said her record has helped her build partnerships with elected officials, labor organizations and public-safety groups.

She reported endorsements from Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, Mayor Pro Tem Cedric Hicks and Councilmember Jawane Hilton. Her organizational endorsements include IBEW Local 11, the Western States Carpenters Council, Firefighters’ Association and Deputy sheriffs’ association.

Beyond the Ballot

Rojas’ favorite local restaurant is Casa Mayoral on Avalon Boulevard, where she recommends the breakfast. She also highlighted Teofilo Coffee Company on East Carson Street.

Her favorite community event is Carson’s annual Philippine Independence Day celebration, which she said reflects the city’s Filipino American culture and community spirit. The city describes it as one of its major longstanding cultural events.

She recommends residents visit Dignity Health Sports Park, Fabela Boxing Gym, Cal State Dominguez Hills and the city’s parks, including Foisia Park.

Asked for one-word friends or family would use to describe her, Rojas chose “resilient.”

Her Message to Voters

If reelected, Rojas said she hopes residents will see her as “an accessible champion who always put the safety, families, and seniors of District 4 first.”

“I offer steady leadership and a commitment to practical solutions,” she said. “Together, we can continue upgrading our parks, supporting seniors, and investing in our community’s infrastructure. I would be honored to earn your consideration.”