The City Council of San Gabriel convened a special meeting on May 8, 2025, to discuss community engagement and the future of the Community Services Commission. The meeting featured a series of interviews with candidates for the commission, focusing on their visions for enhancing community programs and events.

The first candidate, Nancy Dung, highlighted the positive developments in community engagement over the past two years, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. She noted the successful return of various events and the introduction of new initiatives aimed at inclusivity, such as utilizing digital tools and involving teen ambassadors to promote programs. Dung expressed her commitment to serving the community and emphasized the importance of reaching out to underrepresented areas, particularly south of Valley Boulevard.

Council members engaged Dung with questions about her vision for future events. She acknowledged the need to balance programming for San Gabriel residents while also attracting visitors from neighboring areas. Dung suggested exploring digital marketing strategies, including targeted ads and community surveys, to better connect with residents. She also advocated for multilingual outreach to ensure inclusivity across diverse communities.

Council member Ding inquired about Dung's participation in community events and her recommendations for future programming. Dung shared her experiences attending various events, including the Lunar New Year Festival and Fourth of July celebrations, and expressed interest in expanding offerings like a moon festival, while being mindful of budget constraints.

Council member Herrera Avila praised Dung's dedication and asked how she would uphold ethical standards in her role. Dung responded by emphasizing the importance of community input and data-driven decision-making to ensure that the commission serves the public interest.

The meeting concluded with a second candidate, Jackie Lau, being introduced for an interview. The council members expressed gratitude for the candidates' willingness to serve and indicated that they would follow up with the results of the interviews.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing community services and fostering inclusivity through innovative programming and outreach efforts. The discussions reflected a proactive approach to engaging residents and addressing the diverse needs of the San Gabriel community.