Council honors longtime community leader Sandra Figueroa Villa; approves naming of public square
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Summary
City leaders honored Sandra Figueroa Villa for more than four decades of service as executive director of El Centro del Pueblo and approved a council action to name a public square after her. Speakers described organizational growth under her leadership and the center’s role in delivering social services.
The Los Angeles City Council recognized longtime community leader Sandra Figueroa Villa during its Nov. 7 meeting and advanced a ceremonial action to name a public square in her honor.
Councilmember Hugo Soto Martínez and colleagues praised Figueroa Villa’s 45-year tenure as executive director of El Centro del Pueblo, noting the organization’s growth from a small operation into a multi‑service provider with many employees and programs to support youth, families and seniors. Councilmembers described the center’s role in food distribution, recreational programs and community-based services.
Senator María Elena Durazo, present at the ceremony, called the naming of Sandra Figueroa Villa Square “more than symbolic,” saying the corner will represent sustained public service and infrastructure for the neighborhood. Figueroa Villa, who spoke from the podium, reflected on decades of organizing, thanked staff and family, and said the recognition is shared by the center’s team.
Councilmembers recounted examples of the center’s programs — workforce assistance, youth development and neighborhood services — and urged continued investment in community-based services. The council’s action was ceremonial and tied to a naming motion; any street-sign installation and associated maintenance will follow standard interdepartmental procedures.
No ordinance or immediate budget appropriation was recorded in the meeting minutes; the naming proceeds as a council ceremonial recognition on the record.