In a fiercely contested race for the Artesia City Council, Monica Manalo and Zeel Ahir emerged as the top two candidates, highlighting their strong support within the community. Zeel led the election with 27.23% of the vote, securing 2,171 votes, while Manalo followed closely with 26.31% and 2,098 votes. The slim 73-vote margin underscores the tight competition. Rounding out the race, Dan Rocha received 25.3% (2,017 votes), and William Morante Sr. garnered 21.16% (1,687 votes). A total of 7,973 votes were cast, reflecting Artesia’s engaged electorate.
Zeel Ahir: A Lifelong Artesia Resident with a Passion for Service
Zeel Ahir’s victory is a testament to her deep roots in the community and her dedication to public service. Born and raised in Artesia, Ahir graduated from the ABC Unified School District in 2010. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton, and completed a post-baccalaureate program in Counseling Psychology at UC Berkeley. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Southern California, with graduation anticipated in May 2025.
Ahir has a proven track record of community advocacy. She has led mental health awareness initiatives, particularly focusing on breaking stigmas within the South Asian community. Her environmental work includes spearheading efforts to reduce plastic consumption and lobbying for the prohibition of harmful fertilizers in California. Additionally, her role as a Commissioner of Beautification & Maintenance for Artesia demonstrated her commitment to enhancing the city’s public spaces and fostering civic pride.
I am honored to represent the community that has shaped who I am today. Together, we can create meaningful change that benefits everyone.” — Zeel Ahir
A Shared Vision for Artesia’s Future
With their election, Monica Manalo and Zeel Ahir bring a shared vision to the Artesia City Council. Both have emphasized their dedication to sustainability, education, and bolstering local businesses. Ahir’s background in mental health advocacy and environmental sustainability complements Manalo’s leadership, positioning them to address a wide range of community needs.
Ahir expressed her gratitude to the residents of Artesia, saying, “I am honored to represent the community that has shaped who I am today. Together, we can create meaningful change that benefits everyone.”
A Milestone for Civic Engagement
The 2024 election highlights Artesia’s vibrant civic engagement, with nearly 8,000 residents participating in the democratic process. The community’s trust in Manalo and Ahir signals a desire for forward-thinking leadership that prioritizes inclusivity and progress.
As Ahir and Manalo prepare to assume their roles on the council, Artesia looks forward to a new chapter of collaborative and impactful governance, driven by the voices of its residents.
