2021’s most interesting | “I hope the queer community sees this as something possible in their small town.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The 21st year of the millennium was expected to be a time of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of normal, 2021 gave us more of the same as 2020 with vaccinations, face mask requirements and more COVID-19 deaths. There were people who stood out during the year because of their work, accomplishments or their impact. Vida en el Valle selected the 10 most interesting people of 2021. Here is No. 9:
Kingsburg City Councilmember Jewel Hurtado had an eventful 2021 year – from facing a recall to a DUI case to graduating from Fresno City College with her AA in Sociology to transferring to California State University, Bakersfield to work on her bachelor’s degree.
The outspoken 22-year-old, who has become a powerful voice for young people in the Valley, fought for Pride Month in June to be recognized in Kingsburg. It led to the launch of a recall effort by opponent to oust her from the city council. Kingsburg has never recognized LGBTW+ Pride Month, and the Fresno County Republican Party pushed back.
Hurtado organized a Price celebration rally in June that drew about 250 supporters – including 91-year-old community activist Dolores Huerta – to a downtown park.
“It means a lot. I’m just so thankful,” said Hurtado, who identifies as bisexual, in a Vida en el Valle interview. “And I hope that the queer community here throughout the Central Valley sees this event as something that could be made possible in their small town.
Hurtado dodged the recall as it failed to get enough valid signatures from registered voters in her district. The recall would have cost the taxpayers in Kingsburg $90,000 in a special election to remove her from office. She also pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanors counts of driving under the influence in October.
According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s report, Hurtado was arrested on suspicion of DUI on June 21, admitting to consuming alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel. A pre-trial date is set for Jan. 11, according to the Fresno Bee.
“I made a mistake and I am sorry. I’m taking responsibility for my actions and waiting for my day in front of a judge. I trust that they will make the right decision,” she said in July to the Bee.
Hurtado, who graduated from Kingsburg High School in 2017, ran for city council at age 19, winning the November 2018 election by 8 votes to unseat a one-term incumbent. She became the youngest female council member to serve in the council.
In 2019, Hurtado introduced then presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders during a stop in Fresno.
