By Martha Beatriz Cota | My name is Martha Beatriz Cota. I have lived in Long Beach for almost 26 years. The reason that I am writing today is to raise my concern regarding language access in our city. The City is currently drafting a policy related to interpretation and translation services for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) speakers. Although the City is moving forward with drafting this policy, I was extremely disappointed when I saw the exaggerated cost in comparison to other cities and the layers of red tape on what materials are being deemed to be necessary to be translated.

I feel strongly about language access because I, myself, am a LEP speaker. A limited English speaker is defined as someone who speaks English less than very well, and I consider myself a LEP speaker, because although I am able to speak some English, there are times that I feel limited due to not understanding certain English terms or being able to express myself freely. It is frustrating to find myself in situations where I am ignored or dismissed because I don’t speak the language quickly or proficiently. Despite it all, I still try to get my point across for my family.

I have recently been challenged with getting intensive repairs done in my home. I’m currently renting a two-bedroom house in the 4th District. We recently experienced a sewer drain overflow that shutdown my entire block. I have tried to communicate with my property owner since this incident occurred regarding repairs, but he has ignored me. I have called the City’s code enforcement and health departments, but they have been giving me the run around because they don’t have anyone I can talk to. I am going on three weeks now waiting to hear back from someone to give me answers.

The challenges in fully being able to express my needs have impacted my ability to gain access to and make decisions based on the resources that are available to me. If I was able to speak with someone I could more effectively communicate with, I strongly believe I wouldn’t be in the situation I am in today. There are many other Long Beach residents that share the same concerns I do.

I love my neighborhood, I have been an active community volunteer for over 20 years, and I’m committed to my responsibilities as a LB resident. I believe that the City should also have the same level of commitment on how they conduct business in our city.

This is why I believe it’s important to have a strong language access policy with real commitments. The draft policy includes services for Spanish speakers, but fails to include other languages strongly represented in our great City made up of people from various racial backgrounds. The proposed policy falls short of those commitments, and will deny residents access to services and the opportunity to be adequately heard.

Residents and other interested parties will have an opportunity to comment on Long Beach’s proposed Comprehensive Language Access Policy at the City Council meeting tentatively set for Tuesday, August 13, 2013. 

Long Beach Draft Language Policy