Voters have an unprecedented opportunity to get to know their candidates for Alhambra City Council this year, with the organization of two candidate forums that will take place in October.

There are three open seats for Alhambra’s five-person City Council. While only one candidate is running for the 2nd District seat, the 1st and 5th District have three candidates each, which could make for a lively discussion of how to solve issues in Alhambra going forward.

First up is a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters – Pasadena and Soroptimist International of Alhambra, San Gabriel and San Marino on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. at Almansor Court. “We hope that this is an opportunity for candidate to come forth and give some insight into their campaign, and for residents to make an informed decision,” said Debra Garcia Moreno, the Soroptimist chapter president.

A week later is Kids and Candidates: A Community Engagement Forum, starting at 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Alhambra High School. Sponsored by the Alhambra Teachers Association, Alhambra Preservation Group, Grassroots Alhambra, the Alhambra Source and the Alhambra Latino Association, the forum will be moderated by USC Professor Tom Hollihan, who will incorporate questions from residents and community groups. Various organizations will also table at the event and the Alhambra High School Jazz Band will perform.

The Kids and Candidates forum will focus in particular in civic engagement when it comes to students. “A vote is a voice,” said Anthony Hu, student at Alhambra High School and Public Relations Committee Lead with Vote at 16-SGV, in a press release. “A fundamental part of our democracy is that all community members can express their own opinions and be heard.”