Maria Benevides

South Gate quakes with political upheaval, public meetings degenerate into ugly shouting matches and investigators have raided City Hall searching for illegal weapons. But even as the chaos boils around her, Maria Benavides stays silent. The councilwoman has rarely addressed her public. When casting controversial votes, she offers no explanation. When mocked by residents with meowing sounds--a caustic reference to her soft, cat-like voice, she stares blankly.

South Gate quakes with political upheaval, public meetings degenerate into ugly shouting matches and investigators have raided City Hall searching for illegal weapons. But even as the chaos boils around her, Maria Benavides stays silent. The councilwoman has rarely addressed her public. When casting controversial votes, she offers no explanation. When mocked by residents with meowing sounds--a caustic reference to her soft, cat-like voice, she stares blankly.