EL MONTE — Alma Puente community service has taken many forms, from practicing immigration law to serving on the El Monte City Council. Now a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, Puente has received Mountain View School District’s highest recognition for helping local students and families.
The district presented Puente with its 2026 Mountaineer Award on Aug. 6. The award recognizes individuals and organizations whose support has made a meaningful difference in communities served by Mountain View.
“One of the greatest responsibilities of leadership is serving others during times of uncertainty,” Superintendent Raymond Andry said. “True leaders bring people together, inspire confidence, and act with compassion when communities need them the most.”
Alma Puente Community Service Reaches Families
Puente’s work with Mountain View became especially important as immigration concerns created uncertainty for local families.
Working with the Mexican American Bar Association, Puente helped the district organize free immigration law clinics. Community members could speak directly with attorneys and receive individualized assistance at no cost.
Some attorneys continued helping families after the clinics. District officials said the response demonstrated a significant need and encouraged similar partnerships at other school districts.
Puente also helped connect residents with bilingual assistance following immigration enforcement activity in the San Gabriel Valley. The district said Puente and her family personally provided financial support to a Mountain View family facing extreme hardship.
“Her family went above and beyond and made a huge difference in the lives of that family,” Andry said.
Puente praised Mountain View employees for responding to challenges affecting families outside the classroom.
“This school district keeps its fingers on the pulse of this community in a way that I’ve never seen before,” she said.
Readers can learn more about Mountain View programs through the district’s official website at https://www.mtviewschools.com.
From El Monte To The Bench
Puente’s recognition follows a major milestone in her legal career. Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in February. State records also identify her as a former El Monte council member and mayor pro tem.
Puente practiced immigration law before joining the bench. She earned her law degree from Loyola Law School and has served as president of the Mexican American Bar Association. Her public service also included election to the El Monte City Council in 2020.
During the award presentation, Puente focused on what her judicial appointment could mean for local children.
“If I can inspire one little girl in the city … to know that she can accomplish whatever she dreams of … then my job’s done,” Puente said.
She also invited Mountain View educators to continue contacting her for career days, student talks and other programs.
“My commitment to this community is unwavering,” she said.
For Mountain View families, Alma Puente community service now extends from her hometown to the courtroom. Her Mountaineer Award recognizes a local connection that continues as she begins a new chapter on the bench.
