Residents meet candidates to discuss issues over charcuterie
With important state and federal elections coming up Tue., Nov. 3, October was a busy month of political fundraisers and informational sessions throughout Hancock Park and Windsor Square. On the evening of Oct. 6, John McKinney, running for Los Angeles City Attorney against fellow Democrat Marissa Roy, met with about 40 local residents at the home of Paulette Light, who, along with co-hosts Guy Nemiro and Dylan Kendall, wanted to give the candidate a chance to speak to the neighborhood before voters go to the polls.
During the “get to know you” session, McKinney introduced himself by sharing his personal background and work history, then explained his positions on various matters of importance to the people in attendance.
JOHN MCKINNEY speaks with local residents about his candidacy for Los Angeles City Attorney.
McKinney stressed that if elected to the office of Los Angeles City Attorney, he wants to prioritize public safety, fiscal responsibility and protecting taxpayer dollars, compassionate accountability on homelessness, and fighting corruption. He emphasized his three decades of experience as a veteran prosecutor working in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and his desire to reduce crime and boost public safety. Voting for a candidate is somewhat a leap of faith, McKinney said, remarking “When we vote for a leader in this city, or in this country, we vote for the person. We can’t foresee all the problems that are going to arise six months from now, one year from now, even two years from now, but we know if we vote for the right person, that person will be able to handle whatever comes up.”
The evening ended with a question-and-answer session and a buffet-style dinner spread that included pesto pasta, Caesar salad, several chocolate desserts, and fruity pies. McKinney stayed late into the evening to speak one-on-one with everyone that ignored the intensely warm and humid evening to learn more about this candidate and the important position he wants to fill.
The Los Angeles City Attorney oversees the prosecution of misdemeanors, serves as the city’s chief legal adviser, and represents the city in legal proceedings within the city limits.
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A few nights later, on Oct. 9, Blue Wave California visited the neighborhood, bringing together an influential gathering of political leaders, entertainment industry professionals, and community supporters for a political fundraising event at another Hancock Park home. The evening featured special guests, including Blue Wave California Executive Director Steve Pierson, Congressmember Luz Rivas, California’s 22nd Congressional District candidate Randy Villegas, Representative Melanie Stansbury, and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene. The speakers emphasized the importance of voting in this very important election.
CANDIDATE Randy Villegas, DCCC Campaign Chair Suzan DelBene, Steve Pierson, and Congressmember Luz Rivas.
The fundraiser was organized in support of Representatives Derek Tran and Adam Gray, congressional candidates Marni Von Wilpert, and Villegas, who said he’s also being supported by local Republican Victor Martinez, the mayor of Mendota in Fresno. DelBene added that they are “confident and paranoid” about the upcoming election, but also said that their “secret sauce is our candidates.”
Charcuterie, wine, and beer were served to the approximately 30 neighbors in attendance.
Correction: In the October issue, this column stated that the Taste of Larchmont, benefitting HopeNet, was started by the Windsor Square Hancock Park Historical Society. The Larchmont Chronicle started the event in 1993 to celebrate the newspaper’s 30th anniversary.
Category: People
