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Cyclist Activist Stephen Box Announces Candidacy for L.A. City Council
Stephen Box
Stephen Box
Surprised? We're not. The seemingly omnipresent Los Angeles community activist Stephen Box has announced his candidacy for the city's fourth district, which includes Silver Lake, Hollywood, the Miracle Mile, Griffith Park, Toluca Lake and the NoHo Arts District (see map). It is currently held by Councilmember Tom LaBonge.
"I believe in Los Angeles and I love Hollywood, but these are challenging times," he said in his inaugural press release. "We must learn from the past, not hope for its return. We must pursue L.A.'s destiny as a 'City of the Future' and I'm here to move Los Angeles forward."
Although he's Australian (he became a U.S. citizen earlier this year), Box is no stranger to politics and community organizing in Los Angeles. He's a name known throughout city hall, transportation agencies, neighborhood councils and the cycling community (he used to write for LAist).
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But say his name and not everyone will give you a positive response -- many may roll their eyes. Box's passion and persistent nature to make things right as he sees it can rub some the wrong way.
Box's platform is based upon four basic commitments: putting people first, a proper budget, a lasting development model and improving quality of life.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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