LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
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).
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.