With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Padilla Declares Victory Over Alcaraz In LA City Council Race
Imelda Padilla.
(
Courtesy of Imelda Padilla
)
Topline:
Imelda Padilla declared victory over Marisa Alcaraz Friday in the special election for Los Angeles City Council District 6 in the San Fernando Valley. Padilla, 35, is a community organizer and one-time field deputy to former Councilmember Nury Martinez, who resigned from the seat in October after she was heard making derogatory statements about colleagues and others on a secret audio recording. Alcaraz, an aide to Councilmember Curren Price, has yet to concede.
A commanding lead: Padilla held a 57% to 43% lead over Alcaraz, with 12,000 ballots counted as of Tuesday night. That represents about 10% voter turnout. The Registrar-Recorder is expected to release updated results Friday afternoon.
Padilla's statement: In her statement claiming victory, Padilla said: "To the voters and supporters of my opponents know this, I will work everyday to gain your support and trust. I am ready to bring a new chapter of leadership to the Valley. I will not compromise on our communities." She also said: "Together, we will clean up our parks and the streets, build more affordable housing, attract high-paying middle class jobs, bolster our small businesses, and make sure our public safety officers and first-responders are fully supported so that we can make the Valley safe and prosperous for all to enjoy."
Support for LAist comes from
Early appointment? The City Council is considering a motion to appoint Padilla to the seat before the registrar certifies the election so she can begin serving during the council’s summer recess. The council goes on recess after its July 5 meeting. The registrar is not expected to certify the election until late July.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
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.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist