7 candidates vie for council seats

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Yasmine-Imani McMorrin shows her pleasure in being appointed Mayor of Culver City a year ago. She is the city’s first female of color to serve as mayor. (Courtesy photo)

In the weeks leading up to the election on November 5, the News has profiled five of the seven candidates for City Council, with only Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and challenger Adrian Gross not taking up our offer to answer a few questions.

McMorrin, of course, is the current mayor. According to her website at mcmorrinforculvercity.com, she lists her priorities as: Culver’s unhoused crisis, revitalizing small businesses, forging a safer Culver City, improved transportation, and accountability for the city;s leaders.

Regarding homelessness in particular, McMorrin has plans for her potential next term. 

“Comprehensive Support Services: Expand access to mental health services including our Mobile Crisis Unit, addiction treatment, and job training programs. Affordable Housing Initiatives: Increasing funding for affordable housing projects and implementing rent control and tenant protection measures to ensure long-term affordability. Public and Private Partnerships: Collaborating with local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and others to provide emergency shelters, transitional housing, and other necessary needs.”

According to Adrain Gross (adriangrossforculvercity.com), he’s a proud Latino, a proud gay man, and a proud renter, while his campaign is 100 percent self-funded. Affordable housing is at the top of his issues list, as well as diversifying industry.

“By attracting a range of industries, we can create a robust and resilient local economy that provides job opportunities for our residents,” he says online. “I envision a district where innovation flourishes, small businesses thrive, and a variety of sectors contribute to our collective growth.”

Alongside McMorrin, the second incumbent running is former mayor and current council member Albert Vera. Earlier in October he told the News that he wants to focus on parks in bis next term, should he win.

“I would like our city to enhance local parks by improving accessibility with wheelchair-friendly pathways and inclusive playgrounds, engaging the community through forums and volunteer days, and implementing sustainable practices like native landscaping and community gardens,” Vera said. “In addition, I want to see us increase safety with better lighting and regular maintenance; promote outdoor events and tailored programs for all age groups; and improve public transit links and biking trails for easier access. Together, we can create vibrant, welcoming spaces that meet the diverse needs of our community and ensure that every Culver City resident can access our parks and open spaces.”

Denice Renteria told the News that she will primarily focus on maintaining public safety and providing sufficient resources to our emergency services in her first term.

“Continuing services to help alleviate homelessness, improving city transportation while also considering community input, and become a vocal advocate for our recovering businesses, everything from our restaurants to our brick-and-mortar shops,” she said. “While we have a Council that can be divided at times, it is essential that we act as a Council on the behalf of the community. We are all Culver City residents, and I intend to represent the diverse community of Culver City. I have no political aspirations beyond our jurisdiction of 4.9 square miles. I am here to give back to the community.”

Public servant Bubba Fish said that, should he win, he would focus on the three pillars of his platform: safe streets, housing for all of us, and care-first budget.

“I am motivated to run for Culver City Council because we face multiple existential crises as a City – housing, mobility, and public safety – and we must lead with vision and urgency in order to meet this moment,” Fish said. “I’m stepping up to foster a Culver City where housing is abundant, our streets are safe, and our budget is rooted in services and care. I believe in a future for Culver City where everyone can thrive no matter who you are, how you get around, or how much money you make.”

Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin places housing and homelessness at the top of her to-do list.

“I will prioritize housing affordability, homelessness, traffic gridlock, neighborhood and pedestrian safety, climate resilience, and supporting our local economy,” she said. “I’ll work to expand affordable housing options while ensuring that current residents are not displaced. For new developments, I will ensure that residents in affected areas are partners in the planning process from the outset, fostering a trusting relationship between developers and the community.”

Finally, Nancy Barba is running on the following issue: Address Housing/Homelessness Effectively, Lead Care-Centered Budgeting for Our City, and Reduce Traffic & Respond to Climate Change.

“Many candidates know that they need to say certain things to appeal to Culver City’s generally forward-looking electorate,” Barba said. “But just because someone says they believe in addressing homelessness, listening to all voices, prioritizing sustainability or use terms like “equity” because they understand it sounds good, doesn’t mean they have actually demonstrated a commitment to doing any of these things.”

For more information, visit lavote.gov.