As the election for three Culver City council seats inches closer and closer, several candidates have recieved endorsements from local clubs and groups. Albert Vera Jr., who is well known for owning Sorrento’s Market in Culver City, received the sole nomination from Stonewall Young Democrats, a LGBTQA+ focused political organization founded in 2004.
The similarly named Stonewall Democratic Club, who is the first club to focus on on LGBTQA+ issues as their mantra in the country, endorsed three candidates for council: Yasmin Imani McMorrin, Freddie Puza — who is involved in many Culver City committees including the General Plan Advisory Committee — and Culver City Downtown Business Association President Darrel Menthe. McMorrin and Menthe also received endorsements from Westside Young Democrats, but McMorrin was the only one to receive one from California Young Democrats.
“It is especially meaningful to receive the endorsement of the nation’s first LGBTQ+, feminist, and progressive organization,” McMorrin remarked about her Stonewall Democratic Club endorsement.. “Stonewall Democratic Club was there at the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and has been fighting tirelessly for equality ever since. I am a longtime supporter of the movement, and will bring that commitment to equity to the Culver City Council.”
Menthe also made comments about his Westside Young Democrats endorsement, saying : I am so thrilled to be endorsed by the Westside Young Democrats. It means a great deal to me that these progressive activists are supporting my candidacy and I’m excited to have their energy and enthusiasm backing me in this campaign.”
Puza has received a nomination from Equality California, who chose him as one of seven openly LGBTQA+ candidates in races throughout California.
Most notably, the Culver City Police Association (CCPOA), which has been embroiled in controversy for several months, made their endorsements for the council.
Their three choices include incumbent and current mayor Goran Eriksson, Vera Jr., and Heather Wollin.
“I proudly accept the endorsement of the CCPOA,” Wollin stated following the announcement.
“Ensuring public safety is a cornerstone of my campaign. One of the main reasons so many people, myself included, choose to call Culver City home is because of the world class police department we enjoy.”
“No one wants to live in a city where they don’t feel safe, especially today. Their level of service and commitment is simply unmatched.” “As we continue to discuss the future of policing in our city, it is important that we all take the time to listen to one another. I for one look forward to supporting our CCPD now and in the future.”
The election for Culver City council seats will occur at the general election on Nov. 3. Pick up future issues of the Culver City News to learn more about the 2020 Culver City council election season, as well as the candidates for city council.