Denice Renteria is one of the challengers for City Council in the forthcoming election, and she told the News about her accomplishments, qualifications, and policies…
What accomplishments and experiences make you a great candidate for City Council?
I grew up in Culver City after my parents immigrated here from Mexico and Culver City has been the foundation of everything my family and I cherish. Since childhood, my journey has been intertwined with a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility to give back to this community that has given so much to us. I’m running for City Council to ensure that my hometown continues the progress I’ve seen develop over the years and to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities Culver City has provided my family. When I first ran for City Council, I was the first Latina to do so and if elected I will be the first Latina to serve on the City Council. While I may be the first, I won’t be the last and I want to make sure that others who come after me have the same opportunities I had.
What do you believe has been your greatest achievement?
Being an effective Councilmember requires being an effective leader. Being an effective leader requires someone to be decisive yet pragmatic, the ability to work collaboratively, and the ability to become adaptable. I have demonstrated these traits in my career as a manager within entertainment production as well as my various positions in the city such as working my way up to becoming Vice President of Development of the Culver City Historical Society, becoming Vice Chair of the Equity Human Relations Advisory Committee, and being elected as a board member to the Culver City Sister City Committee. All of the city positions required me to collaborate since decisions were left to a group of individuals rather than one person. Collaboration and open communication are essential parts of being an effective Councilmember.
What issues are you running on?
As Councilmember, I will primarily focus on maintaining public safety and providing sufficient resources to our emergency services, 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. 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.
The City Council and Presidential election day is November 5. For all of the appropriate information, including how to register, visit lavote.gov. Visit deniceforculvercity.com for more information about Renteria’s campaign.