March 19, 2024 Your Source for Brentwood News

Politics: Spring is in the Air

Political season is heating up. June 7, the day of the primary election, will be here before you know it.

This is the time for “meet-and-greets,” fundraisers, Zoom “town halls” and candidate forums.

Brentwood, of course, is on every politician’s radar screen. People here follow the issues; they vote; many make financial contributions. 

My hat’s off to Brentwood Homeowners Association. BHA hosted a recent forum at University Synagogue (now called Wilshire Boulevard Temple, University Campus) that included all seven candidates vying to replace Mike Bonin in CD11. Josh Haskell of ABC7 moderated.

This was a truly outstanding event. The questions were comprehensive, the pace quick – and the answers informed. I won’t give a blow-by-blow description of who said what; instead, I urge you to watch this forum in its entirety. 

Go to bha90049.com. Once there, look for the “watch here” button in the upper left. 

Maybe 100 attended physically; over 300 watched via Zoom, we were told.

Josh Haskell of ABC7 peppered the candidates with questions.
The full field of candidates plus some BHA officers, just after the event.
Ray Klein, president emeritus of BHA.

Tom Safran, the patron saint of candidates seeking to raise money, recently hosted a backyard fundraiser for Mayoral Candidate Kevin de Leon.  A few months ago, Karen Bass appeared in that same setting.  Rick Caruso is next.

Tom Safran introduces mayoral candidate Kevin de Leon.

 
Tom Safran is very generous making his place available. It’s the perfect setting for a political rally and fundraiser. 

I was impressed with Kevin de Leon. He comes from humble roots; he spoke passionately for maybe 30 minutes about a number of complicated issues without referring to notes; he has real fire in the belly.

Kevin de Leon addresses the Brentwood gathering.

De Leon is proud of the fact that his district now has the biggest tiny home village in the country. “I like to make epic sh*t happen,” he said. 

Wendy-Sue Rosen asks a question of Kevin de Leon.

He got a good response; people are ready for change, that’s for sure. After a long winter of discontent, spring is in the air.

Aaron Smolinski is the chief behind-the-scenes organizer of Tom Safran’s events.
Marylin Krell and Bob Arbour.
Jordan Pynes of TSA Housing and Jan Perry, congressional candidate.

Soon spring will give way to summer. Stay tuned. 

Want to reach out to me? Send an email to jeffhall@mirrormediagroupla.com.

in Opinion
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