I want to put politics aside for a moment to tell you a story that, as a mom, breaks my heart.

A dear friend of mine has a son, Matthew, with a rare, life-threatening condition - aplastic anemia. Because of this illness, he has needed many blood transfusions over the last three years.

Despite these threats to his health, Matthew's spirit remains high. He's working towards his diploma, and is looking forward to his future.

Tomorrow, Matthew will undergo a bone marrow transplant at City of Hope hospital, where he'll remain for at least six weeks.

I'll be donating blood for Matthew at City of Hope. Will you commit to also donating blood this weekend, or in the coming weeks, so we can make a tremendous difference in his life, and in the lives of many sick young people?

Tomorrow's transplant could finally make Matthew well, but he's going to need many of us to step up to donate blood to see him through.

It's the same story for many other young people at City of Hope, and hospitals across Los Angeles - they need our support to survive.

Please support Matthew and the many sick young people who need our help - let's put politics aside and donate blood at City of Hope. Here’s how you can schedule an appointment.

Thanks for your support. See you out there!

Wendy

p.s. If you’re under 44 years old, please also consider joining the national bone marrow registry. You might just be the perfect match to save someone’s life.

Leaders Choose Greuel as Best Candidate for Mayor

LOS ANGELES — Flanked by supporters, community leaders, and volunteers, Wendy Greuel kicked off the opening of her South L.A. field office today and announced the support of African Americans with Wendy, an influential group of civic, faith, community and business leaders backing her campaign.

Many of the leaders have been instrumental in the Black community for decades, and their support adds to Greuel's growing coalition in every part of the city. Greuel will be a mayor for all of Los Angeles so that no part of the city is left behind, and her South L.A. field office, located in the former Organizing for America field office in Crenshaw, will be a hub for supporters and volunteers working to contact voters.

The new African Americans with Wendy committee includes John Mack, former President of the Los Angeles Urban League*, Connie Rice, Co-Director of the Advancement Project*, Rev. Norman Copeland, Presiding Elder, AME Church Fifth Episcopal District*, Reverend Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., Senior Pastor of Bryant AME Church*, Jamon R. Hicks, President, California Association of Black Lawyers*, Rev. Mark Whitlock, Senior Minister, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church*, Dr. R. A. Williams, Senior Pastor at McCoy Memorial Baptist Church* and President of WHW Ministers Conference*, Genethia Hudley-Hayes, Los Angeles Board of Fire Commissioners*, Areva Martin, Managing Partner at Martin & Martin, LLP*, Kerman Maddox, member of the Democratic National Committee Executive Committee*, Sweet Alice Harris, founder of Parents of Watts*, Kenneth T. Lombard, a lawyer at Capri Capital Partners*, actor Eriq LaSalle, Forescee Hogan-Rowles, President of the Community Financial Resource Center*, and Earl Skip Cooper, II, President and CEO of the Black Business Association of Los Angeles*. To see the full list, click HERE.

"I have worked together with Wendy for more than 20 years, and I know she'll be a fighter for communities across the entire city," said Connie Rice, President of the Advancement Project*. "Wendy and I share a commitment to social justice, and whether it was advocating for affordable housing when she worked with Mayor Tom Bradley, or fighting to make our schools better and our streets safer as Councilwoman and Controller, Wendy has dedicated her career to giving every single person in LA a chance to succeed. I am so proud to endorse her for mayor."

"I am proud to support Wendy Greuel as our next mayor because I know she'll be a leader for all of Los Angeles. Having worshipped with her and her family, I know her to be a woman of faith, of integrity and with a deep love for our city," said Reverend Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr., Senior Pastor of Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church*. "We need a mayor who will ensure that our children have access to first-class schools and good jobs and are safe from gun violence. I know how compassionate and concerned she is for all of the citizens and residents of Los Angeles. With Wendy Greuel as mayor, I know that no part of our city will get left behind."

"I've known Wendy since before she began her career in public service; she's like a daughter to me. She'll be a mayor who is on our side, who will roll up her sleeves and deliver for our families and our neighborhoods," said Sweet Alice Harris, founder of Parents of Watts*. "Wendy will make sure that no matter what your zip code is, you will have access to a quality school, affordable housing, you can get an ambulance when you need one, and your street is paved. I know she'll fight for every community in this city."

"I've known Wendy Greuel for over 25 years since we worked together as aides for Mayor Tom Bradley, who taught us the value of public service and the importance of representing all communities. Wendy Greuel is as honest as the day is long and has the same passion for social justice today that she had 25 years ago," said Kerman Maddox, a member of the Democratic National Committee Executive Committee*. "Although we are from very different backgrounds, we bonded over our commitment to serve and make a difference in Los Angeles. Wendy Greuel will be great Mayor for all of Los Angeles because she works hard, she gets it and she's the real deal."

"I am thrilled to have the support of so many leaders in the African American community. Since my first job working for Mayor Tom Bradley, I have worked with many of these leaders for social justice, good jobs, safe streets, affordable housing and better schools," said Greuel. "I will be a mayor for all of Los Angeles. Our South Los Angeles office will help us reach out to voters across the city. I look forward to continuing to partner with these leaders to make sure every resident of Los Angeles has a chance to succeed."

The endorsements add to Greuel's strong support across the city. Greuel has earned endorsements from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congresswoman Janice Hahn, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Congressman-elect and Los Angeles City Councilmember Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, former City Controllers Laura Chick and Rick Tuttle, former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, and Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

In addition, Greuel's campaign has formed Latinos with Wendy, Women with Wendy, Korean Americans with Wendy, Armenians with Wendy, Valley Leaders with Wendy, and Conservationists with Wendy committees. Greuel has also earned support from 11 labor unions.

For more information about the Wendy Greuel for Mayor campaign, click here: www.wendygreuel.org/

*Titles for identification purposes only.

Are you attending the Stonewall Democrats endorsement meeting?

Here's a special message from LA City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl for you:

Hi, this is Councilman Bill Rosendahl. I hope you'll join me in supporting Wendy Greuel at the Stonewall Democratic Club meeting on Monday, January 14th.

Wendy earned the recommendation of the Stonewall endorsement committee because she has fought for a more progressive Los Angeles her entire career.

That is why Senator Boxer, Speaker John Perez, Dolores Huerta, Congresswoman Janice Hahn have endorsed her. Wendy shares our Democratic values and nobody will do more than she will as Mayor to create a Los Angeles with good-paying jobs, great schools, a healthy environment, and equality for all.

Please join me on Monday, January 14 and support Wendy Greuel. Thank you.

Influential Group Recognizes Greuel’s Record in the LGBT and Latino Communities

LOS ANGELES — Wendy Greuel announced today that she has earned the endorsement of HONOR PAC in the race for Mayor.

Greuel earned the support of a majority of the board of HONOR PAC, which is dedicated to working for equality and justice for Latino and LGBT Angelenos.

“HONOR PAC continues to be an important champion for LGBT and Latino communities in critical races throughout the state and Los Angeles,” said Alfred Fraijo, Jr. President of HONOR PAC. “Wendy has a strong record supporting the LGBT community throughout her career in public service. In 2008, Wendy stood alongside our organization in the fight to defeat Proposition 8. We know that Wendy will be an ally to the Latino and LGBT communities and we look forward to working with her to advance our collective vision of achieving a state of equality for all Angelenos.”

"I am honored to earn the support of HONOR PAC,” said Greuel. “I'm going to be a Mayor for all of Los Angeles, so no part of the city is left behind and no person is subject to discrimination, bullying or hate crimes. I look forward to continuing to fight alongside HONOR PAC for justice and equality.”

Greuel has been an advocate for the LGBT and Latino communities since the beginning of her career. As a member of Mayor Tom Bradley’s administration in the 1980s, she served as the liaison to the LGBT community and spearheaded the City-County AIDS Task Force. When the HIV/AIDS epidemic exploded, Greuel fought to ensure that Angelenos had access to the healthcare services they needed.

The HONOR PAC endorsement adds to Greuel’s growing momentum in the race for mayor. She recently earned the support of Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who made history in 2009 when she made Houston the nation’s largest city to have an openly gay or lesbian mayor. Greuel has also been endorsed by Latino community and elected leaders across the city, including civil rights and labor icon Dolores Huerta, Congressmember Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, State Senator Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Felipe Fuentes and Raul Bocenegra, City Councilmember José Huizar, and LAUSD Board Member Nury Martinez. The Latina Lawyers PAC has also endorsed Greuel.

Working Men and Women Continue to Choose Greuel

Los Angeles, CA — Wendy Greuel announced that she has earned the endorsement of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.) Local 12, adding to her growing support from working men and women.

"Wendy Greuel is a champion for Los Angeles workers. We have fought together for years for fair wages, Project Labor Agreements, defending workers' rights, increasing access to healthcare, and transit Measures R and J. She's got the experience to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs," said Bill Waggoner, Business Manager for Operating Engineers Local 12. "Wendy will stop the cycle of crisis, layoffs and cuts that have hurt our economy, and she'll make government more accountable to the people. Wendy will be a great mayor for all of LA, and we're proud to support her."

"I am honored to have the support of Operating Engineers Local 12 and so many working men and women across Los Angeles," Greuel said. "I'm going to be a mayor for all of Los Angeles so that no part of the city is left behind, and that means making sure our workers are treated fairly and that we're growing our middle class. I'm excited to partner with Operating Engineers Local 12 and the many other unions that have endorsed me to get our economy back on track."

Widely considered one of Los Angeles' most prominent and powerful Building Trade unions, the Operating Engineers Local 12 represents heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and surveyors across Los Angeles. They are the 12th union to endorse Greuel.

To date, Greuel has received endorsements from a wide range of labor groups, including: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1277, ILWU Local 63-Marine Clerks Association, ILWU Southern California District Council, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE), Machinist and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 947, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, Transportation Communications Union (TCU) Local 1315, United Association (UA) Plumbers Local 78, United Steel Workers (USW), and the Utility Workers Union of America Local 132.

Just this past weekend, Greuel announced an African Americans with Wendy committee of community, civic, faith and business leaders, and key endorsements from the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters and Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

Greuel has also earned support from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack.

Paid for by Wendy Greuel for Mayor 2013. 7120 Hayvenhurst Ave, Suite 315, Los Angeles, CA 91406. Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org. FPPC# 1337185

This weekend, my campaign opened our South LA office in the Crenshaw neighborhood. We also launched African-Americans with Wendy, bringing together many members of the community to support my candidacy for Mayor. And, just today, I earned another major endorsement from the working men and women of the Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E.) Local 12.

Help us keep up this momentum by donating $30 or more right now as we hit the campaign’s final weeks.

Here’s what the Los Angeles Times had to say about my pledge to be a Mayor for all of Los Angeles:

Greuel, who worked for 10 years as an aide to [Former L.A. Mayor Tom] Bradley early in her career, pledged to carry on the legacy of the city's first black mayor and to bring economic equity to struggling South L.A. neighborhoods, ... [describing] Bradley as the person "who taught me to fight for justice, who taught me that you should use your voice in a way that lets all boats rise, who taught me that you can be and should be a mayor for all of Los Angeles."

I learned a lot from Mayor Bradley, and I'm going to be a mayor for all of Los Angeles so that no part of the city is left behind. And that means making sure our workers are treated fairly and that we're growing our middle class. But I’ll need your help to win.

There are only 49 days until the election, ballots start arriving in less than three weeks, and on Saturday, we face a major, pre-primary fundraising deadline.

Please contribute $30 or more right now and help my campaign win in March.

Thanks,

Wendy

I wanted you to be among the first to know - our internal polling shows Wendy is in the lead and in an excellent position to make it into the runoff.

Our most recent poll of voters shows that Wendy leads her nearest competitor, Eric Garcetti, by two points, 20% to 18%. And, although many voters are still making up their minds, 58% of undecided voters are women, who have a more favorable view of Wendy.

Our poll was conducted by respected national pollster Celinda Lake, who has helped elect thousands of Democrats across the country in her decades in the polling business. Celinda is an expert in assessing how voters assess women candidates, having helped elect women Governors, Senators, and Mayors. Her past clients include House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic National Committee, EMILY's List, the AFL-CIO, and the Sierra Club.

Our hard work is paying off. According to Celinda’s analysis, among voters who know both Garcetti and Greuel, Wendy has a double-digit lead. As she notes, this means that as long as Wendy has the resources – money and volunteers – to communicate with voters, she’s in a strong position to win.

With your help, we're going to keep fighting every day to put her over the top.

Please help us keep up the momentum - pitch in $25 to Wendy's campaign before Saturday's major fundraising deadline.

Rose KapolczynskiWendy Greuel for Mayor

p.s. You may hear about another poll that was also released today. That poll, conducted as an automated “robo-poll,” included respondents that are not likely to vote in the upcoming election. We’re confident in our poll, and the long record of accuracy by Celinda Lake and her firm. Stay tuned for news of more endorsements later this week!

Greuel scores key endorsement of the Los Angeles Police Protective League

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Police Protective League, representing nearly 10,000 police officers in Los Angeles, announced today that it is endorsing Wendy Greuel for mayor. The support of the LAPPL is highly sought after in city campaigns.

“Wendy’s background of working in the private sector, both in a small family business and in a major studio in the entertainment industry, along with her knowledge and experience of serving our city as a Councilmember and as City Controller, demonstrate that she has a strong understanding of public safety and what it takes in order keep Los Angeles safe,” said LAPPL President Tyler Izen. “Wendy recognizes the importance of putting public safety first while at the same time working on issues that people really care about, like creating jobs, fixing potholes and fighting waste, fraud and abuse in city government.”

“The Los Angeles Police Protective League represents the officers who risk their lives everyday to fight crime, gangs, and gun violence and keep residents safe throughout Los Angeles,” said Greuel. “I'll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles so we can keep neighborhoods across the city safe, and I look forward to partnering with our city’s police as Los Angeles’ next mayor to reduce crime in our city. I am honored to have their support.”

The LAPPL endorsement demonstrates Greuel's wide-ranging support across Los Angeles, and she is leading the field in support from working men and women.

Greuel has also earned support from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack. In addition, 13 labor organizations representing tens of thousands of working men and women in Los Angeles have chosen Greuel.

From East L.A. to West L.A., from South L.A. to the Valley, the dedicated volunteers of Team Wendy are reaching out to voters on the doorstep, on the phones, and on the streets.

As we look forward to President Obama's inauguration on Monday, it's a reminder again just how important grassroots voter outreach can be on the path to victory.

With veterans of the Obama campaign on our team, we are using the lessons from President Obama's terrific innovations in field organizing. That's why we've already opened offices in South L.A. and the Valley, and in the next two weeks we'll be opening offices in East L.A. and West L.A.

Your support is critical in opening these campaign offices across the city. Please donate $35 or more right now and fund a field program that reaches every person who will vote in the March primary.

The March primary election is coming up quickly, and on Saturday at midnight, we face yet another major pre-primary fundraising deadline.

Would you please chip in $35 before midnight tomorrow and help us fund our grassroots organizing campaign across the city?

Thank you for your tremendous support. I'm running to be a Mayor for all of Los Angeles, and that includes a robust field effort in every corner of our city.

Wendy

p.s. Stay tuned for more information about our exciting events to celebrate the openings of our West L.A. and East L.A. offices.

Today is special for two big reasons.

As we celebrate President Barack Obama's inauguration to a second term as President, we also salute the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

As Dr. King said:

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

Our great city and our great nation face many challenges, including the struggle to create jobs and make our economy work for every family.

In Washington, President Obama has been working tirelessly to rebuild our economy over the last four years, and the economy is finally emerging from the recession.

In Los Angeles, as your Mayor, I intend to bring the same focus and dedication to the job.

To rebuild our economy and create jobs, we must invest in infrastructure including transportation infrastructure – that moves people and goods around and through our city.

We must revitalize our schools, to ensure our students can compete in the global marketplace – and attract employers to our city. We must recruit and retain employers in key industries. We must ensure that City Hall is an ally to the small businesses that are striving in our city. And we must continue the struggle to make America a more tolerant, just and equal society. Starting right here at home.

That's a lot to do. But I'm not running just to be the Mayor - I want to do the job of Mayor.

I'm running to be a Mayor for all of Los Angeles. And I'm asking for your help - to lend me your time and talent to win this spring, and then get right to work tackling our city's toughest challenges, and ensuring every Angeleno can thrive.

Dr. King was right: progress isn't inevitable. We have to work hard at it. But making L.A. a better place for everyone is worth it. I know we can get there together.

Thanks,

Wendy

Click here to read Wendy's HuffPost article online

With its decision in Roe v. Wade 40 years ago, the Supreme Court affirmed that a woman has the constitutional right to exercise control over her own body.

In the ensuing years, pro-choice elected leaders have had to fight to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal and rare. Increasingly, these pro-choice elected leaders are women who have a special perspective on this crucial issue. At the same time, anti-choice zealots have grown even more determined to take away a woman's right to make her own health care decisions.

Planned Parenthood, one of the nation's most-visited health outlets for women, has been inundated with bogus investigations and attacks on its funding. A misogynistic radio host calls a young woman a vulgar name for having the temerity to testify before Congress that health insurance plans should include reproductive health and contraception. Attacks on clinics continue and doctors performing legal health care procedures continue to be murdered in cold blood.

Roe v. Wade guaranteed our right to choose. It didn't guarantee that this right could be taken for granted.

With the attack on choice showing no signs of abating, I believe it will be enormously important for women in visible positions to utilize all the megaphones and microphones we can muster to fight threats to women's health. And there are very few positions with a megaphone as loud as mayor of Los Angeles.

As mayor of America's second largest city, I intend to be a leading voice in the national fight to protect women's health and our right to choose.

As a mayor, I will offer a strong and unique perspective on the importance of health care providers such as Planned Parenthood. As a mother of a child in public school, I will share the importance of health education in avoiding unwanted pregnancies. And as a woman who came of age with the protections of Roe in place, no one will fight harder to make sure that Roe remains the law of the land.

This past election season, with its astonishingly frequent and offensive comments on rape, abortion and contraception, shows that the forces dedicated to eroding and eradicating women's rights are relentless. Abortion opponents are now even trying to hijack the issue of gun control (and conveniently trying to change the subject) by attacking the president's sensible proposals to take on gun violence.

More than 50 years passed between the time a women's right to vote was enshrined in law and the time when our right to control our own bodies was recognized by the highest court in the land. Women shouldn't have to keep fighting for our most basic rights, but we will, no matter how long it takes. And if anyone wonders if the next mayor of Los Angeles will be a leader in that fight -- she will.

Follow Wendy Greuel on Twitter

LOS ANGELES — Wendy Greuel announced that she has been endorsed by the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, Inc.

AICP members account for 85 percent of all commercials aired in the United States, and AICP serves as a strong voice for the $5 billion industry.

“Wendy has supported the production industry throughout her career, especially since being elected to the City Council in 2002,” said Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP. “She has fought against the motivations for so-called ‘runaway production’ and helped the commercial industry regain its competitive edge in Los Angeles."

"I'll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and that means making sure our core businesses are staying here in Los Angeles. As a former studio executive, I know how important it is that Los Angeles remains the filming capital of the world," Greuel said. "Commercial production is a critical industry for our city, and I look forward to partnering with AICP to keep Hollywood in Hollywood so we can grow our economy and create jobs."

Since leaving DreamWorks to serve as City Councilwoman and Controller, Greuel has fought to keep production in Los Angeles. She was a champion for extending the California Film Tax Credit, and changed city laws to make it less costly for production companies to film. Greuel also led the charge to cut the Los Angeles business tax by 15 percent, returning $100 million to city businesses, and she has served on the California Film Commission for more than 10 years.

The AICP's endorsement adds to Greuel's growing momentum in the race for mayor. Greuel recently announced major endorsements from the Los Angeles Police Protective League and HONOR PAC, and she leads the field in support from working men and women.

Greuel has also been endorsed by key elected and community leaders across the region, including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack.

One of the most incredible moments of my career was in 1992 - watching Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer defy the odds and make history as the first women to be elected to represent California in the U.S. Senate.

I was Barbara Boxer’s campaign manager, and leading her grassroots campaign to victory was an amazing experience. Watching Barbara Boxer over the past twenty years as she has made a tremendous difference for our state and our country has been even better. That’s why I work in politics. And that’s why I’m helping Wendy Greuel in her campaign for Mayor.

This Saturday, you can see both of these exceptional women. Barbara Boxer will be joining Wendy Greuel as we open our new field office in West L.A. RSVP here.

Wendy's grassroots campaign is taking off, with volunteers already phone banking across the city. We have plans to expand our program, so that we can reach more voters before the March 5th primary. But we need more resources to fully fund the program.

Will you help us fund our critical organizing and get-out-the-vote program? Pitch in $25 to Wendy's campaign right now.

Our grassroots field team is hard at work winning over voters across and L.A. and getting ready to get out the vote. There are less than two weeks left until ballots start arriving, and only a little more than a month until the primary election. Wendy needs your support today to have the resources necessary to succeed in March.

Pitch in $25 right now to help fund our field efforts – and hope to see you on Saturday!

Thanks for all that you do.

Rose KapolczynskiWendy Greuel for Mayor

Greuel Continues to Win the Lion's Share of Key Labor Endorsements

Los Angeles, CA — Wendy Greuel announced today that she has been endorsed by Teamsters Local 399, which represents workers in the motion picture and feature film industries.

Teamsters Local 399 is the latest labor organization to back Greuel, who widened her lead among the field of candidates in support from working men and women. In all, 16 unions representing tens of thousands of workers in Los Angeles have endorsed her campaign for mayor.

“Wendy Greuel has an unparalleled track record when it comes to working for and advocating on behalf of the entertainment industry," said Leo Reed, Secretary Treasurers, Teamsters Local 399. "As Mayor, we are confident she'll put an end to runaway production by making sure studios have the incentives they need to keep production jobs here, in Los Angeles. Wendy has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the past, and we’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with her now, because she’ll make a great mayor for all of Los Angeles.”

"I'm proud to be endorsed by Teamsters Local 399," said Greuel. "I’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles so no one is left behind. We need to support our working men and women, and that means growing our middle class and creating good-paying jobs across the city — and making sure Angelenos are the ones getting hired. I’ll crack down on waste in government, so our tax dollars go toward the services Angelenos expect and deserve.”

Teamsters Local 399's support adds to Greuel's momentum in the race. With the primary election just weeks away, a strong coalition of working men and women, elected and community leaders, and Angelenos from across the city is rallying behind Greuel. She most recently earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League.

Greuel support from working men and women includes UA Plumbers 78, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE), United Steel Workers (USW), International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Southern California District Council, International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63 Marine Clerks, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, the Utility Worker of America Local 132, Transportation Communications Union (TCU) Local 1315, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1277, the Operating Engineers Local 501, and Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 947, Operating Engineers Local 12, UA Pipe Fitters 250, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18.

Greuel also has broad support from elected and community, securing the support of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, former City Controllers Laura Chick and Rick Tuttle, former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, and civil rights trailblazer John Mack.

Ad Highlights Fiscal Accountability

Los Angeles, CA — Wendy Greuel’s campaign for Mayor today launched its first 30-second television ad, which will run throughout the Los Angeles area. The ad, “All of LA,” highlights Greuel’s record on fiscal responsibility and government accountability.

“I will be a Mayor for all of Los Angeles so that no part of the City is left behind – and that’s what our first ad is all about,” said Greuel. “As mayor, I will ensure that every one of Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods has a voice, so we can work together to solve the challenges that the city faces. I’ll build on my experience as Controller to be a tough fiscal watchdog, reducing waste so that we can fund important priorities such as creating jobs, improving our schools, and speeding up emergency response times. I am ready to lead this city – I don’t just want to be the Mayor, I actually want to do the job of Mayor.”

Greuel is the first of the mayoral candidates to air a television ad.

The ad is available for viewing at: www.wendygreuel.org/all-of-la/

A copy of the script with background is attached.

Greuel recently earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, and leads the field of candidates in support from labor organizations representing tens of thousands of men and women across Los Angeles.

Greuel has also secured endorsements from prominent elected and community leaders including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack. She also was recently endorsed by the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, HONOR PAC, and Pro Active Democrats.

Script: “All of LA”

Every part of LA deserves a better city government.

I’m Wendy Greuel, and as city controller, I found $160 million dollars in waste and fraud.

Your tax dollars, squandered.

As mayor, I can stop the waste because I know where it is.

And I’ll use the savings for job creation, better schools, and faster emergency response in every part of our city.

We need a mayor for all of LA.

So no one is left behind. And no one is forgotten.”

A chart of the waste, fraud and abuse Wendy has identified can be found here.

Los Angeles — Below is a statement from Wendy Greuel's consultant, John Shallman, on baseless attacks by Eric Garcetti's campaign regarding Greuel's record of uncovering waste, fraud and abuse:

"Mr. Garcetti’s attacks on the Controller are nothing more than a reckless disregard for the facts. It’s clear now why Mr. Garcetti has failed to stop the wasteful spending in City Hall—he’s not reading the Controller’s audit reports. If he had, he would know that the Controller has identified more than $160 million in waste, fraud and abuse."

For a detailed accounting of Greuel's audits, click here: ‪http://www.wendygreuel.org/160-million-reasons/

"Moreover, Mr. Garcetti falsely states that our commercial claims Wendy 'recovered' the money. That’s FALSE. Our ad is accurate - it states that she 'found' the waste. Unfortunately, when the Council flushes money down the toilet, you can't unflush it. Rather than spending time attacking the messenger, Mr. Garcetti should consider reading the reports and stop wasting taxpayer money.

"$160 million would put more cops and firefighters on the streets, provide job creation tax credits for small businesses and expand after school programs.”

Building Trades Coalition Adds to Greuel's Widening Lead in Support From Working Men and Women

Los Angeles, CA — Wendy Greuel announced today that the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council #16, which represents more than a dozen locals of the United Association, has endorsed her for mayor.

The endorsement adds to Greuel's widening lead in support from working men and women, who continue to unite behind her campaign. To date, sixteen labor organizations representing tens of thousands of workers in Los Angeles have chosen Greuel.

"The Southern California Pipe Trades District Council #16 is proud to endorse Wendy. Whether it's pushing for fair wages or access to affordable health care, we know that Wendy is going to fight every day to make sure that California workers are treated with respect," said Sid Stolper, Business Manager of District Council 16. "Wendy has a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to our members and she's been a strong ally for us, always pushing for PLA's and more investments in critical infrastructure projects that create good jobs and help to rebuild our economy. That's what she's done as Councilwoman and Controller, and that's why working men and women all across Los Angeles are continuing to choose Wendy."

"I'm honored to have the endorsement of the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council #16, and of so many working men and women across Los Angeles," said Greuel. "I'll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, working to create good-paying jobs across the city and expand our middle class. That's why so many Los Angeles workers are supporting our campaign, and I'm excited to partner with them to get LA's economy back on track."

Today's endorsement is the latest in a string of endorsements for Greuel, including from the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL).

Additionally, Greuel's support from working men and women outpaces any other candidate in the race for Mayor, and includes: UA Plumbers 78, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE), United Steel Workers (USW), International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Southern California District Council, International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63 Marine Clerks, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, the Utility Worker of America Local 132, Transportation Communications Union (TCU) Local 1315, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1277, the Operating Engineers Local 501, and Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 947, Operating Engineers Local 12, UA Pipe Fitters 250, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18, and Teamsters Local 399.

Greuel also has support from elected and community leaders around the city, including endorsements from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, former City Controllers Laura Chick and Rick Tuttle, former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, and civil rights trailblazer John Mack.

Join Police Officers to Make Greuel Consensus Choice for Public Safety

LOS ANGELES — United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) Local 112 announced today that it will endorse Wendy Greuel for Mayor.

UFLAC represents more than 3,600 firefighters and emergency medical personnel protecting Angelenos. Los Angeles firefighters joined the Los Angeles Police Protective League in endorsing Greuel, making her the choice for public safety first responders across the city.

“Los Angeles firefighters are so proud to give Wendy Greuel our enthusiastic support. Wendy has always fought to make sure we have the resources we need to keep the city safe, and as mayor she'll make government more accountable," said Frank Lima, President of UFLAC Local 112. "Wendy will work to create jobs and expand our middle class so families across the city can prosper. And she'll prioritize public safety so we can put an end to the dysfunctional Fire Department deployment plan that increased LAFD response times. Wendy will not only fight to keep Angelenos safe, she'll fight to keep our firefighters safe."

"I am honored to have the support of firefighters across Los Angeles. Firefighters and emergency medical first responders put their lives on the line every day to protect Angelenos, and as mayor I'll stand up for them to make sure the fire department gets its fair share and has the resources it needs," said Greuel. "I'll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and I'll crack down on waste in government so we can stop the cycle of cuts and layoffs and get back to the level of services Angelenos expect and deserve."

The UFLAC endorsement demonstrates Greuel's wide-ranging support across Los Angeles, and she is leading the field in support from working men and women.

Additionally, Greuel's support from working men and women outpaces any other candidate in the race for Mayor, and includes: UA Plumbers 78, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE), United Steel Workers (USW), International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Southern California District Council, International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 63 Marine Clerks, Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36, the Utility Worker of America Local 132, Transportation Communications Union (TCU) Local 1315, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1277, the Operating Engineers Local 501, and Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 947, Operating Engineers Local 12, UA Pipe Fitters 250, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18, and Teamsters Local 399.

Greuel also has support from elected and community leaders around the city, including endorsements from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senators Fran Pavley and Alex Padilla, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, Felipe Fuentes and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, former City Controllers Laura Chick and Rick Tuttle, former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, and civil rights trailblazer John Mack.

National Leaders on Women’s Health and Reproductive Rights Endorse Greuel

LOS ANGELES — Wendy Greuel announced today that she has earned the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project in the race for Mayor.

Planned Parenthood is the leading voice for women’s healthcare issues, and for nearly a century the organization has worked to improve women’s health and safety.

“In Wendy Greuel, we have the opportunity to elect a Mayor who will advance a forward-looking women’s health agenda, not only in local government, but across the country,” said Celinda Vasquez, Vice President, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project. “As the second most populous city in the nation, the Mayor of Los Angeles plays a critical role in shaping the national conversation around issues of importance. We’re confident that Wendy will be a strong voice in support of funding for Planned Parenthood health centers, access to safe, legal abortion, and the needs of women and families in a rapidly evolving health care system.”

“What an honor to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood. As Mayor, I intend to be a national leader on women's health and to protect a woman’s right to choose,” Greuel said. “I’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and I will keep fighting to ensure all women have equal and affordable access to safe, comprehensive health care. I will be a tough fiscal watchdog so that we can fund important priorities.”

Greuel has consistently fought for issues important to women and girls. She has been a mentor and an advocate for developing new generations of women leaders in government and business. As Mayor, her priorities will be job creation, education and public safety. Greuel has a record of accomplishment on these issues, including working to create jobs by leading historic business tax reform that returned $100 million to Los Angeles businesses. And she’s pushed to improve public education in Los Angeles and expand the LA’s BEST afterschool program that she helped start with Mayor Tom Bradley. She was recently endorsed by the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City.

As City Controller, she performed two follow-up audits on the LAPD DNA rape kit backlog to ensure they are following through on their promise to test every DNA rape kit and bring justice to the thousands of rape victims in Los Angeles.

The Planned Parenthood endorsement adds to Greuel’s growing momentum. Greuel has also formed a Women with Wendy committee of more than 700 women supporters from across Los Angeles, and she’s earned the support of community and elected leaders including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmember Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.

Greuel Pledges 20% of New Revenue for First Responders and Emergency Preparedness

LOS ANGELES - Today, Wendy Greuel joined with Frank Lima, President of UFLAC, and first responders from around Los Angeles to announce her plan for keeping the streets, neighborhoods, and schools in Los Angeles safe. Wendy’s plan prioritizes Public Safety and outlines a clear pathway to fund additional resources in the years to come.

Greuel’s plan pledges 20% of new revenues to be put aside to increase the number of police officers, firefighters and paramedics; reduce 911 response times; expand crime prevention programs; and develop a neighborhood-based emergency preparedness system. The plan would not raise taxes.

Following their recent respective endorsements of Greuel, today members of both the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Police Department spoke in support of Greuel’s plan as “a comprehensive blueprint.”

“We need a Mayor who will prioritize public safety and ensure that police and fire departments have the resources they need to keep residents across the city safe,” said UFLAC President Lima. “The Council has cut the fire department down to the bone through ongoing budget reductions that reach over $80 million. Other mayoral candidates sat on the sidelines while these cuts were implemented. The New Deployment Plan has led to increased response times and permanent closures to Fire Trucks, Fire Engines, Ambulances, Paramedics and Inspectors throughout the city. These cuts are a dangerous gamble and put residents’ and our firefighter's safety at risk. Angelenos need a leader who won’t gamble with our safety—they need a Mayor who will put our safety first.”

“It’s about time that we have a candidate who will put forward a specific plan to keep all of Los Angeles safe,” said Greg Meyer, a retired officer with the LAPD. “Wendy’s plan will make sure that Los Angeles will not let public safety slip, even in tough economic times.”

“L.A.’s Police and Firefighters understand that keeping our city safe isn’t just about getting tough on crime – it’s about giving first responders the resources they need to do their job. It’s time for action, for a plan,” Greuel said. “That’s why I’m announcing this public safety plan this morning – so we leave no part of our city behind. I’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and I’ll fight to keep our streets, neighborhoods, and schools safe.”

Wendy’s plan will: ● Set aside 20% of revenue growth for hiring new police officers, firefighters and expanding crime prevention programs.

● Devote an additional 5% of new revenue to create a Public Safety Trust Fund to be used for public safety emergencies and to sustain the increase in LAPD and LAFD personnel during economic downturns.

● Expand LAPD to over 12,000 officers and LAFD to 4,000 firefighters and paramedics by 2020.

● Work with the City Attorney, neighborhood councils and Police Chief to implement a Community-based policing and prosecuting model throughout our neighborhoods to reduce crime and expand prevention programs.

● Enhance the Gang Reduction Youth Development Office (GRYD) by creating a specific Bureau of Youth Crime Prevention to coordinate with parents and school police officers to secure local campuses from gangs and guns while expanding afterschool, mentorship and job training programs to steer kids away from gangs, drugs and guns.

● Work with private sector businesses such as grocery stores to develop emergency plans to distribute food and water in times of crisis; Include program to provide auxiliary power to neighborhood schools and help facilitate expeditious delivery of basic necessities and shelter during large-scale emergencies;

● Plan coordinated efforts with schools, hospitals, and senior homes to ensure safe evacuation routes to ‘Emergency Shelters’ which would allow the City to identify most at risk population during a time of emergency;

● Direct the Emergency Preparedness Department to work with the City’s CERT program in training a CERT Team of neighborhood leadership and medical professionals in each neighborhood of the City to ensure each community is equipped with trained volunteers, volunteer health care professionals that can provide immediate assistance to victims, organize additional volunteers at a disaster site helping the most vulnerable, and coordinate efforts with our first responders.