Widely Respected and Influential Latina Congresswoman Gives Forceful Endorsement to Wendy Greuel

LOS ANGELES, CA — Gaining another important endorsement in her Mayoral bid, today Wendy Greuel announced the support of popular Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.

"I am excited to endorse Wendy Greuel for Mayor," said Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. "Wendy's experience, drive, and vision are just what Los Angeles needs. In a time of fiscal uncertainty, there is nobody better prepared to lead the City back to fiscal stability and economic prosperity than Wendy Greuel. I am confident that as Mayor, Wendy will be a tireless fighter for residents in every part of Los Angeles. She's got my full support."

“It’s a real honor to have Congresswoman Sanchez’s support,” said Greuel. “Her support underscores the growing consensus among leaders throughout the City that I will be a Mayor for all of Los Angeles. As Mayor, I look forward to partnering with Congresswoman Sanchez on a wide range of issues, from job creation and economic development, to transportation improvements, investments in our schools, enhancements to public safety, and much more.”

Greuel has also assembled a long list of endorsements from some of Los Angeles’ most influential and highly regarded Latino leaders, including: Dolores Huerta, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, Congressman Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, State Senator Alex Padilla, former Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes, Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, former Assemblymember Hector De La Torre, Councilmember José Huizar, LAUSD Board Member Nury Martinez, among others.

Significantly, Greuel recently earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), the Los Angeles News Group (which owns the LA Daily News), Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC.

Greuel has also secured endorsements from prominent elected and community leaders including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmember Janice Hahn, State Senators Fran Pavley, Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icon John Mack, among many others.

Raises impressive $470,000 in less than 4 weeks underscoring her momentum as primary election approaches

Los Angeles – Wendy Greuel’s campaign announced that it had raised more than $600,000 since January 1, including $473,582 in this reporting period, furthering Greuel's momentum heading into Election Day.

Greuel has collected $4,745,547.66 in total, and has $1,668,319.08 cash on hand, the most of any campaign.

Seventy-four percent of contributions from the period came from first-time donors, a measure of Greuel’s broad appeal and grassroots coalition across Los Angeles. Fifty-seven percent of her contributions were $250 and under, signifying her expansive community-based support from low dollar donors.

“It’s amazing that so many Angelenos from every corner of the city are coming together to join our grassroots campaign,” said Greuel. “In this election, we can fight together to change our city. We can build a stronger economy that creates jobs, a seamless public transportation system and better schools. We can crack down on waste in government so Angelenos can get the services they deserve. Today’s report shows that people across LA are joining together to make this vision a reality.”

“This month’s fundraising is a statement from voters that they want a Mayor who prioritizes fighting waste, fraud, and abuse in City government, but also someone who’s got real-world business experience,” said John Shallman, Greuel’s Chief Strategist. “Once again, we exceeded our goals, which is partially attributable to our endorsements and momentum, but also to the unfortunate negative attacks from our opponents. Our support is surging and people are even more inspired to donate and volunteer to get Wendy's message out. We are now able to fully fund our citywide media blitz for the duration of the primary.”

“We're running an aggressive citywide campaign and Wendy’s strong support across Los Angeles is growing every day, with more phone bankers, more volunteers and more donors,” said Greuel’s Campaign Manager Rose Kapolczynski. “While our opponents are getting increasingly desperate and are resorting to daily attacks, we are talking to voters and expanding our support every day. As a result of Wendy’s fundraising base of more than 6,000 grassroots donors, we are confident we’ll have the resources necessary to run a robust campaign in the final days of the primary election.”

Greuel has raised $4,078,547.66 in total, and has collected the maximum in matching funds. In all, 6,813 people have made 9,116 contributions to her campaign. Greuel has expanded her campaign across the city in recent weeks. She now has field offices in South Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Van Nuys, and Studio City.

As the election approaches, Greuel also continues to pull away in the race for endorsements. She leads in support from business and labor groups, with endorsements from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Jobs PAC and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC, and more than 21 labor unions. Greuel has also been endorsed by the Los Angeles Police Protective League, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Los Angeles Daily News, and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project.

Notably, just yesterday Greuel picked up an endorsement from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, who appeared last night at a Greuel fundraiser with U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer.

Los Angeles — Comedian George Lopez announced today he is endorsing Wendy Greuel for mayor of Los Angeles, adding to Greuel’s growing momentum in the days before the March 5 primary.

Lopez made history as the first Latino to headline a morning talk show for an English-language network in the Los Angeles radio market, and has become a media icon across mediums and markets nationally. He is also the founder and director of the Lopez Foundation, which promotes organ donation and helps children and adults with chronic kidney conditions.

“I am proud to endorse Wendy Greuel for mayor of Los Angeles,” Lopez said. “I am confident that Wendy will be a fighter for all communities across the city and am excited to work with her to make sure no part of Los Angeles is left behind.”

"I am thrilled to have George Lopez endorse my campaign for mayor," said Greuel. "George has transcended any one medium or genre, and his work through the Lopez Foundation has made a positive impact on the lives of children and adults throughout Los Angeles. I’m excited to partner with him to grow our economy and expand access to basic services like health care, and to make LA a place of opportunity for everyone. I’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and I’m proud that so many Angelenos are uniting behind our campaign."

This endorsement adds to Greuel's strong support, and comes on the heels of recent endorsements from Rep. Linda Sanchez, the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, the L.A. Fire Chief Officers’ Association, and more than 60 business leaders across the city. Greuel also announced that she raised more money than any other candidate in the last reporting period, and has more cash on hand with just 11 days until the election.

Greuel has also earned endorsements from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, State Senator Alex Padilla, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Bill Rosendahl and José Huizar, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack.

And Greuel leads the field in support from business and working men and women. She’s been backed by more than 20 labor groups, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Jobs PAC, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association PAC, the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and the Los Angeles Daily News.

Endorsement Reflects Greuel’s Expanding Support Among Latino Leaders Across Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — Continuing to pick up steam in her Mayoral bid, today Wendy Greuel raked in another crucial endorsement from one of Los Angeles’ leading Latino leaders with the announcement that California State Senator Ron Calderon is backing her campaign.

Today’s endorsement adds to Greuel’s growing list of endorsements from some of California’s most widely respected leaders, including: Dolores Huerta, Assembly Speaker John A. Peréz, Congressman Tony Cardenas, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, State Senator Alex Padilla, former Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes, Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra, former Assemblymember Hector De La Torre, Councilmember José Huizar, LAUSD Board Member Nury Martinez, among others.

“Los Angeles needs a Mayor who will fight for residents in every part of the City,” said Senator Calderon. “No candidate for Mayor is better suited to do just that than Wendy Greuel. As the only citywide officeholder in the race, she’s already proven that she’s capable of delivering results for residents in every corner of Los Angeles. With the ongoing fiscal crisis and cycle of cuts, right now LA needs a hands-on Mayor who will work day and night to get the City back to fiscal sanity. Wendy is that candidate. I am proud to give her my enthusiastic endorsement.”

“Senator Calderon’s endorsement demonstrates that Latino leaders all throughout Los Angeles are uniting behind my campaign. I am grateful for his endorsement,” said Greuel. “With less than two weeks before the primary election, this endorsement comes at a key time in the race and give us the momentum we need to propel us towards election day.”

Senator Calderon represent California’s 30th State Senate District, which includes parts of East Los Angeles, Los Angeles and South Gate, as well as the communities of Florence-Graham and Hacienda Heights. His district also includes the cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, East La Mirada, Huntington Park, La Mirada, Montebello, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, and South El Monte.

Significantly, Greuel recently earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), the Los Angeles News Group (which owns the LA Daily News), Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC. She was also recently endorsed by George Lopez and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez.

Greuel has also secured endorsements from prominent elected and community leaders including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmember Janice Hahn, State Senators Fran Pavley, Former Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg, Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal, and Nancy Skinner, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icon and John Mack, among many others.

Law Enforcement Endorsement Gives Greuel Momentum in Final Days Before Primary Election

LOS ANGELES, CA – Continuing to earn public safety endorsements in the race to be LA’s next Mayor, today Wendy Greuel announced that the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA) is backing her campaign.

The Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA) was formed in 1951 and represents more than 8,500 Los Angeles County Public Safety employees, including Deputy Sheriffs, County Marshals and District Attorney Investigators.

Today’s endorsement adds to Greuel’s growing list of endorsements from law enforcement and public safety groups including: the Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), the Los Angeles School Police Officers Association (LASPOA), the Law Enforcement Association of Asian Pacifics (LEAAP), the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) Local 112, and the Los Angeles Fire Chief Officers’ Association.

“There’s a reason why so many law enforcement and public safety groups are uniting behind Wendy Greuel’s campaign for Mayor. It’s because we know that as Mayor, Wendy Greuel will prioritize public safety and ensure that LA’s street are safe. That’s why the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association is proud to join the growing list of law enforcement and public safety groups in supporting Wendy Greuel for Mayor,” said Brian Moriguchi, President of PPOA.

"Having the support and confidence of those who risk their own safety in order to protect others from harm’s way is something that really means a lot to me,” said Greuel. “I’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles and I’ll fight to keep streets, neighborhoods and schools across the city safe. This endorsement reflects the growing consensus among law enforcement and public safety groups that I'll be a partner with them in the battle to fight crime, and I am grateful for the PPOA’s support."

Earlier this month, Greuel released a web ad highlighting the importance of public safety. The ad can be viewed here.

In addition to public safety and law enforcement endorsements, Greuel has recently received endorsements from Rep. Linda Sanchez, comedian George Lopez, State Sen. Ron Calderon, and more than 60 business leaders across the city.

Greuel has also been endorsed by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s Jobs PAC, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC, the Los Angeles News Group, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project of Los Angeles County, and the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) of Los Angeles County.

Support Demonstrates Greuel’s Grassroots Momentum Heading into March Primary

Los Angeles, CA – Wendy Greuel announced today that it she has won the endorsement of the California State University, Northridge Young Democrats, who join San Fernando Valley Young Democrats and Latino Democrats of the San Fernando Valley in choosing Greuel for Mayor.

In the last week, Greuel has also picked up significant endorsements from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Senator Ron Calderon, comedian George Lopez, and the Professional Peace Officers Association.

"Wendy was born and raised in the Valley, and as mayor she'll fight for the Valley and for every neighborhood in the City. We share Wendy's vision for a more progressive Los Angeles with a great education system and good-paying jobs," said Ty Halen, President, CSUN Young Dems. "Wendy made the effort to meet with us in person and our membership believes she has the experience and vision to send LA back to the top. Her priorities coincide with those of the students we represent at Cal State Northridge, and she’ll be a great mayor for all Los Angeles"

Wendy was raised in the northern San Fernando Valley, less than 5 miles away from the CSUN campus.

“I’m glad to have the support of the California State University, Northridge Young Democrats,” said Greuel. “Our colleges and universities like CSUN are valuable resources that our City must continue leveraging to create jobs and build hubs of innovation in Los Angeles. I’ll make sure no one in LA is left behind, and as Mayor I’ll fight to ensure that our grads are staying in LA and getting hired.”

Wendy's campaign recently launched its Youth Vote Project, running out of all its field offices. The campaign is engaging young people across the city by asking them to call other young voters, encouraging them to get involved and vote on March 5.

Significantly, Greuel recently earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), the Los Angeles Daily News, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC.

Wendy has a strong base of support in the San Fernando Valley and across Los Angeles, and has been endorsed by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmember Janice Hahn, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, Councilmembers Jose Huizar and Bill Rosendahl, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta.

Former Clinton Administration U.S. Commerce Secretary Mickey Kantor Backs Wendy Greuel for Mayor

Los Angeles, CA — Continuing her momentum, today Wendy Greuel announced an endorsement from Michael “Mickey” Kantor, who served in President Clinton’s Administration as Secretary of Commerce. Following his tenure in the Clinton Administration, Kantor served as co-founder of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps.

Today’s announcement follows Greuel's back-to-back endorsements from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, George Lopez, State Senator Ron Calderon, the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), and the LA Fire Chief Officers’ Association, among others.

Kantor served as a United States Trade Representative from 1993-1996 before being appointed Secretary of Commerce for President Bill Clinton in 1996. Kantor is also the founder of the LA Conservation Corps, the largest urban conservation corps in the nation, which serves over 17,000 young people each year.

“Since Wendy is the only candidate in the race with experience working as an executive and as a small business owner, she understands what it takes to meet a payroll and balance a budget," said Kantor. "And as Controller, she’s fought waste, fraud, and abuse in city government. Her broad background and vision for making Los Angeles a beacon of economic opportunity is just what the city needs. I am proud to give her my enthusiastic endorsement.”

“I'm delighted to have Mickey Kantor endorse my campaign for Mayor," said Greuel. "Mickey has a deep understanding of the Los Angeles economy and knows what it takes to help businesses grow and create jobs. His work with the Los Angeles Conservation Corps has given thousands of students and young adults the tools they need to get ahead. I will be a Mayor for all of Los Angeles, and I look forward to working with Mickey to create jobs and opportunity for Angelenos all across the city.”

Beyond today’s announcement, Greuel has assembled a broad coalition of support from more than 20 labor organizations and endorsements from nearly every leading business group in Los Angeles. She’s also locked down support from the most powerful public safety and law enforcement groups in the city.

When it comes to endorsements from elected officials and community leaders, Greuel is also outpacing her opponents, with endorsement from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn, Linda Sanchez, and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack, among many others.

Significantly, Greuel has a tremendous grassroots following with supporters all across Los Angeles through her various campaign committees including: the Women with Wendy, Valley Leaders with Wendy, African Americans with Wendy, Latinos with Wendy, Conservationists with Wendy, Armenians with Wendy, and Korean Americans with Wendy committee.

Support Demonstrates Greuel’s Broad Coalition Heading into March Primary

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Wendy Greuel announced that Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Senior Pastor-Teacher of Faithful Central Bible Church&#042, has endorsed her campaign for Mayor. (Affiliation is for identification only, and does not imply an endorsement from the Church)

Bishop Ulmer, former President of The King’s College and Seminary in Los Angeles, has served as the head of the Faithful Central Bible Church since 1982. Faithful Central Bible Church is a strong voice in its community, providing programs for adult learners, guidance for adults entering or re-entering the workforce, emergency food for at-risk community members, and transportation for the elderly.

“I’ve known Wendy Greuel for years and share her deep and demonstrated love for our community,” said Ulmer. “Wendy will be a champion for all and a fighter for those who don’t have a voice. I support her wholeheartedly and know she will make a great Mayor.”

“In the years I’ve known and worked with Bishop Ulmer, I have been struck by the power of his ministry to create positive change in his community,” said Greuel. “I’m proud to have his support and look forward to working with him and Faithful Central Bible Church to improve quality of life for all our neighborhoods, create jobs and improve public transportation.”

Wendy previously announced her African Americans with Wendy committee, made up of faith, business, and neighborhood leaders from the African American community.

Greuel has recently earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs (ALADS), the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), the Los Angeles News Group (which owns the LA Daily News), Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC. Greuel has also recently picked up significant endorsements from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Senator Ron Calderon, and George Lopez.

Former LAUSD School Board Member Yolie Flores Joins LAUSD Board Members Dr. Richard Vladovic & Nury Martinez in Endorsing Greuel

LOS ANGELES, CA — Bolstering her Mayoral bid, today Wendy Greuel received a formidable endorsement from former LAUSD Board Member Yolie Flores, whose leadership helped build the momentum for transformative change at LAUSD.

Flores’ endorsement follows Greuel’s endorsement earlier today from LAUSD Board Member Dr. Richard Vladovic. Greuel has also been endorsed by LAUSD Board Member Nury Martinez.

“Wendy Greuel’s commitment to much needed education reforms is something we desperately need from our next Mayor,” said Flores. “As a parent with a son in an LA public school, Wendy knows that every child’s future hinges on a great education. This is what every parent wants, and what every student deserves. Wendy’s support for empowering parents, teachers, and school principals to have more ownership over their schools is refreshing and will help to compliment the important reforms recently made in Los Angeles’ schools. I am proud to give Wendy Greuel my enthusiastic endorsement.”

“Good schools are essential to a strong economy,” said Greuel. “That’s why I’m such a passionate supporter of reforming our public education system and improving our schools. Yolie Flores’ endorsement underscores the fact that education reform leaders are uniting behind my campaign because they know I’ll partner with them to end the status quo. I’ve always greatly admired Yolie’s tireless dedication to reforming our education system and I am delighted to have her endorsement."

Today’s endorsement comes on the heels of numerous endorsements the Greuel campaign has rolled out over the last week, including: Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, comedian George Lopez, State Senator Ron Calderon, the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), LA Fire Chief Officers’ Association, among others.

Notably, Greuel has amassed a broad coalition of support from more than 20 labor organizations and by nearly every leading business group in Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Jobs PAC and the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC. Greuel has also received endorsements from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn, Linda Sanchez, and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack.

Greuel also has a tremendous grassroots following with supporters all across Los Angeles through her various campaign committees including: Women with Wendy, Valley Leaders with Wendy, African Americans with Wendy, Latinos with Wendy, Conservationists with Wendy, Armenians with Wendy, and Korean Americans with Wendy.

Harbor Area School Board Member Endorses Wendy Greuel for Mayor

LOS ANGELES, CA — Expanding her lead in important endorsements, today Wendy Greuel picked up an endorsement from Harbor Area School Board Member Dr. Richard Vladovic.

Today’s endorsement adds to Greuel’s momentum heading into the final days of the primary election.

Dr. Vladovic's endorsement follows scores of other powerful endorsements Greuel has recently received from Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, comedian George Lopez, State Senator Ron Calderon, the Professional Peace Officers Association (PPOA), LA Fire Chief Officers’ Association, and the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, among others.

“Wendy is the only candidate in the race for Mayor with a son in an LA public school,” said Dr. Vladovic. “As a result, she’s got first-hand experience of dealing with our schools every day. We need that from our next Mayor. I am excited to endorse Wendy Greuel for Mayor because I know she’ll be a strong advocate for education reform and improvements to schools. Most importantly, I know Wendy is committed to changing the status quo and making sure LA’s kids get the best education possible. She’s got my full support.”

“The increasing support I’ve received in recent weeks has been tremendously encouraging,” said Greuel. “Dr. Vladovic has been a real champion for reform in district, and has focused on raising student achievement and implementing benchmarks. His endorsement is another great boost to my campaign. I am grateful for Dr. Vladovic’s support.”

Also in the Harbor Area, renowned Congresswoman Janice Hahn has endorsed Greuel, as well.

Notably, Greuel has amassed a broad coalition of support from more than 20 labor organizations and by nearly every leading business group in Los Angeles. Greuel has also received endorsements from U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn, Linda Sanchez, and Tony Cardenas, Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack.

Greuel also has a tremendous grassroots following with supporters all across Los Angeles through her various campaign committees including: the Women with Wendy, Valley Leaders with Wendy, African Americans with Wendy, Latinos with Wendy, Conservationists with Wendy, Armenians with Wendy, and Korean Americans with Wendy committee.

The following are a pair of excerpts from a Los Angeles Times profile of Wendy. Read the full story here.

In the early 1980s, Wendy Greuel was at a crossroads. In one direction was the family building supply company housed in a dusty North Hollywood warehouse. The other way, a career at Los Angeles City Hall in Mayor Tom Bradley's administration beckoned.

Bright, young and ambitious, Greuel had balanced duties on the high school cheerleading squad and as student body president with part-time work at Frontier Building Supply — where she kept the books, drove a forklift and answered the phone that sometimes rang for her mother's side business, the White Lace Inn.

The 17-year-old Greuel, raised a Republican, was star-struck when she first met the Democratic mayor during a youth leadership ceremony atop City Hall. "Here was this 6-foot-5 inspirational leader," she said, "and as I've jokingly said, I fell in love that day."

When Bradley handed her an award, her course was set. Over the next decade, she would join a group of young aides who drove the five-term mayor's agenda, from the inspiring run-up to the 1984 Olympic Games to the difficult rebuilding after the city's 1992 riots. Her portfolio at City Hall — homelessness, housing, child care and AIDS — took the young UCLA graduate from the conservative enclaves of the Valley into the most destitute corners of South and East L.A.

"I used to call her the mayor of hopeless causes," former Bradley Deputy Press Secretary Dee Dee Myers said. "She had all the really tough, intractable issues … and she dove in."

Now a leading contender to follow her political hero to City Hall's top office, Greuel says she learned from Bradley the skills the job demands: a tireless work ethic, an ability to glide between city factions and a relentless focus on basic city services.

"What I really learned from all of those years was that the details matter," said Greuel, whose admiration for Bradley's zeal in reporting potholes led her to style herself as the "pothole queen" when she later represented the San Fernando Valley on the City Council.

...

Former Bradley aide Donna Bojarsky said Greuel sought out "high-value, low-glamour" assignments. She also cultivated long-term political relationships that have helped her stack up endorsements in the current race.

Fellow Bradley aide Kerman Maddox noted that she was the one staffer who went to every group's party.

"We're talking 1980s Los Angeles, a tough, gritty, racially-balkanized city," Maddox said. "We'd tease her: 'How many white girls are hanging out in South L.A? It's just you.' But that's her.... She could move from camp to camp, faction to faction, because she got along with everyone."

Greuel was tasked with developing programs to deal with the city's burgeoning homeless population, which was threatening Bradley's drive to redevelop downtown's Bunker Hill. Greuel was in the thick of the issue when tensions grew over a proliferation of urban encampments, including the much-publicized "Justiceville."

Ted Hayes, Justiceville's leader and an advocate for the homeless, recalled that he and Bradley were at sharp odds because "I ran like a buzz saw right smack dab into his plans." Greuel began showing up at the camp, wandering among the plywood and cardboard structures in her prim navy suits.

When Greuel first sat down at the Justiceville campfire to talk policy, Hayes was taken aback. "She was this little pup — this blue-eyed, blond-haired chick walking into danger," said Hayes, who is neutral in the mayor's race. "She showed no fear, no intimidation. She gave me the time to explain what it was I was trying to do."

Read the whole story at the LA Times.

Los Angeles — Today Wendy Greuel called on her opponent Eric Garcetti to cut ties with oil drilling company Venoco, after the Los Angeles Times reported that Garcetti has been leasing a Beverly Hills property he owns to the oil company.

Serious health concerns have been raised about Venoco, which drills for oil next to Beverly Hills High School. The company was fined in 2003 for illegally venting gasses over high school playing fields. Subsequent lawsuits alleged the gasses caused cancer.

"As the mom of a child in our public schools, I know that nothing is more important than the health and safety of our school children. It is absolutely wrong that Eric is allowing children to be in danger by leasing his property to this company," Greuel said. "How could Eric have possibly endorsed an oil well at a high school where children are? It's time for Eric to cut ties with Venoco and terminate this lease."

The Times reported that Garcetti failed to disclose that he stands to gain financially from his relationship with Venoco, a conflict of interest.

Garcetti signed the lease with Venoco in 1998, and since then the company has faced with a series of fines, lawsuits, and complaints. In 2003, Erin Brokovich sued Venoco on behalf of families who are suffering from Cancer and Hodgkins disease.

That same year AQMD inspectors found Venoco illegally vented well gas over the Beverly Hills High School playing fields — 230,000 cubic feet on the day they took their sample. Venoco was fined $10,000.

The next year, a Venoco oil spill caused massive pollution off the coast of Santa Barbara. As a result, Wendy authored a resolution in opposition to Venoco's offshore drilling.

Greuel has a strong record of protecting the Los Angeles environment. She set the record for the most open space preserved by a City Councilwoman, preserving nearly 1,200 acres of open space in Council District 2, and she's vowed as mayor to increase water recycling, increase LADWP's energy efficiency efforts, and add parks across Los Angeles.

A lifelong Angeleno, Wendy Greuel started her career in public service in the office of former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley, eventually becoming deputy to the Mayor. Following her tenure in Mayor Bradley’s office, Wendy worked as a senior advisor at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 1997, Wendy transitioned into the private sector, working in the film industry as an executive at DreamWorks Pictures, and in 2002, she was elected to the Los Angeles City Council to represent the City’s 2nd District. In 2009, Wendy was elected Controller for the City of Los Angeles. As Controller, she is the taxpayer’s watchdog, and is responsible for ensuring that the City is held accountable for its actions.

Wendy Greuel is considered one of the leading candidates for Mayor, and is the only candidate in the race who has already run successfully citywide. In 2009, Greuel received more votes than any candidate for any office. In the race for Controller, she earned almost two-thirds of the vote and finished 47% ahead of her next closest competitor.

LOS ANGELES -- Earlier today Wendy Greuel held a press conference calling on her chief rival in the race for Mayor, Eric Garcetti, to cut his ties with one of the worst local polluters, Venoco.

In a desperate attempt to divert attention from whether or not he'll cut ties with Venoco, Garcetti went on the attack, rather than answering Greuel's call.

In response to Garcetti's baseless attacks, Greuel issued the following statement:

"Today I called on Eric Garcetti to cut his ties with Venoco. Instead of answering my call to sever his ties with this firm, Eric avoided answering. Even worse, he completely ignored the issue. He said that there's a ban on oil drilling under his property -- but that's false. The ban doesn't start until the end of 2016, and according to Eric's agreement with Venoco, the oil drilling can start as soon as tomorrow. This is an oil company that has been fined $10,000 for releasing toxic fumes over a school play yard, and Eric’s signature on this lease essentially endorses the activity of this oil derrick.

"The fact is, Eric has campaigned across Los Angeles touting his environmental record and has claimed he's an environmental champion, but his actions today show the complete opposite.

“Today’s events are symbolic of Eric’s character of being everything to everyone. One day Eric says he’s an environmentalist, yet the next he’s hiding his 15-year relationship with Big Oil Venoco. In an effort to distract voters from the issue, Eric brought up a contribution for $250 to me from a firm that represents a variety of clients. The contribution was from four years ago and is perfectly legal. The reality is that not disclosing the fact that Eric was a Beverly Hills property owner is illegal. It appears Eric broke the law and he needs to explain why and how this happened.

"I have never been lobbied by Venoco. I don't have a 15-year relationship with Venoco. I authored the resolution to oppose Venoco's offshore drilling in 2005. On the other hand, when Venoco lobbied Eric Garcetti to sign the lease – he signed it!

"Again, I ask you Eric, cut your ties with Venoco!"

To view the Beverly Hills City Council ordinance regarding the Venoco lease which exists through 2016 and can be extended, click here:

Below is the language from the Beverly Hills municipal code regarding this issue.

10-5-323: CESSATION OF ACTIVITY:

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 3, article 41 of this title, all drilling, production, and extraction activities occurring from surface locations in the city, including controlled drill site no. 1, shall cease by December 31, 2016.

B. The city council may extend the date set forth in subsection A of this section for controlled drill site no. 1 upon application of the property owner and upon finding that an extension of time would be in the public interest. (Ord. 11-O-2614, eff. 11-18-201)

"As an environmental leader, I am upset to read that a fellow colleague and Mayoral candidate has failed to disclose his relationship of 15 years with Venoco, Inc.

This relationship puts our environment at risk and posses a real threat to the health of our children. Councilman Garcetti needs to come clean on his ties with Big Oil. When did they approach him to sign this lease? Why does he think it’s a good idea for an oil well to be located on the same property as a public high school?

I know Eric wants to be an environmental leader, he should be that person today and severe his ties with Venoco."

• Councilmember Bill Rosendahl

Los Angeles, CA – Today famed environmental crusader Erin Brockovich issued a statement regarding an LA Times investigation that revealed Eric Garcetti's 15-year relationship with an oil company that is drilling under a local high school.

In 2003, Brockovich sued the company, Venoco, on behalf of families who alleged the oil company had caused cancer.

“Ten years ago Ed Masry and I stood up for the victims of Venoco and its harmful effects on the community. This oil well that sits on a public high school in my opinion has caused irreparable harm in the form of cancer and Hodgkin’s disease. These families will never be the same because of Venoco. It’s reprehensible that Eric Garcetti, a candidate for Mayor, would have any relationship with this Big Oil Company. He should know that the lease he and other Beverly Hill property owners signed enable this company to pollute the air, endanger the lives of children and potentially be lethal in the form of cancer.”

-- Erin Brockovich

Greuel tops $5 million as primary approaches

Los Angeles, CA – Wendy Greuel’s campaign announced that it had raised $321,817 in the final reporting period before the March 5 primary, the best 10-day fundraising stretch of her campaign and a sign of her strong momentum heading into the final weekend before Election Day.

Greuel has collected $5,067,364 in total, and has raised $926,643 since the new year. With just four days before the election, her campaign has $327,244 cash on hand.

Greuel is continuing to expand her grassroots base. More than 60% of her donations in the period came from individuals who gave $250 or less, and nearly three quarters of donors were first time contributors.

“I am deeply humbled that so many Angelenos across the city are joining our campaign to change Los Angeles. As we head into election day, I want Angelenos to know that I will fight for all of Los Angeles, so no one is left behind,” said Greuel. “I’ll work tirelessly to create jobs and grow our economy, reform our schools, build a seamless transportation system and root out waste in government. I’m going to keep reaching out to people in every part of the city who share this vision for LA.”

“The amazing surge of contributions that Wendy has received in just the last ten days shows that LA voters want a mayor who is a truth teller, not a storyteller. Wendy Greuel will fight waste, fraud, and abuse in City government and leverage her experience in the private sector to create jobs and grow Los Angeles' economy,” said John Shallman, Greuel's Chief Strategist. “We've consistently exceeded our goals since the new year and will ride this momentum up to the primary and beyond.”

“Wendy is reaching out to voters all across Los Angeles, with phone bankers, volunteers and donors coming together to help spread our message and expanding our base of support,” said Greuel's Campaign Manager Rose Kapolczynski. “We have been communicating on the radio, through television, in the mail, and over the phones, and we are confident that the thousands of grassroots supporters who have invested in Wendy will help us run a robust campaign for the duration of this race.”

In all, 7,405 people have made 9,919 contributions to Greuel's campaign – nearly 600 new donors in just a 10 days.

Greuel has developed a strong and broad field operation that is reaching out to voters all across Los Angeles. She now has field offices in South LA, West LA, Boyle Heights, Van Nuys, and Studio City.

As the election approaches, Greuel also continues to pull away in the race for endorsements. She leads in support from business and labor groups, with endorsements from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce LA Jobs PAC, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC, and more than 21 labor unions. Greuel has also been endorsed by the Los Angeles Police Protective League, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Los Angeles Daily News, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and a wide range of community and elected leaders.

Join Wendy Greuel and grassroots supporters at the Los Angeles Brewing Company in downtown Los Angeles for an election night celebration after the polls close. Doors open at 8:01 pm and parking is located at West 8th and Spring Street. $5 to park.

More than 30 events in 3 days heading into Election Day

Los Angeles, CA – With the Mayoral primary election just days away, Wendy Greuel continued her Get Out The Vote tour across Los Angeles, which will take her to more than 30 events in the three days before Election Day.

Greuel has pledged to be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and she is traveling to neighborhoods in every part of the city to talk to voters about the future of LA and to encourage people to vote on March 5.

“This is a crucial election, and I’m thrilled to see so many Angelenos who are enthusiastic about voting and are joining our campaign to change Los Angeles. I’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles, and this weekend we’re talking to Angelenos in every neighborhood and community in the city about how we can create jobs, reform our schools, improve our transportation and root out waste in government,” Greuel said. “As someone who won their first election by 225 votes, I know how important it is to reach out to as many people as possible and encourage everyone to take part in the civic process.”

Yesterday, Wendy rallied supporters at two different field offices, threw out the first pitch for Granada Little League’s Opening Day, met with Women with Wendy supporters, spoke to business owners in Larchmont, shared a pastrami sandwich with Norm Langer at Langer’s Deli, phonebanked with volunteers in Koreatown, hiked with conservationists in the 1,200 acres of open space in the Verdugo Mountains that she preserved as a Councilmember, participated in the lantern festival at the Chinese American Museum, honored her friend Patricia Glaserat an event at Hebrew University, and enjoyed Diddy Riese ice cream sandwiches with students at her alma mater, UCLA.

Throughout the weekend, volunteers for Wendy will also be canvassing neighborhoods and reaching out to voters from Boyle Heights to Studio City.