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Mayor Riordan Joins Wendy Greuel as Senior Adviser

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Los Angeles, CA – Wendy Greuel is pleased to announce that Mayor Richard Riordan has agreed to join her team as a "Senior Adviser". Riordan will offer advice on economic issues.

Riordan served as mayor of Los Angeles from 1993-2001. Riordan spearheaded the rebuilding of many parts of the city after the Northridge Earthquake, and he was a powerful force for the economy with the creation of the Alameda Corridor, Staples Center and Disney Hall.

During his tenure as Mayor, Riordan also improved public safety, adding police officers and cutting crime dramatically.

"Los Angeles, the city I love, is in a crisis – we need to bring business and labor together and I know Wendy Greuel is the right candidate for the job," said Mayor Richard Riordan.

"Mayor Riordan will be my first hire in my new administration, he has agreed to come work for me for only $1 a year. I'm honored to have the assistance of one of the few men who knows firsthand what it takes to do the job of mayor of Los Angeles," said Greuel. "Mayor Riordan is a force in Los Angeles. As Mayor he lowered crime and pushed for reform in our local schools, and he has been a leading voice in talking about what our City must do to address its economic challenges."


Group hug!

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Thanks for helping build this campaign.

You're all doing a great job -- we've almost reached our $10,000 goal to fund our Spring Organizing Program to help recruit and train more volunteers.

Thanks for helping build this campaign.

You're all doing a great job -- we've almost reached our $10,000 goal to fund our Spring Organizing Program to help recruit and train more volunteers.

Help put us over the top, chip in $5 or more tonight.


This is going to be a close race, so what we do to out-organize the other side between now and May 21 could make all the difference.

Chip in $5 or more to boost this campaign's grassroots strength in the final two months.

Let's make history -- and then have a big group hug when we win on May 21.

Former Assemblymember George Nakano Endorses Wendy Greuel

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Los Angeles -- Former State Assemblymember George Nakano announced today that he is endorsing Wendy Greuel for mayor of Los Angeles.

Nakano, who was born and raised in East Los Angeles, remains a popular and respected figure in the Japanese American community. Nakano was elected to represent California’s 53rd Assembly district in 1998.

Nakano's backing adds to Greuel’s recent groundswell of support in the Asian Pacific American community, following on the heels of recent endorsements from Congresswoman Judy Chu and Community College Trustee Mike Eng.

"Wendy has always been a strong partner with the API community, and her door is open to the concerns of every community across Los Angeles,” said Nakano. “Wendy is the kind of strong leader that Los Angeles needs right now – she’s tough, dedicated, and experienced, and she has what it takes to unite the city and make the tough choices we need to get LA back on track and restore the services so many residents depend. I’m proud to endorse her for mayor."

"George Nakano has been a soldier, a teacher, a legislator and a leader for so many people, and above all he has fought throughout his career for his community. He was a powerful voice in the Assembly, working to improve public education, protect our environment and create family wage jobs," said Greuel. "I am eager to work with him to get our economy back on track and reform our school system so every child has access to a great education."

Nakano spent four years in internment camps during World War II. He served as a Torrance City Councilmember for 14 years before being elected to the Assembly, where he was the first Asian-American to serve as Democratic Caucus Chair and the inaugural chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus.

Greuel is leading in support from public safety groups, labor organizations, and business associations, having earned the support of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce's LA JOBS PAC, and groups representing hundreds of thousands of working men and women.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Statement in Support of Wendy Greuel

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The election of a new mayor represents new opportunities for Los Angeles, the city of my birth, where my wife and I have made our home and raised our family, and where I have served the residents of this city in various capacities at the local and state levels for the length of my 22 years as an elected official. Our city faces enormous challenges: economic and social. Perhaps the most vexing are its budgetary problems and the threats these pose to municipal services that impact the quality of life of Angelenos, no matter where they live.

As I have watched the election unfold, I have become convinced that the candidate best able to lead all of Los Angeles during this troubled time is City Controller Wendy Greuel. I have known Wendy for over 25 years. I have confidence in Wendy Greuel. She is a committed problem solver, whose knowledge of city government, experience, and appeal to all segments of our city equips her to lead.

Like Mayor Tom Bradley for whom she once worked, I know that Wendy’s door at City Hall will be open to all – conservatives and progressives, business and labor, men and women and youth of all backgrounds and ethnicities

From the Valley to South Los Angeles, San Pedro to Koreatown and the Eastside to the Westside, Wendy Greuel is prepared and ready to be what our city needs today.

Over half of the two million residents who I represent in the Second District of the County of Los Angeles live within the boundaries of the City of Los Angeles. South Los Angeles represents 15% of the city-wide electorate, which in this race can make the difference. South Los Angeles is issue rich, ranging from workforce development, transportation, public safety, housing and the environment are listed among its priorities.

Although tremendous progress has been made in South Los Angeles – crime is down, cutting-edge health facilities are underway and a new light rail train line will bring economic opportunity once completed – I look forward to working with the next mayor to continue and expand on these achievements.

South Los Angeles needs a partner and a leader. I think Wendy Greuel is that person. And, I believe that South LA is poised to support Wendy Greuel.

Leadership matters. Substance on the issues and a record of results do as well. Wendy Greuel's record of accomplishment has placed her on the path to achieve an historic outcome for which I believe the City of the Angels is ready. That is why I am pleased to provide my wholehearted endorsement to Wendy Greuel for Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. I strongly urge my supporters to embrace her candidacy and to vote for her on Tuesday, May 21st.

Mark Ridley-Thomas Backs Wendy Greuel

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Los Angeles, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas announced that he is endorsing Wendy Greuel as the next Mayor of Los Angeles.

Supervisor Ridley-Thomas, who has previously served as a Los Angeles City Councilmember, a State Assemblymember, and a State Senator, was the first African-American man to be elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. He has been a strong advocate for job creation and retention and local hiring, and he has helped increase access to quality health care, including jumpstarting the opening of the new Martin Luther King, Jr., hospital.

To see the Supervisor's full statement, click here

Ridley-Thomas is also an outspoken supporter for neighborhood participation in government. He was an early vocal champion for the Neighborhood Council system in Los Angeles.

“I have become convinced that the candidate best able to lead all of Los Angeles during this troubled time is City Controller Wendy Greuel. I have known Wendy for over 25 years. I have confidence in Wendy Greuel. She is a committed problem solver, whose knowledge of city government, experience, and appeal to all segments of our city equips her to lead,” said Ridley-Thomas.

“South Los Angeles needs a partner and a leader. I think Wendy Greuel is that person. And, I believe that South LA is poised to support Wendy Greuel,” he said. “Leadership matters. Substance on the issues and a record of results do as well. Wendy Greuel's record of accomplishment has placed her on the path to achieve an historic outcome for which I believe the City of the Angels is ready. That is why I am pleased to provide my wholehearted endorsement to Wendy Greuel for Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. I strongly urge my supporters to embrace her candidacy and to vote for her on Tuesday, May 21st.”

“I have had the honor of working with Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas for more than 20 years. Together we have built coalitions and united different parts of Los Angeles to deliver results and improve the lives of families and residents,” Greuel said. “I’m excited to partner with him to empower Angelenos across the city. Together we will fight to bring good-paying jobs back to LA and to make sure we’re providing the core services so many residents depend on each day.”

Greuel has a strong base of support in the African-American community, including endorsements from longtime Los Angeles Urban League president John Mack; Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ and pastor of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ Bishop; Kenneth C. Ulmer, Senior Pastor-Teacher of Faithful Central Bible Church; Reverend Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, former pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church; Our Weekly; LA Focus on the Word; Olympic Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson; and the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats.

Greuel has brought together a strong coalition of support from public safety workers, major business groups, and labor organizations, including significant endorsements from the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA) PAC, the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce's LA JOBS PAC, and groups representing more than 600,000 working men and women.

President Bill Clinton: Proud to support Wendy

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President Bill Clinton emailed a letter earlier this morning to announce his endorsement of Wendy Greuel for Los Angeles Mayor:

Bill Clinton



Friends --

Join us I'm proud to support Wendy Greuel for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Throughout her career, whether in the public or private sector, Wendy has been a smart, dedicated, and creative problem-solver. She knows how to make government work for ordinary people, and she's been doing it for decades, not only when times are good, but especially during periods of crisis.

I saw this strength of Wendy's first-hand in 1994, when she was a valued member of my administration's Department of Housing and Urban Development. When the Northridge Earthquake struck -- causing so much loss of life and destruction -- Wendy sprang into action. She helped deliver over a billion dollars in federal emergency aid to Los Angeles residents and worked around the clock to assist families who lost their homes.

In her many years of public service in Los Angeles, first in Mayor Bradley's office, through her tenure on the City Council, and now as City Controller, Wendy has personified good, honest, and effective government, improving the lives of countless Angelenos while saving millions of their tax dollars.

And she's not done yet.

Los Angeles is a great city with equally great challenges, so it's vital that Angelenos elect a proven, creative problem solver to lead them. That's Wendy Greuel. I urge you to join me in supporting her for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton Signature

Bill Clinton


Stand with Bill Clinton



President Bill Clinton Endorses Wendy Greuel for Mayor, Citing Her Success as a "Creative Problem-Solver"

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Los Angeles – Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States, today endorsed Wendy Greuel in her race to become Mayor of Los Angeles.

Clinton praised Greuel as a strong leader who will bring change to Los Angeles.

"Wendy is a smart, dedicated, and creative problem-solver. She knows how to make government work for ordinary people, and she’s been doing it for decades, not only when times are good, but especially during periods of crisis,” President Clinton said today in a message to all of Wendy's supporters in the May 21 race for Mayor. "I saw this strength of Wendy's first-hand in 1994."

Greuel served in the Clinton Administration for five years in the 1990's at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where she spearheaded the federal government’s response to the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. When the earthquake struck, HUD dispatched Greuel to Los Angeles, where she cut red tape and expedited the delivery of more than $1 billion in emergency aid and assisted families who had lost their homes.

Greuel later worked at DreamWorks Studios as an executive, before being elected to the City Council in 2001.

"President Clinton has been a role model for me of what strong leadership can mean in terms of creating jobs and building coalitions. This endorsement demonstrates the momentum we are determined to build through May 21," Greuel said.

"I'm proud of the tangible benefits that the federal government provided to Los Angeles to recover from the devastating earthquake, and how I was a staunch advocate for moving faster and faster to help people recover. It wasn’t always flashy or easy to see, but we worked hard to deliver relief and aid families who had lost their homes and property. As mayor, I’ll be a strong leader and bring change to our city," Greuel added.

Clinton visited Los Angeles immediately after the earthquake and worked closely with Mayor Richard Riordan to respond to the crisis. Riordan has also endorsed Greuel.

The President's letter can be seen here. The full text of the president's endorsement follows.

Dear Friends,

I’m proud to support Wendy Greuel for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Throughout her career, whether in the public or private sector, Wendy has been a smart, dedicated, and creative problem-solver. She knows how to make government work for ordinary people, and she’s been doing it for decades, not only when times are good, but especially during periods of crisis.

I saw this strength of Wendy’s first-hand in 1994, when she was a valued member of my administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development. When the Northridge Earthquake struck—causing so much loss of life and destruction—Wendy sprang into action. She helped deliver over a billion dollars in federal emergency aid to Los Angeles residents and worked around the clock to assist families who lost their homes.

In her many years of public service in Los Angeles, first in Mayor Bradley’s office, through her tenure on the City Council, and now as City Controller, Wendy has personified good, honest, and effective government, improving the lives of countless Angelenos while saving millions of their tax dollars.

And she’s not done yet.

Los Angeles is a great city with equally great challenges, so it’s vital that Angelenos elect a proven, creative problem solver to lead them. That's Wendy Greuel. I urge you to join me in supporting her for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Sincerely, Bill Clinton

Greater San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Women Endorses Greuel for Mayor

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Los Angeles, CA — Wendy Greuel announced that she has been endorsed by the Greater San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Women.

Greuel has built up a broad base of support from thousands of women and influential women’s organizations across Los Angeles and the country. Wendy was also recently endorsed by Emily’s List, one of the country’s largest political advocacy groups which has helped elect hundreds of women to national, state and local political office.

"Los Angeles needs strong leadership that can bring real change to our city, someone who can bring all sides together to get things done,” said Robin Kellogg, President of Greater San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Women. “Wendy gets it – she has experience in the public and private sector, in a family business and at DreamWorks Studios. We are excited to endorse a candidate as uniquely qualified as Wendy Greuel.”

"I’m proud to add the Greater San Fernando Valley Business and Professional Women to my coalition," said Greuel. "I’ll be a tough fiscal watchdog, cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse in City government and making the taxpayer the top priority in City Hall. I’ll bring all sides together to deliver real results, creating jobs and making Los Angeles more business-friendly."

As a strong champion for women and girls, Wendy worked closely with the LAPD and advocate community to ensure the LAPD implemented all recommendations to fully eliminate the DNA rape kit backlog, and as Controller did two follow-up audits to make sure the LAPD was following through on their promise to test every DNA rape kit and bring justice to the thousands of rape victims in Los Angeles.

In the 1980’s, Wendy fought against Operation Rescue’s anti-abortion efforts to ensure all women had access to safe reproductive health care. Recently, she fought against the threats to cut funding to Planned Parenthood and urged Congress to reauthorize comprehensive Violence Against Women’s Act.

Greuel has 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.


Magic Johnson Endorses Wendy Greuel

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Greuel also announces endorsements from top faith and civic leaders in South Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA – At a gathering of dozens of business, elected, faith and community leaders from the African-American community in support of Wendy Greuel, Earvin “Magic” Johnson endorsed Greuel’s campaign for mayor.

Greuel was also joined and endorsed by civil rights activist and Los Angeles Sentinel publisher Danny Bakewell and civil rights icon James Lawson on the steps of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. They and other leaders cited Greuel’s leadership, experience, and dedication to the people of Los Angeles.

President Bill Clinton endorsed Greuel earlier this week. Greuel served in the Clinton Administration in the 1990's, and started her career learning from and working for Mayor Tom Bradley.

"The next mayor of LA has the opportunity to make a huge impact on our city, and I’m excited to work with Wendy Greuel to create jobs and lift up communities throughout LA,” said Johnson. “Wendy is a tough and experienced leader. And she’s got the public and private sector background to level with business owners about how to make LA a great place to open and expand a business. When you’re honest and fair with people, when you’re willing to look them in the eye and lay out the facts, they’ll work with you – even if they don’t always agree with you. That’s the kind of leader Wendy is, and the kind of mayor she’ll be.”

Since retiring from the Los Angeles Lakers in 1991, Johnson has become one of the most powerful African-American businessmen in the country, and is renowned for his combination of business acumen and dedication to uplifting his community. Magic Johnson Enterprises has invested millions to develop underserved neighborhoods throughout South LA.

Johnson is also one of the world’s foremost HIV/AIDS advocates – he was the main speaker for the UN World AIDS Day Conference, served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and his Magic Johnson Foundation has provided free HIV/AIDS testing to over 38,000 Americans across the country.

“I've also felt a strong connection to the South Los Angeles community for decades, starting when I had the privilege to serve in the administration of Mayor Tom Bradley," Greuel said today. "Today, it's a sincere honor to have the support of Magic Johnson, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and the many other leaders from across the African-American community in this race to be Mayor."

At the event, Greuel and Johnson unveiled several economic development priorities for South Los Angeles, including a roadmap for reinvesting back into the community, stabilizing and expanding existing businesses, and creating a link between job development and job training.

"As Mayor, I am committed to always putting people first and to bringing about real change to Los Angeles, starting with bringing much-needed economic development to this community we love," Greuel added.

“I am convinced that the candidate best able to lead all of Los Angeles during this troubled time is City Controller Wendy Greuel. Leadership matters. Substance on the issues and a record of results do as well. Wendy Greuel's record of accomplishment has placed her on the path to achieve an historic outcome for which I believe the City of the Angels is ready,” said Ridley-Thomas.

“It is not often that I come out this soon for a candidate, but Wendy Greuel has earned the trust of the Black community as a public servant because of policies she has championed or supported," said Danny Bakewell, publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel. "I believe that she is the best person to move Los Angeles forward and I encourage the Sentinel readers and the Black community to vote for her on May 21st.”

“In these trying times, Los Angeles needs a leader who will be just and fair, and has the leadership to create jobs and bring services where we need them most. Wendy has been coming to services at my church for years, and she has built deep ties to our community. She’ll be a mayor for all of Los Angeles,” Bishop Blake said. “Wendy is a woman of faith with a strong commitment to social justice, and she understands Los Angeles as only someone who has spent a lifetime living and working across the city could. I have absolute confidence that she will lead Los Angeles to a healthy, prosperous future.”

"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."

The group supporting Greuel included Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ and pastor of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Kenneth C. Ulmer, Senior Pastor-Teacher of Faithful Central Bible Church, and Reverend Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, former pastor of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Johnson’s endorsement adds to considerable list of leaders who support Greuel in South LA and across Los Angeles. In addition to Clinton, Ridley-Thomas, Blake, Ulmer and Murray, Greuel has also been endorsed by longtime Los Angeles Urban League president John Mack, Our Weekly, and the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats.

To view Greuel’s endorsement list, click here.

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

  • Titles for identification purposes only.

Yeah, this all happened:

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1. On Monday, a talented saxophone player endorsed Wendy ...

Bill Clinton playing the saxophone

... and President Clinton has an even better record on building coalitions to create jobs and balance budgets.

President Bill Clinton

2. Lots of campaigns say their endorsements are magic, but only one is actually, Magic.

Magic Johnson wins the NBA Champsionship

3. Magic Johnson knows what it takes to win in Los Angeles, and he also knows how to create jobs and bring a community together.

Magic Johnson Endorses Wendy Greuel

4. It's safe to say that both Bill and Magic know a thing or two about arithmetic.

Bill Clinton - arithmetic

5. So here's some math on how we win. If folks like you come together ...

Wendy Greuel and supporters

...
and donate $5 or more to keep building this campaign ...

Wendy Greuel dancing

... we'll be one step closer to having a victory dance on election night.


donate

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer Endorses Wendy Greuel

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Los Angeles – Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer announced today that he is 
endorsing Wendy Greuel for Mayor of Los Angeles.

Jones-Sawyer was elected in November to represent South Los 
Angeles and the University of Southern California. He previously served as Assistant Deputy Mayor in the Riordan Administration and Chair of the County's Small Business Administration.

Jones-Sawyer’s endorsement comes the same time that Greuel received 
key endorsements from President Bill Clinton, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, 
Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and former Mayor Richard Riordan.

“As someone with experience as a senior advisor in the Mayor's Office, as a high ranking City Department Head and as a Vice President of a City Union, I am uniquely qualified to know what skills are needed to be a successful and effective Mayor. I know Wendy Greuel will be able to bring all sides together to make the tough choices and bring positive change to Los Angeles,” Jones-Sawyer said.

“Wendy has deep ties to our community and she has fought her whole career to bring opportunity and equality to South LA. As Mayor, Wendy will work to empower communities across the city and attract good jobs where they're needed most. I'm proud to support her for Mayor,” Jones-Sawyer added.

"Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer has been a fighter for South LA his whole career, and I’m excited to partner with him to bring good 
jobs and economic development to communities across the city,” said 
Greuel. “As mayor, I’ll be a strong leader for a change, and I’ll keep 
fighting waste in government so we can get back to providing the 
services that Angelenos across the city depend on.”

Greuel has a strong base of support in the African-American community.
 In addition to Johnson and Ridley-Thomas, she has endorsements from longtime Los Angeles Urban League president John Mack; Bishop Charles E. Blake, presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in 
Christ and pastor of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ; Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, Senior Pastor-Teacher of Faithful Central Bible
Church; Reverend Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray, former pastor of the First 
African Methodist Episcopal Church; Our Weekly; LA Sentinel; LA Focus
 on the Word; Olympic Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson; and the Black Los Angeles Young Democrats.

You have got to watch this: It's Magic

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Magic Johnson recorded a video to share his excitement about this campaign, and to talk about how Wendy is the only candidate who can lead Los Angeles forward.

So take a quick break from what you're doing, watch this video from Magic, and then sign up to volunteer to fight for all of Los Angeles.



When he endorsed Wendy, Magic Johnson said, "Wendy, I'm in your campaign ready to go door to door with you. We want to make sure you are the next mayor. We're going to make history."

But it's going to take more than Magic for us to win this election.

It's on all of us to step up and do our part to spread the word.

Please take a moment today to watch the video from Magic Johnson, and then sign up to knock on some doors and make some phone calls for this campaign.

Thanks for all you're doing -- and, please share this to your friends and family.

Wendy Greuel: I'll lead Los Angeles forward

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Earlier today, Wendy Greuel kicked off the final seven weeks of the election with a speech at UCLA to share her vision for bring real change to City Hall and move all of Los Angeles forward:

"Time and again, Los Angeles has made history. Now it's our turn once again. Let's reverse the course we are on. Let's stop moving backwards. Let's start making real change and lead Los Angeles forward." -- Wendy Greuel at UCLA

Calling for a campaign of ideas, Greuel also outlined specific proposals during her speech today and pledged to continue introducing real solutions throughout the rest of the campaign:

  • Cutting the Mayor's Office and City Council budgets by 25 Percent. "We'll operate more efficiently and we'll work harder, but we'll work with less. That's what families do each and every day, and that's what our city needs to do," Greuel said. She vowed to then go "department by department" to identify other areas to reduce spending in the city, funneling the funds identified to public safety and reducing emergency response times.
  • Strengthening partnerships with local universities and community colleges. Greuel highlighted the importance of ensuring LA has a skilled workforce of the future, and she proposed new "technology zones" throughout the City to harness the creativity and innovation that already exists in Los Angeles.
  • Establishing a $50 million tech jobs fund. Modeled off of New York's and other cities successful funds, this fund will leverage existing public and private sector money to offer incentives and incubators for up-and-coming companies.
  • Setting a priority on city contracts going to LA-based businesses. Greuel will put in place an "LA comes first" policy for all city contracts, where a preference is given in the bidding process to businesses based within city limits.
  • Calling on LAUSD to change its approach to making changes at low-performing schools. Ten percent of our schools are responsible for 50 percent of the dropouts. With many schools repeatedly placed on a yearly "performance improvement plan," Greuel called for there to be a change of leadership at the school, driven by parent involvement, if a school remains on the under-performing list three years in a row. Greuel also supports holding principals and teachers accountable for student achievement. And she vowed to push for a full audit of the LAUSD's downtown bureaucracy.
Click here to read the full text of Wendy's remarks from UCLA.

Rep. Brad Sherman and former Rep. Howard Berman Endorse Wendy Greuel

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Los Angeles – Wendy Greuel announced that longtime Los Angeles representatives Congressman Brad Sherman and former Congressman Howard Berman have both endorsed her campaign for mayor of Los Angeles.

Sherman joined Greuel at the Cal State University Northridge career center to announce the endorsements. Both he and Berman praised Greuel as a strong leader with the experience to bring jobs to the region.

The endorsements from Sherman and Berman, who faced each other in a tough election battle last year, are the latest example of Greuel uniting people to support her campaign to change LA.

“As someone with deep roots in the San Fernando Valley, someone who grew up here, owns a business here, represented the Valley and send her son to their local Valley public school, I know Wendy will make the Valley a priority and make sure that it gets its fair share,” said Sherman. “She’ll be a strong leader who brings people together to create jobs, reduce traffic and bring vital improvements to our transportation infrastructure. She has my full and enthusiastic support.”

“I have worked with Wendy Greuel for years to make sure the San Fernando Valley gets its fair share. Wendy grew up in the Granada Hills, owns a small business in North Hollywood, and is raising her family in Studio City. And she has a record of delivering for Valley residents as a City Councilwoman,” Berman said. “As Mayor, Wendy will be a strong leader and deliver real results on the issues that impact residents every day: attracting jobs and businesses to LA, reforming our schools, and reducing traffic and building a modern transportation system.”

“Brad Sherman and Howard Berman have been two of the strongest voices for Angelenos over the last two decades, and I am honored to have their support. As Mayor, I’ll partner with both of these men to lead LA forward. I’ll focus on uniting our city so we can make the tough choices and bring change to Los Angeles,” Greuel said. “Together we’ll work to bring good jobs back to LA, invest in our transportation system, and make sure government is delivering the services residents depend on.”

Sherman has represented districts in the San Fernando Valley since 1997. He has been a leader on gun control, transportation, protecting civil liberties, and defending the environment.

Berman represented his district from 1983 until 2013, serving as a staunch advocate for the San Fernando Valley and parts of West Los Angeles. Berman authored critical legislation in areas ranging from immigration reform to foreign affairs to intellectual property to transportation issues, and he was a longstanding supporter of Israel.

Sherman and Berman join Congressmembers Janice Hahn, Tony Cardenas, Judy Chu, and Linda Sanchez in endorsing Greuel. Greuel has also been endorsed by President Bill Clinton, Senator Barbara Boxer, Assembly Speaker John A. Peréz, Los Angeles County Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Gloria Molina, Councilmembers José Huizar and Bill Rosendahl, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and John Mack.

Ed Edelman: An Example of Real Leadership in L.A.

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Edmund D. Edelman, who served Los Angeles for 29 years as an elected official on both the City Council and the county Board of Supervisors, will be featured in a documentary to air Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. on KOCE entitled, "The Passions and Politics of Ed Edelman."

When Wendy Greuel served in Mayor Tom Bradley's administration, she was the point person in the Mayor's office who worked closely with Ed on task forces to tackle homelessness, AIDS, and other important issues facing the Los Angeles region.

In today's Los Angeles Times, reporter Steve Lopez highlighted many of Ed's accomplishments:

Edelman was among the first elected officials to stand, unabashedly, for gay rights.

When police pounded war protesters, he waved a stick at police abuse.

He denounced censorship and defended artistic expression, even the risque.

He warned that Prop. 13 would wreak havoc on local governments and benefit commercial property owners more than homeowners.

When others wrote off the homeless as bums, Edelman observed that many of them were mentally ill, and he argued that helping them was both humane and cost-effective.

The county children's court is named for him because he believed child abuse and neglect -- and juvenile justice -- needed to be handled in "child-sensitive" quarters apart from the adult facilities.

He was an accomplished cellist who helped clear the way for Walt Disney Concert Hall, dug up funding to keep the Hollywood Bowl in business and insisted that the Bowl continue to reserve some $1 tickets for Bowl events so everyone can afford to hear great live music, a tradition that survives today.

And, to name just one more achievement, Edelman dramatically brokered a deal to snatch more than 600 acres of a Topanga hillside from the clutches of developers and preserve the area as public parkland.

Here's what Wendy had to say about the time that she spent working with Ed, and the upcoming documentary:

"Ed Edelman has spent his entire life fighting for all of Los Angeles, and he has always stood up as a voice for the poor and the sick. Ed is a role model for what public service should be about. It was an honor to work with him to combat homelessness and the AIDS crisis that Los Angeles faced in the 1980s, and I urge all Angelenos to watch this documentary on Thursday night."

Be sure to tune to KOCE's PBS SoCal at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night to watch a great documentary that showcases Ed's life, and what real leadership is all about.


Nancy Pelosi Endorses Wendy Greuel for Mayor

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Former L.A. Councilmember Roz Wyman, Democratic Leader Pelosi join growing number of women supporting Greuel's effort to become LA's first woman Mayor

Los Angeles -- Flanked by Congressional, community, and business women leaders, House Democratic Leader and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Wendy Greuel's campaign to become the first woman mayor of Los Angeles.

Joined by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Judy Chu and Janice Hahn, and iconic former Los Angeles City Councilwoman Roz Wyman -- who also announced her endorsement of Greuel -- Pelosi called Greuel a role model for women and asked women across Los Angeles to get involved in the mayoral campaign.

"Wendy Greuel knows that women must always have a seat at the table -- and in Los Angeles, in this election, it's past time a woman took her rightful seat at the head of the table," Leader Pelosi said. "With determination and drive, with experience, energy, and enthusiasm, Wendy is the hard-nosed, tough, courageous leader Los Angeles needs right now to move the city forward for our children and for the next generation."

Though women have made historic gains in recent years at the federal level, Los Angeles faces the possibility of having no women on its City Council.

"Nancy Pelosi is a strong leader who has been a role model for women at all levels of government. It is an honor to receive her endorsement in this race as we shatter one of the remaining glass ceilings -- having a woman elected as Mayor of Los Angeles," said Greuel. "Leader Pelosi brings a passion of her convictions and a drive to solve problems to her role as a member of Congress, as Speaker and as Leader."

"This election will be close -- and women can and will make the difference in bringing us to victory on May 21," Greuel added.

Serving as the Speaker of the House from 2007 to 2011, Pelosi was the first woman Speaker and remains the highest-ranking elected woman in American history. Pelosi said Greuel's track record of public service and her private sector experience make her the clear choice for Mayor of Los Angeles.

"I'm supporting Wendy not just because she is a woman, but because she is a talented leader who brings creative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time. I've watched her develop as a leader, and she has the training, experience and vision to serve us extremely well as Mayor of Los Angeles," said Wyman. "Making history isn't a bad thing either." Wyman was the second woman and the youngest person elected to the City Council when she won her race in 1953.

"I've known Wendy Greuel for two decades. She is a proven leader who will focus on revitalizing our economy and creating jobs," said Boxer. "This year, we made history by electing unprecedented numbers of women to the House and Senate. Next year, Angelenos can make history by electing Wendy Greuel as the first woman to serve as Mayor of Los Angeles."

Greuel also received the endorsement of two leading women's organizations: Feminist Majority and California List. Their leaders -- Kathy Spillar and Bettina Duval -- praised Greuel as a leader for women all her life.

Greuel has stressed the importance of reaching out to women during the mayoral campaign. She has already built a broad coalition of Women with Wendy. Greuel said she plans to expand this grassroots effort by launching a Women's Vote Project, which will engage female voters throughout the city.

Greuel has received broad support from local, statewide and national women's groups including Emily's List, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, and the National Women's Political Caucus, and community and elected leaders including Boxer, Pelosi, Hahn, Chu, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.

To view Greuel's endorsement list, click here: http://www.wendygreuel.org/endorsements/

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Endorses Wendy Greuel for Mayor

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Los Angeles – Congresswoman Maxine Waters announced today that she is endorsing Wendy Greuel for mayor of Los Angeles and joining Greuel’s campaign as a co-chair.

Throughout her 37 years of public service, Waters has gained a reputation as an honest and fearless champion for her constituents, fighting for social justice and economic empowerment. In 2012 she was elected to her twelfth term in the House of Representatives with more than 70 percent of the vote in the 43rd Congressional District, which is comprised of the diverse communities of South Los Angeles and the South Bay, including Westchester.

Waters is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services. As a co-chair on Greuel’s campaign, Waters will help lead outreach to African-Americans, Latinos, Asian Pacific Islanders and women throughout the city.

“Wendy Greuel is a woman of honesty and integrity, someone with the leadership, experience and toughness to get Los Angeles back on track,” Congresswoman Waters said. “I have fought my whole career to empower Angelenos, and that’s exactly what Wendy will do as mayor. She’ll fight to grow our middle class and bring good jobs and opportunity to every part of the city, with special attention to the areas with the greatest needs. And she could make history by becoming Los Angeles’ first woman mayor. I’m proud to be a co-chair on her campaign, and I am excited to join Wendy’s efforts to reach out to voters across the city.”

Waters also praised Greuel as a leader who will fight for equality and equal pay for women. Her endorsement comes the day before Equal Pay Day, which highlights the pay gap between men and women. Women continue to make just 77 cents for every dollar made by men. The disparity is even greater for women of color.

“Maxine Waters has dedicated her life to service. As one of the most powerful women in American politics and a tireless advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor, she’s fought her entire career fighting to bring economic opportunities to South Los Angeles,” Greuel said. “I’m proud to have her endorsement, and together we will partner to invest in jobs and job-training programs, spur economic development and support the creation of small businesses in Los Angeles so every Angeleno has an opportunity to succeed.”

Waters joins prominent leaders including President Bill Clinton and Leader Nancy Pelosi in endorsing Greuel.

Greuel has also formed a strong coalition of support among women, including the growing Women with Wendy committee. Greuel has also earned the support of EMILY’s List, the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, the National Women’s Political Caucus, LA County, the Latina Lawyers PAC, and community and elected leaders including U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Congressmembers Janice Hahn, Judy Chu and Linda Sanchez, Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.

Equal Pay Pioneer Lilly Ledbetter Endorses Wendy Greuel to Mark Equal Pay Day

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Los Angeles – Lilly Ledbetter, national women’s rights icon and the inspiration for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, today endorsed Wendy Greuel in her race to become Mayor of Los Angeles. Her endorsement comes on Equal Pay Day, which recognizes the unacceptable wage disparity that still exists between working men and women in this country.

“Wendy is a strong leader who understands the unique challenges that face women,” said Ledbetter. “Wendy has charted a path for women in the public and private sectors and is uniquely qualified to serve as the next Mayor. Wendy will make equal pay and the needs of women and girls a priority, and I am proud to support her to serve as the first woman Mayor of Los Angeles.”

Greuel has fought for equality for women her entire career. As City Controller, Greuel audited a city program meant to give women- and minority-owned businesses a fair shot at City contracts. Greuel found that the City had a two-year backlog in certifying those businesses, and called for reforms.

On Tuesday, Greuel vowed to implement the findings of her audit and hold City departments accountable for ensuring that the contracting rules are followed, so Los Angeles can fully close its pay gap. Nationally, women make just 77 cents for every dollar made by men.

“I am deeply honored to have the endorsement of Lily Ledbetter, a woman who has done so much to advance equal pay for women in the workplace,” said Greuel. “I have been a constant advocate for equal rights for women in the workplace as this issue has affected me and all working women personally. It is crucial that we continue to highlight this problem until we achieve true pay equity. I am running to lead LA forward, and that includes being an advocate for working women in all industries.”

Ledbetter and Greuel announced the endorsement in a video released today.

Ledbetter came to national prominence after suing her employer for paying her significantly less than men working the same job. Her case was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled against her in a 5-4 decision based on when she filed her complaint. In direct response, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act as his first piece of legislation after taking office.

Ledbetter’s endorsement comes on the heels of support from several nationally prominent figures including President Bill Clinton, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Senator Barbara Boxer. Greuel has also earned the endorsement of influential women’s groups EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project, Feminist Majority, California List, National Women’s Political Caucus, Los Angeles and others.

Wendy Greuel Commemorates LA’S BEST Anniversary

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Greuel also applauds local parents for bucking the status quo on behalf of their children

Los Angeles – Stressing her commitment to the children of Los Angeles, Wendy Greuel met with city leaders today to celebrate the success of the LA’s Best after-school program. Greuel also commended local parents, who recently launched the first Parent Trigger effort in Los Angeles, for their dedication to improving educational opportunities for their children.

Greuel commemorated the 25th Anniversary of LA’s Best at City Hall Tuesday, praising the program alongside city leaders. Greuel helped start the after school program when she was a staffer in Mayor Tom Bradley’s administration. The program was created in direct response to the increased violence, gang and drug activity that communities across Los Angeles were struggling with. The goal of the program, was to create safe places for children to spend their afternoons while supervised by adults, away from the lure of street gangs and drugs. Despite some initial resistance from the school district, Bradley and Greuel were able to push the bureaucracy to agree to the program. What started as a pilot program has been expanded and is now being operated in 189 schools city-wide.

“I still remember vividly, being a young staffer in Mayor Bradley’s administration, watching far too many of our students lured by gangs and drugs and families struggling to balance work with childcare,” Greuel said.

“ Moved by a need to save our kids, Mayor Bradley decided to work on an after school program where students could be safe and cared for. What started as an experiment in 10 schools has now become nationally recognized as a model operating in 189 schools. This is exactly the kind of program I would like to see expanded as Mayor.”

Greuel also expressed her strong support to the parents and community members of 24th Street Elementary, who spent the day voting on school reform plans to turnaround their campus. The West Adams school is the first in Los Angeles to implement the Parent Trigger, giving parents the power to transform a chronically low performing school by implementing new academic programs, changing leadership, or breaking away from the school district. As a consistent advocate of education reform, Greuel is a strong supporter of Parent Trigger as a transformative tool to improve schools in Los Angeles.

“Today I saw parents voting with their souls, hearts and minds, taking a stand against the status quo and demanding better for their children,” said Wendy Greuel. “ As a parent of a child in public school, I applaud these parents for their courage and commitment and I join their rallying cry for better educational options for our kids. My son’s school underwent its own transformation and because of increased local control we saw dramatic academic improvements and skyrocketing test scores. I have seen what can happen when the bureaucracy gets out of the way and the interests of our children are made the priority.”

Watch this video of Lilly Ledbetter

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I'll always fight to make sure Los Angeles has equal pay for equal work, and that women-owned small businesses have equal access to capital.

And that's why, on Equal Pay Day, I'm so excited to share this new video with you that highlights an endorsement from Lilly Ledbetter, a tireless advocate for women's rights and pay equality.

Take a moment to watch the video, and then send it to a few of your friends:



As Lilly Ledbetter said during her speech at the Democratic National Convention, "This fight, which began as my own, is now our fight -- a fight for the fundamental American values that make our country great."

With President Barack Obama and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, we've made a lot of progress together, but most women still earn just 77 cents for every dollar men make, and it's even less for women of color.

We can, and must do better, and it starts by fighting to move our city forward right here in Los Angeles.

I've fought for equality, fairness, and opportunity for women and all Angelenos my entire life -- and I hope you'll join Lilly and me by sharing this video today.

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