We’ve been around since 2019, and each election we’ve seen a key issue come forth. In 2020, we had rent control and a Council that wanted to defund CCPD by 50%. In 2022, we had single family zoning, homeless camps, and lane closures. In 2024, we fought to keep the gains we made on these issues.
2026 seems a more abstract issue – transparency, accountability, responsibility – but is really more important than any issue we faced before. It determines whether our city remains viable for the foreseeable future.
Council has been embroiled in several issues this past cycle, which is raising eyebrows:
- Behind the scenes gambit to buy out Culver Steps and adjoining properties – to the tune of over $200 million
- No-bid contract to Jubilo Village – granting a $20 million “loan” to a church associated with Councilman Puza’s campaign manager
- Lane closures / parking space removals at Overland and Sepulveda
- Illegal campaigning at CCHS, and pushing Measure YV to secure high school votes
- Zero stakeholder engagement on issues like modifying the rent control ordinance
Taken individually, each is a scandal. Together, these reflect a Council that has their own agenda, seeks to escape accountability to voters, and ultimately loot the treasury for themselves. Especially regarding Measure YV, this may be our last chance to change direction. That’s why we make the following recommendations:
NO on YV – this would allow 16 year olds to vote in the election, and give an impressionable voting bloc to whoever has the best access to the students. This would create an arms race for access to the schools, with your kids as victims.
Kimberley Griffin and Jeannine Wisnosky-Stehlin for Council – they are critical of the current Council’s conduct, would conduct themselves responsibly, and engage voters on the issues. They have competitive campaigns – you’ve seen their lawn signs all over town.
Voting ONLY for Darrel Menthe for School Board – Darrel Menthe is running against three progressives that caused a lot of problems for our district. There are three open seats, so you can vote for up to three. But voting for any of the others makes it harder for Darrel to defeat at least one of them.