Navigating local elections can be challenging, especially with so many races and candidates on the ballot. In Los Angeles County, while some local races suffer from a lack of competition or feature candidates with questionable agendas, others present a different kind of challenge: too many excellent, progressive choices. This year’s election is particularly crucial for shaping the future of our communities, and LA Forward is here to guide you through the progressive landscape.
This comprehensive voter guide, focusing on the key races and measures in Los Angeles County for the 2024 election, is your resource for making informed decisions. LA Forward, a member-based organization dedicated to building a more just and equitable Los Angeles, has carefully vetted candidates and measures, offering endorsements that champion progressive values.
This guide delves into key races, from City Councils to School Boards, and important ballot measures across various cities. We aim to provide you with clear, concise information to help you cast your vote confidently for candidates and initiatives that align with a progressive vision for Los Angeles County.
Alhambra City Council District 4: Je-Show Yang
District 4 in Alhambra is open this year, presenting voters with a unique opportunity. With Sasha Renée Pérez running for State Senate, the seat is contested by two outstanding young, progressive candidates: Je-Show Yang and Katie Chan, alongside more conservative candidates including Republican Karsen Luthi and Democrat Nan “Noya” Wang.
While having two strong progressive candidates might seem like a positive, it also carries the risk of splitting the progressive vote, potentially allowing a more conservative candidate to win. LA Forward’s member-based endorsement task force interviewed both Je-Show Yang and Katie Chan, and were impressed by both.
Katie Chan’s campaign is strongly focused on housing justice, positioning her as a corporate-free, Berniecrat-type candidate. Her experience as a field deputy for LA Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez gives her valuable insight into local governance and community needs.
Je-Show Yang, on the other hand, has garnered more institutional endorsements and support from progressive community leaders within and beyond Alhambra. While also committed to renter rights and affordable housing, Je-Show emphasizes broader issues such as transportation, pedestrian safety, and environmental sustainability. His background as Program Manager of API Forward Movement’s Sustainable SGV program for the past five years underscores his dedication to these areas.
Je-Show Yang’s extensive list of endorsements includes the LA County Democratic Party, the LA County Federation of Labor, Stonewall Democratic Club, Planned Parenthood Advocates Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley, LA League of Conservation Voters, Equality California, South Pas Active Streets, Pilipino American LA County Democrats, Moms Demand Action, Teamsters Joint Council 42, IATSE Local 33, SEIU, Local 121RN, and UNITE HERE Local 11. He also has the backing of prominent local leaders like County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Monterey Park Councilmember Henry Lo, Pasadena Councilmember Rick Cole, West Covina Councilmember Brian Calderon Tabatabai, Burbank Councilmember Nikki Perez, and Pasadena City College Board of Trustees Boardmember Alton Wang, among many others.
Katie Chan’s endorsements include Feel the Bern Democratic Club, LA County Our Revolution, California Democratic Party Renters Council, Project ID Action Fund, Ground Game LA, SGV Progressives, AFSCME Local 609, and UNITE HERE! Local 11, along with LA Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez and three members of the Alhambra School Board.
Ultimately, LA Forward recommends voting for Je-Show Yang. His broader base of support and endorsements positions him as the candidate most likely to consolidate the progressive vote and win. His experience and endorsements also indicate he is exceptionally well-prepared to effectively serve on the City Council and address the diverse needs of Alhambra’s District 4.
Baldwin Park City Council: Emmanuel J. Estrada & Daniel Damian
In Baldwin Park, eight candidates are competing for three at-large City Council seats. Among them, two stand out as particularly deserving of your vote: Mayor Emmanuel J. Estrada and Daniel Damian.
Emmanuel J. Estrada, elected as the city’s youngest mayor in 2020 at age 26, has been a dynamic force for progressive change. He has championed affordable housing initiatives, improvements to community health, and investments in education and job training programs. Estrada has also demonstrated principled leadership by advocating for interim homeless housing in Baldwin Park and successfully passing a local rent control ordinance.
Daniel Damian is aligned with the same progressive coalition supported by the community organizing group LA Voice Action. This connection signals his commitment to community-driven solutions and progressive values.
A potential third candidate worth considering is Christopher Saenz. The remaining candidates generally represent the “old guard” that has resisted the progressive agenda championed by Mayor Estrada. To continue Baldwin Park’s progressive trajectory, voting for Estrada and Damian is crucial.
Bellflower – Measure B: No
Understanding the distinction between charter cities and general law cities is essential for this measure. Charter cities in California possess greater autonomy over municipal affairs compared to general law cities, which must adhere strictly to state laws. This distinction is particularly relevant to land use and housing regulations.
As California grapples with a housing crisis and the state legislature pushes for increased housing production, some general law cities are attempting to become charter cities to circumvent state housing mandates. Bellflower’s Measure B is a clear example of this trend. It explicitly states its intention to “give the City more local control in determining land use; reduce the influence of outside agencies, including the State of California.”
Historically, some cities in LA County have formed primarily to pursue exclusionary zoning and land use policies. Bellflower’s Measure B unfortunately aligns with this problematic history. LA Forward strongly recommends voting No on Measure B to ensure Bellflower remains accountable to state housing goals and does not further entrench exclusionary practices.
Bell Gardens City Council: Jorgel Chavez & Gabriella Gomez; Miguel De La Rosa (Special Election)
Bell Gardens presents an opportunity to support progressive leadership at the City Council level. For the regular City Council election, Jorgel Chavez and Gabriella Gomez are two progressive candidates worthy of your support.
In the special election to fill a vacant seat, Miguel De La Rosa is the clear progressive choice. Supporting these candidates will strengthen the progressive voice in Bell Gardens and advance policies that benefit the community.
Beverly Hills Unified School District: Amanda Stern & Dela Peykar Ronen
The Beverly Hills Unified School District race highlights the importance of local school board elections. Incumbent Amanda Stern and newcomer Dela Peykar Ronen are the recommended candidates to prevent the election of far-right candidates.
Candidates like gun store owner Russell Stuart, who promotes conspiracy theories, represent a dangerous trend in school board races. Another candidate also aligns with Stuart’s far-right views. Electing Stern and Ronen is crucial to maintaining a focus on quality education and preventing the intrusion of extremist ideologies into the Beverly Hills Unified School District. For a more detailed analysis of this race, refer to KNOCK’s voter guide.
Burbank City Council: Eddy Polon & Konstantine Anthony
Burbank City Council has two at-large seats up for election, and LA Forward’s membership has endorsed Eddy Polon and Konstantine Anthony.
Eddy Polon, a Burbank Transportation Commissioner, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advocating for walkable, bikeable, and transit-accessible streets. He is running to address critical issues such as street safety, affordable housing shortages, and the climate emergency. LA Forward’s endorsement task force was particularly impressed by Polon’s coalition-building potential and his ability to effectively achieve positive outcomes. His practical approach and knowledge position him to work constructively with the public.
Polon’s endorsements include current progressive councilmembers Nick Schultz and Nikki Perez, as well as organizations like the Los Angeles Democratic Party, Sierra Club, Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County, Americans for Democratic Action, SoCal Chapter, Burbank Democratic Club, Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, multiple unions, and Media City Indivisible.
Konstantine Anthony is seeking re-election after serving his initial four-year term, having been elected on a slate with Councilmember Nick Schultz in 2020. He is known for his energy, strong progressive stance, and vocal advocacy for progressive candidates across the region. Anthony is a vital member of the council’s progressive majority, and his re-election is crucial to maintaining this balance.
Konstantine Anthony is endorsed by the LA County Democratic Party, the California Working Families Party, Sierra Club, LA League of Conservation Voters, the County Federation of Labor, Streets for All, and UNITE HERE Local 11. Voting for both Polon and Anthony will ensure continued progressive leadership in Burbank.
Burbank Unified School District: Laurette Cano (Trustee Area 1), Emily Weisberg (Trustee Area 2), Armond Aghakhanian (Trustee Area 5); Measure ABC – Yes
Burbank Unified School District has several key races and a vital ballot measure.
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Trustee Area 1: Laurette Cano. With no incumbent in this race, Laurette Cano is LA Forward’s choice. Endorsed by most Democrats, Cano is a highly qualified candidate. As a mother and grandmother of Burbank students with 30 years of teaching experience, she brings deep knowledge and dedication to the role. Her opponent, Tom Crowther, while decent on policy, has been criticized for his angry interactions with community members and alienation of teachers and staff.
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Trustee Area 2: Emily Weisberg. Emily Weisberg is running unopposed, which is positive as she has been a consistently excellent school board member.
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Trustee Area 5: Armond Aghakhanian. Re-electing Armond Aghakhanian is crucial. He has been a reliable vote on the board and faces a concerning opponent, Annie Markarian. Markarian lacks any background in education, is not a parent, and has endorsements from far-right extremists. She also opposed the Safety Act. Aghakhanian’s re-election is vital to prevent extremist influence on the school board.
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Measure ABC – Yes. Vote Yes on Measure ABC to fund essential upgrades and repairs to Burbank school facilities. Investing in our schools is investing in our children’s future.
Carson Mayor & City Council: Lula Davis-Holmes, Cedric Hicks, & Jawane Hiilton
In Carson, Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes and incumbent City Councilmembers Cedric Hicks and Jawane Hiilton are running for re-election with the endorsement of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and the LA Federation of Labor.
While not movement progressives, these candidates have supported positive environmental measures for Carson, a city heavily impacted by pollution. They have also demonstrated resolve in negotiations with Simon Property Group regarding the development of an outlet mall on a former landfill site.
Mayor Davis-Holmes faces a challenge from Councilmember Jim Dear, who was recalled as city clerk in 2016 due to complaints of racist comments and aggressive behavior. Supporting Davis-Holmes, Hicks, and Hiilton will maintain a degree of stability and responsible governance in Carson.
Claremont City Council District 1: Rachel Forester
Claremont City Council District 1 presents a significant opportunity to elect progressive leadership. Rachel Forester, endorsed by LA Forward, is challenging conservative Republican incumbent Corey Calaycay.
Forester, a lifelong Claremont resident, hair stylist, renter, and community volunteer, is running to address the underrepresentation of low-income tenant families on the Claremont City Council. She is committed to tenant protection, affordable housing creation, and expanding unarmed crisis response options. Her election would fundamentally shift the dynamics of the City Council, making it more representative and responsive to the needs of all Claremont residents.
Rachel Forester is endorsed by the Claremont Democratic Club and Claremont Streets for People, along with numerous community members and leaders. As a grassroots candidate in a close race, your vote and support are crucial. Visit RachelForClaremont.com to volunteer and donate to her campaign.
Cudahy City Council: Daisy Lomeli & Amanda Gomez; Measure AA – Yes
Cudahy City Council is one of the most progressive elected bodies in Los Angeles County, thanks to a majority bloc of young, bold Latina leaders. This election is an opportunity to solidify and expand this progressive majority.
Councilmember Daisy Lomeli, seeking re-election, has earned a second term. She has been a leader in tenant protection and has worked to develop an education compact with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Lomeli is endorsed by the CA Working Families Party.
Amanda Gomez is the recommended choice for the second at-large seat. She has been actively involved in community organizing around street vending and tenant protections. Gomez is endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the County Federation of Labor, and Vice Mayor Elizabeth Alcantar, a rising progressive leader in the region.
Cudahy Measure AA – Extend Term Limits: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure AA. This proposition would extend city councilmember term limits to three 4-year terms, up from the current two-term limit. In a smaller city like Cudahy, retaining experienced and dedicated progressive leaders is beneficial. Three terms is a common practice in other cities and would provide stability and continuity in leadership.
Culver City Council: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Bryan “Bubba” Fish, & Nancy Barba
Culver City has made significant progressive strides in recent years, including passing rent control in 2020, voting to close the Inglewood Oil Field, and implementing bus and bike lanes. These advancements occurred under a progressive majority on the City Council. However, the 2022 elections reduced the progressive representation, leading to rollbacks of some progress.
This election offers a chance to restore a progressive majority. LA Forward endorses three Culver City Council candidates for the three at-large positions: Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin (re-election), Bryan “Bubba” Fish, and Nancy Barba.
Mayor McMorrin has been a champion for affordable housing, homeless services funding, and renter protections during her four years on the Council. Fish and Barba share these priorities. McMorrin also opposed the removal of bus and bike lanes, highlighting her commitment to sustainable transportation. Fish brings valuable transportation expertise, and Barba has a strong record on climate and environmental issues, both having served on city commissions.
All three candidates are endorsed by the Culver City Democratic Club, California Working Families Party, Sierra Club, LA League of Conservation Voters, SEIU-UHW, Stonewall Democratic Club, and numerous other organizations and community leaders.
Culver City has the potential to be a regional leader in progressive municipal policy. The city’s future direction hinges on electing bold, forward-thinking leadership. For more in-depth information, consult the Our Culver voter guide.
Culver City Unified School District Board: Sameen Ahmadnia & Andrew Lachman; Measure O: Yes
For the two at-large seats on the Culver City Unified School District Board, LA Forward recommends Sameen Ahmadnia and Andrew Lachman, endorsed by the progressive group Our Culver.
Our Culver highlights that Ahmadnia and Lachman will bring diverse perspectives and experience to the board. Both candidates understand the importance of respectful collaboration, even with differing viewpoints, essential for a functional school board.
Sameen Ahmadnia, an immigration attorney and CCUSD parent, is an advocate for equity and inclusion within the district. She champions students with disabilities, English learners, mental health resources, and environmental sustainability. Ahmadnia is endorsed by all five incumbent school board members and the Culver City Democratic Club.
Andrew Lachman, lead attorney at a technology company, CCUSD parent, and chair of the Culver City Finance Advisory Committee, is positioned as a bridge-builder. He aims to unify voices, address valid criticisms of the district, and ensure resources reach the most vulnerable students. Lachman prioritizes increasing classroom spending, employee morale, and grant funding.
Culver City Unified School District Measure O: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure O to renew the school parcel tax. Measure O is crucial for maintaining local funding for Culver City schools and preventing budget cuts. It renews the existing $189 school parcel tax, which is set to expire in June 2026. This revenue funds over 25 positions, including teachers, counselors, and support staff, ensuring smaller class sizes and robust academic programs. Measure O will help maintain high-quality education in Culver City.
El Monte: Jessica Ancona (Mayor), Rosalina Nava (City Council District 4), Cindy Galvan (City Council District 5)
El Monte presents an opportunity to support progressive leadership across multiple races.
For El Monte Mayor, LA Forward recommends incumbent Jessica Ancona. She has broad support from Democrats, major unions, and the LA County Federation of Labor. Her priorities include affordable housing, crime prevention, job creation, and expanding green spaces. Her opponent, Councilmember Marisol Cortez, is backed by the El Monte Police Officers Association.
For El Monte City Council District 4, Rosalina Nava is the recommended candidate. Endorsed by the LA County Federation of Labor, Nava supports comprehensive services for the unhoused, renter protections, and affordable housing development. Her primary opponent is Councilmember Victoria Martinez Muela, who has been associated with several high-profile scandals.
For El Monte City Council District 5, vote for Cindy Galvan, a social worker at the Youth Justice Education Clinic. Galvan is endorsed by the LA County Federation of Labor and Dolores Huerta. Electing Ancona, Nava, and Galvan will strengthen progressive governance in El Monte.
El Segundo City Council: John Pickhaver
El Segundo has three at-large City Council seats up for election. The most notable progressive candidate is John Pickhaver, endorsed by the LA County Democratic Party and the LA League of Conservation Voters. LA Forward recommends voting for Pickhaver. The LA League of Conservation Voters also endorsed Drew Boyles and Michelle Keldorf.
Glendora City Council District 3: Jenny Chan; Glendora Unified School District Board: Elizabeth Reuter & Robin Merkley
Glendora City Council District 3 has one contested seat with four candidates. LA Forward supports Jenny Chan, who is also endorsed by the LA County Democratic Party, the LA County Federation of Labor, National Women’s Political Caucus, Communications Workers of America Local 9586, and Asian Democrats of LA County.
Glendora Unified School District Board is facing a right-wing takeover attempt. Elizabeth Reuter and Robin Merkley, the incumbents, are running for re-election and are LA Forward’s recommended candidates. They are opposed by Dan Cayem and Michael Munoz, who are endorsed by Save Glendora Schools (SGS), a group pushing a far-right agenda aligned with Moms for Liberty. SGS advocates for anti-LGBTQ policies and opposes inclusive legislation in public schools.
Reuter and Merkley are seasoned board members with children in the district. They have worked to modernize GUSD, including starting a dual language program and an aviation training program. Electing Reuter and Merkley is crucial to prevent a far-right majority on the Glendora school board. For more information, consult Glendora Forward (not affiliated with LA Forward).
Hawthorne: No Endorsement
Hawthorne City Council has five candidates vying for two open positions. Angie Reyes English and Dayna Williams-Hunter are endorsed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, while Faye Johnson and Marie Poindexter are endorsed by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. Moe Adwallah is supported by the Muslim Democratic Club of Southern California and the Avance Democratic Club.
None of these candidates are considered particularly progressive by LA Forward, preventing a clear endorsement. The focus in Hawthorne should be on challenging the winning candidates to adopt more progressive positions once in office and building a pipeline of progressive candidates for future elections.
Inglewood City Council District 4: Dionne Faulk
Inglewood City Council District 4 has multiple candidates on the ballot. Incumbent Dionne Faulk, the first Black woman on the council, is endorsed by the LA Fed, the LA County Democratic Party, and nearly every major labor organization in the city. She is also supported by Mayor James Butts and fellow councilmembers.
Faulk’s endorsements reflect her alignment with business-friendly policies that have transformed Inglewood into a major sports and entertainment hub, particularly in her district. Her opponents are community organizer Carlos Zurita, golf coach Angelique Johnson, and entrepreneur Leslie Jones. While her opponents have good ideas, none have presented clear policy proposals or a vision for challenging the status quo in Inglewood. LA Forward recommends supporting Dionne Faulk to maintain experienced leadership in District 4.
Lomita City Council District 2: Wade Kyle
Wade Kyle is running for Lomita City Council District 2 with endorsements from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP), Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). He is also a graduate of LA Forward’s Progressive Campaign Leadership Academy. Kyle represents a strong progressive voice in Lomita and deserves your vote.
Lynwood City Council: Lorraine Avila Moore; Lynwood Unified School District Board: Gary Hardie, Jr.; Proposition U – Yes
Lynwood has several important races and a school funding measure.
For Lynwood City Council, Lorraine Avila Moore, a former city planning commissioner, is the notably progressive candidate. She is backed by Councilmember Juan Munoz-Guevara, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor.
For Lynwood Unified School District Board, re-elect incumbent Gary Hardie, Jr. Hardie, a progressive and district alum, has championed equity, especially for Black students. His personal experience and dedication make him a powerful voice on the board. One of his opponents, Jorge Casanova, is a conservative who has spread anti-trans propaganda and must be defeated.
Lynwood Unified School District Proposition U- School Funding: Yes. Vote Yes on Proposition U. This $80 million bond measure will upgrade school facilities, addressing structural repairs, hazardous materials, safety codes, and portable classrooms. Investing in Lynwood schools is crucial for student success.
Malibu City Council: Haylynn Conrad
Malibu City Council has three at-large seats up for election. Incumbents Bruce Silverstein, Steve Uhring, and Paul Grisanti are running again, along with challengers Haylynn Conrad and Channing Frykman.
Haylynn Conrad is endorsed by the LA League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club. Silverstein is endorsed by the LA County Democratic Party, and Uhring is also endorsed by the Sierra Club. Conrad is recommended as bringing a fresh, important perspective to the Malibu City Council. LA Forward encourages voters to research all candidates but highlights Conrad as a progressive choice.
Montebello: Scarlet Peralta (Mayor, District 2), David Huerta (City Council, District 4); Measure RR – No
Montebello is seeing a rise of progressive Latina elected officials, including Mayor Scarlet Peralta, who is recommended for re-election in Council District 2. Peralta has championed hero pay, minimum wage increases, and project labor agreements. She is endorsed by the LA County Federation of Labor and LA County Democratic Party.
David Huerta, another progressive voice, deserves re-election to the Council District 4 seat. He is also backed by the County Federation of Labor.
Montebello Measure RR – Councilmember Recall: No. Vote No on Measure RR, which seeks to recall Councilmember Angie Jimenez. The recall is funded by corporations and is opposed by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and Latino leaders like Richard Polanco. Jimenez is supported for her progressive stances, including voting against a police budget increase. Rejecting the recall is crucial to protect progressive leadership in Montebello.
Monterey Park: Henry Lo (City Council District 4); Measures LG & BE – Yes
For Monterey Park City Council District 4, LA Forward recommends incumbent Henry Lo.
Monterey Park Measure LG – Transient Occupancy Tax Increase: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure LG. This measure would increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), or “bed tax,” from 12% to 13%, generating approximately $500,000 annually for city services like park maintenance, youth programs, and public safety. It is a reasonable way to generate revenue from hotels and short-term rentals to benefit the community.
Monterey Park Measure BE – Business License Tax: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure BE. This measure would update the city’s 35-year-old business license tax rates to ensure fairness and generate revenue for general city services. It revises the tax rate to 0.00075 per $1,000 of gross receipts, with a $75 yearly minimum tax. It is a positive step towards modernizing city revenue streams.
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Divisions 1 & 2 – Measures H & GG: Yes
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Division 1 – Measure H: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure H. This measure would provide $65 annually per taxpayer for 15 years to fund the MRCA’s fire prevention and wildfire protection services in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills east of the 405 freeway. Funds will support fire alert patrols, brush clearing, and wildlife protection. While a portion may go to park ranger security patrols, the overall measure is positive for conservation and wildfire prevention.
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, Division 2 – Measure GG: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure GG. Similar to Measure H, Measure GG would provide $38 annually per taxpayer for 15 years to protect hillside communities of Woodland Hills, Encino, and Tarzana. Funds will support wildlife corridor protection, fire prevention, and park ranger patrols along Mulholland Drive. It builds on recent legal victories to protect the Mulholland Corridor from development.
Pasadena: Measures PA, PB, PC, PF, PL, PR, EE, R – Yes
Pasadena has a series of charter amendments and funding measures on the ballot, all recommended as Yes votes by LA Forward. These measures are largely based on recommendations from a citizen task force.
Pasadena Measure PA – Special Elections: Yes. This measure mandates special elections to replace City Council members who leave office with more than two years remaining in their term. It addresses a recent situation where a council seat vacancy led to controversy over the appointment process.
Pasadena Measure PB – City Council Leadership: Yes. This measure streamlines legislative processes by requiring annual selection of a vice mayor and creating an “acting mayor” position for mid-term mayoral vacancies.
Pasadena Measure PC – Term Limits : Yes. This measure introduces term limits for Pasadena City Council members and the Mayor, limiting them to five terms total, with no more than three consecutive. Terms served after 2025 will count towards the limit.
Pasadena Measure PF – Pension Fund Representation: Yes. This measure allows the city’s retirement board to develop new criteria for selecting trustees, addressing the dwindling number of eligible former police officers and firefighters to serve on the board.
Pasadena Measure PL – Central Library Retrofit : Yes. Vote Yes to approve a $195 million bond to retrofit and renovate Pasadena’s historic Central Library, which has been closed due to earthquake safety concerns. The bond would be funded through a property tax. Preserving this historic landmark is a worthwhile investment.
Pasadena Measure PR – Technical Fixes to Rent Control Laws: Yes. This measure makes minor technical adjustments to Pasadena’s rent control laws, Measure H, passed in 2022. Changes include exempting subsidized low-income housing and ensuring 120-day notice for tenants when landlords move into a rented property.
Pasadena USD Measure EE Special Parcel Tax: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure EE. This $90 per parcel tax would generate approximately $5 million annually for eight years for Pasadena Unified School District. Funds will support hiring staff, increasing teacher wages, and enhancing STEM and arts programs. Opponents’ arguments are disingenuous, and the funding is crucial for maintaining quality education.
Pasadena USD Measure R Bond Funding for School Facilities: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure R. This bond measure would generate approximately $57 million annually for Pasadena schools, funding infrastructure projects, repairs, and potentially affordable housing for school employees. It would add an average of $59 per $100,000 of assessed valuation to property tax bills. It is a reasonable investment in school facilities.
Pomona: John Nolte (District 1), Guillermo Gonzalez (District 4), Miranda Sheffield (District 6); Measure Y – Yes
Pomona City Council has several key races, and LA Forward has endorsed candidates in Districts 1, 4 and 6.
District 1: John Nolte. Incumbent Councilmember John Nolte is endorsed for re-election. He has a strong record on affordable housing, environmental justice, and fiscal responsibility.
District 4: Guillermo Gonzalez. Guillermo Gonzalez is recommended for District 4. He is backed by the LA County Federation of Labor, the LA League of Conservation Voters, and Abundant Housing.
District 6: Miranda Sheffield. Miranda Sheffield, a lifelong Pomona resident and Cal State LA professor, is endorsed for District 6. She is an advocate for affordable housing and working families.
Pomona Measure Y – Dedicated Funding for Youth Programs: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure Y, the Pomona Kids First Initiative. This measure would require the city to spend a minimum of 10% of its general revenues on youth programs and create a Department of Youth & Children. It is a smart investment in Pomona’s future. Opponents are misleading voters about the measure’s impact.
Redondo Beach: Measures RB & FP – Yes
Redondo Beach Measure RB: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure RB. This measure tweaks the language of a 2008 charter amendment regarding land use changes to reflect a court ruling that state housing law preempts local voter-approval requirements for housing element updates. It is necessary to align with state law and potentially enable more housing development in Redondo Beach.
Redondo Beach Measure FP: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure FP. This measure authorizes a $93.4 million bond to fund the replacement or repair of Redondo Beach’s outdated fire and police stations, built in the 1950s. The bond would be financed by a property tax. Upgrading these facilities is crucial for public safety.
Santa Clarita: Bryce Jepsen (City Council District 1); Santa Clarita Community College District Board: Michelle Kampbell (Area 1), Dr. Edel Alonso (Area 2), Andrew Taban (Area 3), Jerry Danielsen (Area 4)
In Santa Clarita City Council District 1, LA Forward recommends Bryce Jepsen, who is endorsed by the LA County Democratic Party and the LA League of Conservation Voters. He is running against two Republicans.
For Santa Clarita Community College District (SCCCD) Board of Trustees, LA Forward recommends the pro-labor/Democratic slate: Michelle Kampbell (Area 1), Dr. Edel Alonso (Area 2), Andrew Taban (Area 3), and Jerry Danielsen (Area 4).
Santa Monica: Barry Snell, Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, & Natalya Zernitskaya (City Council); Kay Ambriz & Phillis Dudick (Rent Control Board); Jon Kean, Maria Leon-Vazquez, & Jennifer Smith (School Board); Anastasia Foster, Margaret Quinones-Perez, & Rob Rader (College Board); Measures F & K – Yes; Measure PSK – No; Measure QS – Yes
Santa Monica presents a crucial opportunity to shift away from recent dysfunction in city governance. LA Forward endorses the United Democrats slate for City Council: Barry Snell, Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, and Natalya Zernitskaya. This slate aims to restore humane approaches to homelessness, affordable housing, renter protection, and worker support. They are endorsed by numerous progressive organizations.
For Santa Monica Rent Control Board, vote for Kay Ambriz and Phillis Dudick.
For Santa Monica School Board, vote for Jon Kean, Maria Leon-Vazquez, and Jennifer Smith.
For Santa Monica College Board, vote for Anastasia Foster, Margaret Quinones-Perez, and Rob Rader.
Santa Monica Measure F – Business License Modernization: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure F to modernize the city’s business license tax ordinance, generating approximately $3 million annually for essential city services.
Santa Monica Measure K: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure K to increase the City of Santa Monica Parking Facility Tax by 8%, generating approximately $6.7 million annually for public safety and safe routes to school.
Santa Monica Measure PSK: No. Vote No on Measure PSK, an advisory vote regarding the use of revenue raised by Measure K.
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Measure QS – Bond to Fund Public Schools : Yes. Vote Yes on Measure QS. This $495 million bond would fund essential repairs and upgrades to Santa Monica public schools.
South Pasadena: Omari Ferguson (District 1), Sheila Rossi (District 2); Measure SP – No
South Pasadena City Council Districts 1 and 2 offer opportunities for progressive change.
District 1: Omari Ferguson. Omari Ferguson is endorsed to replace the disappointing incumbent. He is committed to tenant protections, rent control, and fiscal transparency.
District 2: Sheila Rossi. Sheila Rossi is endorsed for District 2. She prioritizes fiscal responsibility and community-centered services, and supports tenant unions.
South Pasadena City Measure SP – Land Use Policy Changes: No. Vote No on Measure SP. This measure would modify the city’s 45-foot height limit, potentially leading to displacement and gentrification. Tenant advocates oppose it as a conservative plan that primarily benefits affluent homeowners.
Torrance – Measure TC: Yes
Torrance – Measure TC: Yes. Vote Yes on Measure TC. This measure updates Torrance’s city charter, introducing positive changes for accountability and transparency, including guaranteed public participation in council meetings and ethics training for officials. While extensive, the measure is largely positive overall.
West Covina: Brian Calderon Tabatabai (District 1), Cecilia Munoz (District 3)
West Covina City Council has key races in Districts 1 and 3.
District 1: Brian Calderon Tabatabai. Incumbent Councilmember Brian Calderon Tabatabai is endorsed for re-election. He is a strong progressive voice on issues like homelessness, renter protections, and environmental justice.
District 3: Cecilia Munoz. Cecilia Munoz is recommended to challenge the incumbent in District 3 and is likely to align with Tabatabai on the council.
West Hollywood: John Erickson & Danny Hang (City Council); Measure WH – No
West Hollywood City Council has a hotly contested race for two seats. LA Forward recommends re-electing Mayor John Erickson and electing Danny Hang. Erickson has been a stellar progressive leader, and Hang is the only other progressive candidate in the field. They both strongly support the city’s high minimum wage and progressive policies.
West Hollywood Measure WH: No. Vote No on Measure WH. This sales tax measure would divert funds from countywide homelessness prevention efforts.
Water Boards: Martha Camacho Rodriguez & Juan Garza (Central Basin), Desi Alvarez (West Basin), Dan Mansada, Kathye Armitage, & Stacy Fortner (Santa Clarita Valley Water District), Paula Olivares (Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Division 1), Nathan Bousfield (Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Division 2), Jeanette Flores (Three Valleys Municipal Water District Division 2), Jorge Marquez (Three Valleys Municipal Water District Division 6), Robert Katherman (Water Replenishment District Division 2), Desi Alvarez (West Basin Metro Water District, Division III)
LA Forward recommends the following candidates for various Water Boards:
- Central Basin Waterboard: Martha Camacho Rodriguez, Juan Garza
- West Basin Waterboard: Desi Alvarez
- Santa Clarita Valley Water District: Dan Mansada, Kathye Armitage, Stacy Fortner
- Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Division 1: Paula Olivares
- Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency Division 2: Nathan Bousfield
- Three Valleys Municipal Water District Board of Directors Division 2: Jeanette Flores
- Three Valleys Municipal Water District Board of Directors Division 6: Jorge Marquez
- Water Replenishment District Board of Directors Division 2: Robert Katherman
- West Basin Metro Water District, Division III: Desi Alvarez
This La Forward 2024 Voter Guide is designed to empower you with the information you need to vote progressively in Los Angeles County. Your vote in these local elections is critical to shaping the future of our communities. Make your voice heard!
