Let's break the glass ceiling

L.A. Magazine sat down with Wendy and chatted with her about her record as a City Councilmember and Controller, and why she’s running for Mayor.

And, of course, whether she prefers Art’s or Jerry’s Deli.

One of the highlights for me came when they asked Wendy about her vision for Los Angeles. Here’s what she said:

The vision is for this to be a city where people feel they can get a good public education and not spend their life on the freeways creating smog. It would be a city where you graduate from college and find a job. I imagine a city that is manageable in terms of quality of life, good recreation, parks, public libraries. My vision of L.A. is one that allows us to say that you can really achieve your dreams.

In case you missed it, last week the Los Angeles Sentinel and the Daily Beast published a few of my thoughts twenty years after the crisis Los Angeles survived in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict. It was a difficult time for all Angelenos. Like many of you, I have vivid memories of those days

Read my thoughts in the Daily Beast and then look below for my piece in the Sentinel. If you agree, please share these messages with your friends and family on Facebook. Thank you.

Twenty Years – One Los Angeles

As published in the Los Angeles Sentinel on 4/27/12

Seeing palm trees on fire. Looking out my office window and watching a car being overturned as the very same image was being broadcast live on my TV. Watching the smoke rising from City Hall. Driving home at 3:00 a.m. on deserted freeways to find National Guard soldiers camped on the streets of the San Fernando Valley. Seeing buildings I had worked to help establish in struggling neighborhoods burned to rubble.

Those are just some of the memories I have of the crisis Los Angeles survived 20 years ago this week in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict.

The Violence Against Women Act is essential. It protects women and saves lives right here in Los Angeles and all across America by giving local law enforcement the resources it needs to investigate and prosecute violent crimes against women.

Although it has been reauthorized many times in the past, this year may be different: political games and extremist politicians might put the health and safety of women at risk.

I know from experience: the repercussions for Los Angeles would be all too real if the Violence Against Women Act fails.