Author: Team Yoo

GRACE YOO FOR LA CITY COUNCIL RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN MARK TAKANO

LOS ANGELES (March 2, 2024) – Grace Yoo, candidate for Los Angeles City Council, is thrilled to announce the endorsement of Congressman Mark Takano, representing California’s 39th Congressional District.

In endorsing Grace Yoo, Congressman Takano emphasized her steadfast commitment to community empowerment, equitable representation, and innovative solutions to the challenges facing our neighborhoods.

“I’m proud to endorse Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council. Grace is a leader with integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the needs of our diverse communities,” said Congressman Takano. “Her track record of advocacy and service speaks volumes about her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of Angelenos.”

Grace Yoo expressed gratitude for Congressman Takano’s support, stating, “It is an honor to receive the endorsement of Congressman Takano. His unwavering commitment to social justice, education, and economic opportunity resonates deeply with the values that drive my own dedication to public service and working for a better Los Angeles.”

As a longtime community advocate, attorney, and educator, Grace Yoo has demonstrated her commitment to fostering collaboration, amplifying diverse voices, and championing policies that uplift all residents of Los Angeles. With Congressman Takano’s endorsement, Yoo’s campaign gains momentum as she continues to engage with voters, listening to their concerns and offering practical solutions to the issues facing our city.

GRACE YOO FOR LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL SECURES ENDORSEMENT FROM BLUE WAVE DEMOCRATS

LOS ANGELES (2/27/2024) – Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council is pleased to announce the endorsement from the Blue Wave Democrats. This endorsement highlights Yoo’s commitment to inclusive, equitable, and
forward-thinking leadership for the city.

Grace Yoo, a seasoned attorney, former city commissioner, and long-time advocate for community empowerment, has been at the forefront of critical battles for justice, equality, and access in Los Angeles. Her campaign has centered on addressing the most pressing issues facing the city, including affordable housing, public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic recovery.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Blue Wave Democrats. Their support reinforces our shared commitment to creating a city that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. As the next councilmember for District 10 I will fight for a Los Angeles that is equitable, prosperous, and resilient.”

As the election approaches, Grace Yoo continues to gain momentum, demonstrating her readiness to lead and her capacity to bring about the transformative changes that Los Angeles needs.

IN NEWLY RELEASED VIDEO REVEREND MARCUS MURCHINSON SHARES HOW GRACE YOO “HEARD OUR CRY AND CAME TO OUR AID AND FOUGHT FOR US” TO PROTECT CHURCH FROM FORECLOSURE

“Today, the Church is flourishing. We are able to run programs out of here because of Grace (Yoo).”

LOS ANGELES (2/14/24) – Today, Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council released a video
featuring Reverend Marcus Murchinson with the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church and the
instrumental role Yoo played in protecting the Church and its many community-based programs
from closure.

In 2021, the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church had applied for a traditional bank loan to
pay the Church’s mortgage and operating expenses and was told that the Church had the credit
and the income to qualify. Despite assurances from the bank, at the last minute, the Church’s
loan was denied. Rev. Murchinson felt that his Church was redlined by the bank, and without a
loan the Church and its many services including food banks, job trainings and outreach to the
community would come to an end.

While Reverend Murchinson had only met Grace once, he reached out, calling in the hopes
Grace might be willing and able to assist. As a result, Yoo was able to connect the Church with a
small community focused bank which issued the necessary loan.

In the video, Rev. Murchinson states:
“I’m Pastor Marcus Murchinson. The Pastor of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church.
“This church that I’m in right now is only here today because of Grace. Grace the
compassionate, the one that heard we were about to be foreclosed, put out of our church.
“She heard our cry and came to our aid and fought for us.
“Today, the Church is flourishing. We are able to run programs out of here because of Grace.
“Grace is for you.”

LA Watchdog’s Voters Guide

LA WATCHDOG – My recommendations are influenced by my fiscal conservatism (hate deficits, debt, deferred maintenance, and unfunded pension liabilities) and my lack of trust in our elected officials, especially when it comes to budgets. They place their interests and those of the public sector unions ahead of what is best for Angelenos and Californians. I have a bias against measures that are placed on the ballot at the last minute, are too complex, and lack of transparency, public input, and adequate time to analyze the impact of such measures. I support efficient delivery of services and public safety (including limited unarmed response), key responsibilities of the City, County, and State governments.

Measure HLA. NO. City Mobility Plan. This City’s Mobility Plan and this special interest ballot measure does not address the repair and maintenance of our 6,500 miles of streets, our 10,750 miles of sidewalks, and our 900 miles of alleyways. According to the City Administrative Officer, it is not affordable given its projected budget deficit of $400 million and the $2.5 billion cost over the next ten years. It will divert resources from the City’s Pavement Preservation Program and increase the deferred maintenance liability.

Proposition 1. NO. $6.4 Billion Bonds for Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Homeless. This 65,000-word, 69-page measure was placed on the ballot by our elected officials who occupy Sacramento. Without doubt, there are many loopholes for our politicians to drive a convoy of trucks through. It diverts precious mental health dollars. And it adds to the $80 billion of State debt and the many hundreds of billions in unfunded pension and other retirement liabilities that we are dumping on the next generations of Californians. This is better known as Intergenerational Theft.

District Attorney. Jeff Chemerinsky. He has the best chance of beating current District Attorney George Gascon in a runoff election. As an experienced prosecutor with the US Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, he has never lost a case. He works well with law enforcement but recognizes the need for reform in law enforcement, the County jails, and juvenile detention centers. Importantly, he has an excellent relationship with Hydee Feldstein Soto, the Los Angeles City Attorney, who has also endorsed him. Anybody but George Cascon.

US Senator. Adam Schiff. Anybody but Steve Garvey who is a spoiler, has no platform, and whose personal life leaves much to be desired.

US House of Representatives. 30th District. Nick Melvoin. We need new young representatives in Washington who are not tainted by their experience in Sacramento. Fiscally responsible and understands the need for educational reform given his experience on the Board of LAUSD.

Republican Presidential Primary. Nikki Haley. Send Donald Trump a message.

Los Angeles City Council

Council District 2. Adrin Nazarian. He understands his district and the City because of experience as a staffer at City Hall for Tom LaBonge, the king of constituent services, and Paul Krekorian, the former chair of the Budget and Finance Committee. Also, a respected member of the State Assembly.

Council District 4. Ethan Weaver. As a deputy city attorney and a neighborhood prosecutor, he understands the importance of our neighborhoods, public safety, and constituent services. He is a supporter of the Police and Fire Departments and the removal of homeless encampments that are near our schools, parks, and libraries. His opponent, an extreme left wing idealogue and a card-carrying member of the Democratic Socialists of America, wants to defund the police and densify our neighborhoods. She has poor record for constituent services.

Council District 6. Imelda Padilla. While the jury is still out on this recently elected member of the City Council, she understands constituent services. There are no other qualified opponents.

Council District 8. Marqueece Harris-Dawson. This fiscally irresponsible councilman has no meaningful opponents.

Council District 10. Grace Yoo. She is a long-time advocate for ethics reform and has an excellent understanding of the needs of her district. She is conversant with the City’s budget and finances, Anybody but Assemblyman Reggie Sawyer-Jones.

Council District 12. John Lee. While he has his issues, he brings a different perspective to the City Council, especially as it relates to the budget and the City’s finances.

Council District 14. Wendy Carillo. Anybody but Kevin deLeon. Miguel Santiago is owned by the public sector given their overly generous independent contributions supporting his candidacy.

Judges of the Superior Court

A trustworthy and knowledgeable friend supplied the following recommendations except for one candidate.

Office No. 12. Judge Lynn Olson

Office No. 39. Steve Napolitano

Office No. 48. Renee Rose

Office No. 93. Victor Avila

Office No. 97. Sharon Ransom

Office No. 115. Keith Koyano

Office No. 124. Kimberly Repecka. She is challenging a sitting judge, Emily Spears, who both the Met News and the LA Times agree (strangely) is unfit for the job. Rare to see anyone with a valid challenge to a sitting judge, but perhaps this will serve as a lesson to Spears and others like her.

Office No. 130. Leslie Gutierrez

Office No. 135. Steven Mac

Office No. 137. Tracey Blount

County Board of Supervisors

Recommendations are work in progress. The major issues facing the Board of Supervisors are operational. Its delivery of services leaves much to be desired, especially for homeless services, the Men’s Central Jail, and juvenile detention centers. There is also the issue of reform: expanding the size of the Board and the need for an elected Chief Executive Officer.

Los Angeles Unified School District

Recommendations are work in progress. The major issues facing the Board are the need to improve the education of its students, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds, charter schools, the maintenance of its facilities, its Structural Deficit, its unfunded pension and other retirement liabilities, and the upcoming requests for tax increases.

(Jack Humphreville writes LA Watchdog for CityWatch. He is the President of the DWP Advocacy Committee, the Budget and DWP representative for the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council, and a Neighborhood Council Budget Advocate. He can be reached at: lajack@gmail.com.) Original Article: https://www.citywatchla.com/la-watchdog/28432-la-watchdogs-voters-guide

GRACE YOO FOR LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM FORMER CALIFORNIA STATE CONTROLLER JOHN CHIANG

LOS ANGELES (February 6, 2024) – Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council is honored to announce the
endorsement of John Chiang, former California State Controller, Treasurer, and member of the Board of
Equalization.

“I’m so pleased to endorse Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council, District 10. Grace’s leadership for
residents, and vision for a better, more unified Los Angeles is exactly what’s needed at this pivotal
moment,” stated Chiang. “We need a courageous leader who will hold government accountable while
putting the needs of constituents first – Grace is that leader.”

Yoo, who has long been a champion for the people of Los Angeles, advocating for fair representation,
accessible government, and the protection of vulnerable communities, responded to the endorsement
by saying “I am deeply honored to receive John Chiang’s endorsement. John is known for his fiscal
responsibility, transparency in government finances, and dedication to serving and protecting the
people of California – all of which are values that I plan to bring to City Hall.”

The endorsement from John Chiang underscores the momentum behind Yoo’s campaign as she
continues to garner support from leaders and communities across Los Angeles.

GRACE YOO FOR L.A CITY COUNCIL IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE IN RACE TO ACHIEVE FOUR FINANCIAL MILESTONES: 1) OUT RAISES ALL OPPONENTS IN FUNDRAISING 2) MAINTAINS MOST CASH ON HAND 3) BOASTS ZERO DEBT 4) FIRST TO QUALIFY FOR MATCHING FUNDS

LOS ANGELES (January 29, 2024) – Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council, District 10, is proud to announce that Yoo has achieved four key financial milestones: Yoo has out raised all opponents, maintains more cash on hand than all others combined, is the first candidate to receive matching funds, all while operating without any incurred debt.

These milestones speak to the outpouring of support Yoo has received from the community along with running a fiscally responsible campaign.

“Our campaign’s robust financial health is a direct reflection of the growing support for Grace Yoo’s vision for a better Los Angeles,” stated Samantha Stevens, Yoo’s Campaign Consultant. “Grace’s dedication to public service and her commitment to addressing the critical issues facing our city have resonated deeply with our community. These financial achievements are clear indications of the trust and confidence voters place in her leadership.”

According to the latest financial reports submitted to the City Ethics Commission, Yoo has successfully raised more funds than any other candidate in the race to represent the10th District and holds more cash on hand than all other candidates combined. Thereby allowing her to effectively communicate with the voters as ballots begin arriving this week. Yoo also met the stringent requirements to qualify for the city’s matching funds program providing the campaign with an additional $117,588 so far.

According to the Ethics Commission, Yoo has raised $224,436 with $124,977 on hand. Appointed Councilmember Heather Hutt has raised $219,898 and holds $60,321.35 on hand with a $18,000 debt. Reggie Jones Sawyer has raised a total of $204,790, holds $18,358.79 on hand with a debt of $25,357.27. Aura Vasquez has raised $118,222, maintains $17,747.52 on hand and carries a $1,816.38 debt. Eddie Anderson has raised $71,531, holds $4,268.64 on hand with a $17,795.50 debt. Taking debts into account both Jones Sawyer and Anderson are operating in the red.

“This campaign is about the people of Los Angeles, and I am incredibly grateful for the grassroots support that has brought us to this point,” Yoo commented. “Our message of holding government accountable, making the success of our communities a priority, and bringing real solutions to the challenges that have plagued us for far too long continues to gain momentum. I am honored by the trust our supporters have placed in our campaign.”

The Yoo campaign has been actively engaging with various communities across Los Angeles, conducting a series of coffee gatherings, community meetings, and listening sessions to better understand and address the diverse needs of the residents of Council District 10.

Looking ahead to the election, Yoo reaffirms her commitment to key issues such as public safety, addressing the root causes of homelessness, making Los Angeles more affordable, and prioritizing the people first at City Hall.

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATES Press Statement

In response to Tuesday’s debate sponsored by Streets for All at which appointed L.A. City Councilmember Heather Hutt did not attend but had her city hall staffer sit in as her surrogate, four candidates running to represent District 10 released the following statement:

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATES: EDDIE ANDERSON, REGGIE JONES SAWYER, AURA VASQUEZ and GRACE YOO
PRESS STATEMENT

The four candidates for Los Angeles Council District 10 — Eddie Anderson, Reggie Jones Sawyer, Aura Vasquez and Grace Yoo believe that community members should hear directly from us and not our surrogates or proxies.

We believe that DEMOCRACY and furthering CIVIC ENGAGEMENT requires that the candidates communicate directly with voters, not send someone else to communicate for them in a Town Hall and/or Forum when it is an opportunity for candidates to engage with community members.

We want to give voters and community members the opportunity to hear directly from us, the candidates who wish to represent residents of Council District 10. We stand united in our unwillingness to participate in forums and town halls in which appointed councilmember Heather Hutt sends a surrogate to speak on her behalf. Either the appointed councilmember joins the forum/ town hall/ zoom for candidates herself or her time slot is to remain silent for the duration, as she chose not to participate.

We believe the people deserve to hear directly from the people who wish to represent them at City Hall.

GRACE YOO FOR LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM EAST AREA PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS

Endorsement is the first made by any Democratic Club for this race.

LOS ANGELES (September 13, 2023) —Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council District 10 is excited to announce the endorsement of the East Area Progressive Democrats (EAPD). This endorsement – which is the first made by any Democratic Club in this race – underscores the growing momentum for Yoo’s campaign and reinforces her commitment to Democratic values, community empowerment, and local leadership.

“East Area Progressive Democrats is proud to endorse Grace Yoo for City Council. Grace has proved she is fearless. She is an effective advocate for ordinary Angelenos of ALL backgrounds. Her priorities are OUR priorities: homes for all, streets that are cleaner and greener, reliable services, and honest government. Grace inspires hope that together we CAN overcome the damage that machine politicians have done to our city. We ask all residents to join us in doing the work to help make Grace Yoo the next Councilmember in District 10 and make L.A. better,” stated Hans Johnson, EAPD President.

“The East Area Progressive Democrats have a strong track record of fighting for policies that uplift communities, champion social justice, and prioritize the environment,” said Yoo. “Its support adds a tremendous boost to our campaign, and I am honored to stand alongside them as we work towards a brighter, more equitable Los Angeles.”

The East Area Progressive Democrats is a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering citizens and enacting progressive change at the local, state, and national levels. Their endorsement signals a unified effort to address pressing issues such as affordable housing, public transportation, and education reform within the city while creating a more inclusive future for all Angelenos.

GRACE YOO FOR LA CITY COUNCIL RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT FROM THE HONORABLE JACKIE GOLDBERG

LOS ANGELES (12/18/2023) – Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council is proud to announce the
endorsement of Jackie Goldberg – esteemed LAUSD Board Member and former Los Angeles City Council
Member*.

“I am honored to have the support of Jackie Goldberg, a respected leader, icon, and relentless advocate
for our children, our communities, and the overall success of Los Angeles,” said Grace Yoo. “Her
endorsement reinforces the need for leadership that won’t back down but will fight for the needs of our
residents. I intend to be that leader when elected to City Council to represent the 10th District.”

Jackie Goldberg, known for her impactful tenure both on the LAUSD Board and the City Council, brings a
wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing Angelenos. “Grace Yoo is the
experienced and trusted leader we need to bring positive changes to Los Angeles,” stated
Goldberg. “Grace will stand up to the power players who don’t serve the interests of the people. She will
fight to keep people safe, tackle the affordability crisis in our city, and work towards solutions for
homelessness. Please join me in supporting Grace Yoo for L.A. City Council.”

Grace Yoo, a longtime community advocate for community engagement and transparent governance, has
pledged to prioritize city hall reform, affordable housing and homelessness, public safety, and the delivery
of city services in her campaign. Her approach aligns closely with Goldberg’s legacy of championing
community-focused policies.

This endorsement continues to energize Yoo’s campaign, rallying both voters and community leaders
around her candidacy. It underscores the growing momentum for change and progress in Los Angeles
city governance.

GRACE YOO PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT FROM RETIRED U.S. AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOWARD BERMAN

LOS ANGELES (November 15, 2023) – Today, the Grace Yoo for Los Angeles City Council campaign announced that she is the first candidate to submit enough voter signatures to qualify for the March 2024 Primary Election Ballot.

In order to qualify for the ballot, candidates for L.A. City Council must submit 500 valid signatures from registered voters within the council district they seek. Yesterday, the Yoo campaign submitted 621 signatures that were collected by 40 volunteer supporters of the campaign over the weekend.

“My amazing volunteers and enthusiastic supporters make me proud and give me the motivation to stay positive on the campaign trail. I’m thrilled to be the first candidate in the city to qualify for the ballot. It exemplifies the strong support I already have among the voters in CD 10,” stated Yoo. “Every signature represents a shared commitment to creating a city that works for all of us.”

“Our campaign’s strong volunteer base reflects the deep-rooted support and belief in Grace’s vision for a better Los Angeles,” said Campaign Manager Renee Nahum. “The 40 volunteers who collected over 600 signatures in one weekend is testament to the trust and hope Angelenos place in Grace’s leadership.”

Grace Yoo’s campaign remains committed to running a transparent, community-driven campaign focused on the issues that matter most to Los Angeles residents.