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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 5, 2006 Printer-Friendly Version

CONTACT: Rose Kapolczynski 323-254-5700

LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT OF ALEX PADILLA FOR STATE SENATE LOS ANGELES – City Council President Eric Garcetti and nine members of the Los Angeles City Council today announced their support of their colleague Alex Padilla’s campaign for the 20th State Senate District. San Fernando Valley Councilmembers Tony Cardenas, Dennis Zine, and Greig Smith are supporting Padilla as well as Ed Reyes, Tom LaBonge, Bernard Parks, Herb Wesson, Bill Rosendahl, and Jose Huizar who represent East, South, Central and West Los Angeles districts. “I’ve been proud to serve on the City Council with Alex Padilla for the past five years and I know that he’ll be an advocate for our city when he goes to Sacramento. He’s an effective leader and we need that kind of leadership fighting for resources for Los Angeles in Sacramento,” said Council President Garcetti. “Alex Padilla will put public safety first and that’s a top priority for Valley residents. I’ve worked with Alex for many years and I know he’ll be a great leader for us,” said Councilmember Zine. “I’ve known Alex Padilla for many years. He’s a strong leader who really cares about our Valley neighborhoods. I’m looking forward to working with him for more years when he’s in the State Senate,” said Councilmember Cardenas. “Alex understands the San Fernando Valley and will always stand up for us when he’s in Sacramento. I’m proud to support him,” said Councilmember Smith. “Our city needs strong partners in Sacramento who will help us fight for the resources we need to keep our neighborhoods strong and safe. I am confident that Alex will fight for our communities,” said Councilmember Reyes. “Alex’s experience as a member of the City Council will be a huge asset to us when we are fighting for our fair share from Sacramento. He’s the best candidate for the job and will be a great partner in Sacramento for the City Council and for the people of Los Angeles,” said Councilmember LaBonge. “I’m proud to support Alex Padilla for Senate because he’s got a track record of delivering for the City of Los Angeles. He’ll work to ensure that all families have access to good public schools, affordable health care, and good jobs,” said Councilmember Parks. “Having served in both the State Legislature and on the City Council, I know that Alex has the experience and the leadership to be a very effective Senator. It will be great for the City of Los Angeles to have such a great advocate for us in Sacramento,” said Councilmember Wesson. “From improving our schools to working to create more jobs, Alex Padilla will fight for the issues that matter to Los Angeles families. I strongly support his candidacy,” said Councilmember Huizar. “I’m honored to have the support of my colleagues on the City Council. Many of us have partnered together over the years to expand after school programs, build new parks, and expand our police and fire departments. We’ll continue to be a strong team when I am in Sacramento,” said Padilla. Councilmember Alex Padilla was first elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 1999 and was elected as Council President in 2001. Councilmember Padilla is running for the State Senate seat being vacated by State Senator Richard Alarcon. The primary election will be held in June 2006. The Los Angeles City Councilmembers join a growing list of leaders and organizations who have endorsed Alex Padilla for State Senate, including U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, U.S. Congressmembers Howard Berman, Jane Harman, Juanita Millender-McDonald, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Grace Napolitano, Maxine Waters, and Diane Watson, Los Angeles County Supervisors Yvonne Burke, Gloria Molina, and Zev Yaroslavsky, Los Angeles City Councilmember Tony Cardenas, LAPD Chief Bill Bratton, Los Angeles Fire Chief Bill Bamattre, California Fire Chiefs Association, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Officers Association, Los Angeles Police Protective League, Los Angeles Port Police Association, Association of Deputy District Attorneys, Los Angeles School Police Association, California Credit Union League, Los Angeles County Young Democrats, San Fernando Valley Mexican American Political Association, the Teamsters Joint Council #42, California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, Laborers Local 300, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, IBEW Local 11, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) California, the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council, CWA-NABET Local 53, and Communication Workers of America Local 9400, 9505, 9510 and 9586 ###