In my reporting on Culver City over these last three years, I have observed a tale of two cities, and thus a story of two camps: one stuck in the past with a limited notion of what local government can and should do, and one looking to the future and committed to a local government that promotes a progressive vision and way forward to improve people’s lives.

Nancy Barba, Brian “Bubba” Fish, and Mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin represent the latter and have our strong endorsement for the Culver City Council. If you are looking for the politics of joy, opportunity, and possibilities, they’re it.

The other slate of candidates – Councilmember Albert Vera, Denice Renteria, and Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin come from a time when Vera’s father was a powerful council member and public figure in Culver City; from an all too recent era when bullies like Steve Rose and his Culver City Chamber of Commerce called the shots, and kept civic affairs very conservative and unimaginative. Vera himself has an interesting story of redemption and recovery which is admirable, and he means well. He was instrumental in helping get a safe sleep campsite installed in 2023 that has proven to be a success. But in his efforts to appear open-minded and balance both sides, he comes off as indecisive. And we know he’s not. C’mon — we know what decisions he will render. As a legacy council member, Vera doesn’t give the impression he’ll leave much of a legacy behind if he’s given another four years in office.

We see no real difference in Renteria – who finished 4^th in the 2022 council race. However, we will concede that Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin has an impressive record as a SAG-AFTRA member and Co-Founder of the Heart of L.A. Democratic Club, which is proudly the first feminist Dem Club in L.A. County. She even has several impressive endorsements from a few people and organizations we trust and respect. But if she’s running with Vera, we can’t help but believe she’s running to represent those already comfortable in a Culver City of yesteryear and will bend to the whims of right-wing bully groups like “Protect Culver City” and the Ron Ostrins of the world.

Instead, we look to a newer, braver Culver City ushered in by great leaders like Meghan Sahli-Wells, Alex Fisch, and Daniel Lee. When they were on the city council, they took on issues considered untouchable at the time – like rent control and affordable housing construction – and set a fine example for what’s possible with progressive experiments like “Move Culver City.” We know that Barba, Fish, and McMorrin align with and have performed in the same progressive, envelope-pushing spirit as those predecessors.

Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, the first Black female mayor in Culver City history, has performed her duties on the city council with class and more than enough patience for what she’s endured. Last year, her own city manager essentially called her an angry Black woman in an open session of the city council. As Vice Mayor in 2023, she was denied outside board and commission assignments normally given to a person in that position. She rightly raised the issue but was silenced. Vera, then mayor, even “ma’amed” her. But the attorney and Director of Education Equity with the Children’s Defense Fund has forged her path, making clear equity is also at the heart of her efforts in Culver City. We’re confident she will continue to make strides in affordable housing, combating homelessness, developing the business community, and expanding services like the Mobile Crisis Unit she has championed that sends unarmed mental and health care professionals to assist those on the street and keeps cops focused on crime.

Nancy Barba, a former Planning Commissioner and school parent, is a leader on climate issues and will among other priorities keep Culver City centered on environmental sustainability. She promises to implement data-driven solutions on housing and homelessness, and we like that she wants to implement a “bottom-up financial planning process that prioritizes the city’s care-centered services.” She also believes the city could be doing a better job seeking outside grants to support programs. While we support her for her views and what she wants to accomplish, we also favor the representation she would bring to the council as a proud Latina raised in South L.A.

Bubba Fish is a young, exciting guy with energy and big ideas. He personally identifies as “a public servant, community organizer, and LGBTQ+ renter.” As a transportation deputy for the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, he’s developed expertise on transit and mobility issues that will be of great use to the city. He sums up the pocketbook issues best on his campaign website where he says, “Renters are burdened by skyrocketing costs, young people and seniors are being priced out of their hometown, and Culver City workers are having to commute long distances just to contribute to our community. It is getting harder and harder to make ends meet in Culver City for anyone but the wealthy few.” He’ll keep these folks number one in his duties and as a renter, understands the needs of everyday residents.

This team of candidates must recapture the council majority in Culver City to keep the city moving forward and maturing from the conservative white male councils of the past. We hope you will join us in supporting Barba, Fish, and McMorrin.

Photo by albertc111 on iStockphoto.com