7th District City Council Candidates to Be at Forum

Six of seven candidates running for the Los Angeles City Councilseat vacated by newly elected state Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar) will participate in a community forum luncheon Wednesday.

The candidates who have confirmed their attendance are: Alex Padilla, aide to Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar); Barbara Perkins, assistant to the president of Mission College; Raul Godinez II, a civil engineer for the city of Los Angeles and former San Fernando mayor; Ollie McCaulley, a government relations director for Community Partnership Development Corp., a nonprofit affordable housing provider; Corinne Sanchez, attorney and president of the health services charity, El Proyecto del Barrio; and Connie Acebo Rodriguez, a teacher and outreach worker.

Tony Lopez, district director of Boy Scouts of America, may be unable to attend because of a schedule conflict.

The outcome of the April 13 special election in the racially diverse 7th District, which covers Pacoima, Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Panorama City, Sun Valley and portions of Sylmar and Van Nuys, will be closely watched. With Alarcon’s departure and Councilman Richard Alatorre’s decision not to run for the 14th District seat, the door is open for a new Latino power block on the City Council.

The luncheon, hosted by the Greater San Fernando and Mid-Valley chambers of commerce and the Valley Industry & Commerce Assn., will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the Odyssey Restaurant, 15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills.

“It’s a joint effort process that I believe we’ll be seeing more of in the future,” said Joe Sandoval, chief executive of the San Fernando chamber.

The public is invited to question candidates on the issues. Cost is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For information or reservations, call (818) 361-1184.