CONGRESSMEMBER KATIE HILL AND THE SIERRA CLUB ENDORSE LORAINE LUNDQUIST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2019

Contact:  Jesse M. Switzer

Phone: 818-631-5377

Email: jesse@loraineforla.com

CONGRESSMEMBER KATIE HILL AND THE SIERRA CLUB ENDORSE LORAINE LUNDQUIST AS LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL RACE ENTERS HOME STRETCH

Pivotal Endorsements Show Broad Coalition Building Behind Lundquist Leading up to Tuesday's Special Election to Fill the Northwest San Fernando Valley's 12th Council District Seat

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA - Building on her momentum in the final days before the June 4 special election to fill the vacant seat in the Los Angeles City Council's 12th District, Dr. Loraine Lundquist today announced the coveted endorsements of both the Sierra Club and Congressmember Katie Hill (CA-25).

Rep. Katie Hill, whose district overlaps Council District 12 in the northern portions of the San Fernando Valley, released the following statement in support of Dr. Lundquist's candidacy:

"Now more than ever, we need to elect fearless women like Dr. Loraine Lundquist with a demonstrated record of fighting for common sense solutions to issues impacting our most vulnerable communities. As a scientist, Loraine is on the frontlines to protect our neighborhoods from environmental disasters like the Aliso Canyon gas blowout; as a neighborhood councilmember, she is on the ground addressing the homelessness crisis; and as a sustainability educator, she is teaching her students how to be the change they want to see in the world.

Loraine will be a powerful voice on the Los Angeles City Council, where she will work to enact paid family leave, protect the rights of people from all backgrounds and ensure our region will prosper in the new green economy. I look forward to partnering with Dr. Lundquist to deliver meaningful change and continuing our efforts to improve the lives of our constituents in the Northwest San Fernando Valley."

Rep. Katie Hill's backing coincides with the endorsement of the Sierra Club, the nation's premiere environmental organization. In recognizing Dr. Lundquist's lifetime commitment to conservation, sustainability and preservation of open spaces, the Sierra Club's leadership praised her record of environmentalism:

"The Sierra Club's endorsement is an expression of our appreciation for Dr. Lundquist's strong advocacy and proven track record on environmental issues such as the Aliso Canyon methane disaster and the cleanup of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory," said Frank Gruber, Chair of the Sierra Club's Los Angeles County Political Committee. "Loraine's comprehensive approach to combating climate change is in lockstep with the values of our members and the priorities they wish to bring to City Hall."

Early voting begins this weekend at the Mid-Valley Regional Library. Polls are open 8 am - 4 pm on June 1st and 2nd to all voters.

For a complete list of endorsements, please visit www.loraineforla.com.

DR. LORAINE LUNDQUIST CONSOLIDATES ENDORSEMENTS FOR LA CITY COUNCIL FROM NATIONAL, STATE, CITY, AND IN-DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 23, 2019

Contact:  Jesse M. Switzer

Phone: 818-631-5377

Email: jesse@loraineforla.com

DR. LORAINE LUNDQUIST CONSOLIDATES ENDORSEMENTS FOR LA CITY COUNCIL FROM NATIONAL, STATE, CITY, AND IN-DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS


Lundquist's campaign announces a suite of new endorsements that includes Former LA Councilmember Joy Picus, the National Women’s Political Caucus - CA, 314 Action, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats, New Frontier Democratic Club, Americans for Democratic Action - SoCal, Vote Mama, and More

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Dr. Loraine Lundquist’s campaign for the vacant seat in the Los Angeles City Council’s 12th District continued to stun political observers today as her campaign announced a broad range of support from local, statewide and even national advocacy organizations, elected officials and community leaders.


314 Action — the largest pro-science advocacy organization committed to electing scientists and STEM professionals to public office — is the first national organization to weigh in on the race. 314 Action's President, Shaughnessy Naughton, announced their endorsement with the following statement:


“314 Action is excited to back Dr. Lundquist for City Council in Los Angeles. She will bring an evidence-based approach to policy-making, and she has proven through her career that she will put sustainability first when crafting legislation. As one of the biggest cities in our country--and one that faces the imminent threat of climate change--Los Angeles deserves a member of Council who will tackle this issue on day one in office. Dr. Lundquist will bring that much-needed priority to Council.”


In addition, former Councilmember Joy Picus, who served for 16 years and was the first woman to represent the San Fernando Valley on the LA City Council, also voiced her support:


“I have come to know Dr. Lundquist as a highly-qualified, authentic, and deeply knowledgeable woman who will be a breath of fresh air in the corridors of City Hall. Loraine's commitment to bringing her strong ethical standards to city government, vast knowledge of the issues impacting Valley neighborhoods and long history of advocating for her community make her the best candidate to represent the people of the Northwest San Fernando Valley. She will use her passion and expertise to ensure the 12th District gets the resources it needs to tackle issues such as traffic congestion, the housing crisis and to become a leader in the green new economy. I am proud to endorse Loraine for Los Angeles City Council.”


In a rare move, the National Women’s Political Caucus - CA (NWPC CA) also moved to endorse Dr. Lundquist after the San Fernando Valley Chapter voted to support her. Founded in 1973, the NWPC CA recruits, trains and supports women candidates for elected and appointed offices at all levels of government regardless of party affiliation.


While it is common for the organization’s local chapters to weigh in on municipal races, the California arm focuses on races for the state legislature and statewide office. However, the organizational leadership felt strongly that Dr. Lundquist would be an important voice on a council with 15 members, which currently has only two women serving. Dr. Lundquist was also endorsed by Vote Mama and Momtivist, two organizations committed to electing moms who will fight for working families at all levels of government.


Dr. Lundquist is the only candidate in the race to have won the endorsements of Democratic clubs, including two major clubs within the district (North Valley Democratic Club and the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats) and California's oldest and largest African American Democratic club (the New Frontier Democratic Club). At this point, all Democratic clubs centered in the district have voted on endorsements and Dr. Lundquist remains the only candidate to garner support. Even in a non-partisan race, the distinction is important as voter registration in the district now favors Democrats over Republicans by 20 percent.


Dr. Lundquist also received the unanimous endorsement of Americans for Democratic Action - So Cal, the local chapter of an organization originally founded by Eleanor Roosevelt. 


For a complete list of endorsements, please visit www.loraineforla.com.


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Paid for by Loraine Lundquist for City Council 2019-Special

FPPC ID# 1414927

9410 Owensmouth Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org.

RELEASE: LUNDQUIST SENDS SHOCKWAVES IN FUNDRAISING RACE FOR OPEN L.A. CITY COUNCIL SEAT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 11, 2019

Contact:  Jesse M. Switzer

Phone: 818-631-5377

Email: jesse@loraineforla.com

Dr. Loraine Lundquist easily leads the field in cash-on-hand, solidifying her status as underdog turned frontrunner in the race for Council District 12.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Filings released by the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission yesterday turned heads as Dr. Loraine Lundquist, a first time candidate without pre-existing ties to the halls of political power, reported her campaign had the most most cash on hand, more money raised from small donors than any other candidate, and received the maximum level of public matching funds before any other candidate even qualified for them.

In the first reporting period before the June 4 special election to fill the seat vacated by Mitch Englander, Dr. Lundquist raised over $122,150 and has qualified for $151,000 as part of the city's landmark public campaign finance program. The city matching fund initiative is designed to empower grassroots candidates with strong support in their communities by making them financially competitive in races normally dominated by money from political insiders and special interests.

To be eligible for the newly implemented program, candidates must raise a minimum of 100 contributions from individuals within the council district, reach a threshold of at least $20,000 in small-dollar donations, and agree to participate in a public debate or town hall. Dr. Lundquist stated, "The city’s public financing reforms are doing exactly what they were meant to do – enable everyday community leaders like me to become competitive and stop the revolving door of political insiders at City Hall.”

In addition to surpassing these requirements, Dr. Lundquist has received more contributions than any other candidate in the race. So while other candidates have tapped donors with deeper pockets, Dr. Lundquist has garnered more support from her community. In fact, she has more donors from within the district than the next three Democrats combined. Even in a non-partisan race, the distinction is important since voter registration in the district now favors Democrats over Republicans by 20 percent.

An astrophysicist, sustainability educator at Cal State Northridge, foster parent, and working mother of three is running on a platform of rooting out corruption and bringing an evidenced based approach to city governance, making Los Angeles an economic leader in green jobs and technology, and tackling the affordable housing crisis.

As a female scientist who would bring a unique perspective to the council where there are currently only two other women serving, Dr. Lundquist's candidacy is drawing the attention of political observers. And her message is clearly resonating with voters; she is the only Democratic candidate to qualify for the ballot through signatures alone and the only candidate to be endorsed by a local Democratic club. She has earned endorsements from hundreds of civic and community leaders throughout Los Angeles. 

Dr. Lundquist is also supported by Assemblymembers Laura Friedman and Christy Smith, the Women’s Alliance of Los Angeles, the National Women's Political Caucus-SFV, the National Union of Healthcare Workers, and the California Faculty Association - Northridge Chapter. 

For more information go to LoraineForLA.com

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Paid for by Loraine Lundquist for City Council 2019-Special

FPPC ID# 1414927

9410 Owensmouth Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org.

ASSEMBLYMEMBER LAURA FRIEDMAN ENDORSES LORAINE LUNDQUIST FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2019

Contact:  Calvin Abbasi

Phone: 818-606-2553

Email: calvin@loraineforla.com


ASSEMBLYMEMBER LAURA FRIEDMAN ENDORSES LORAINE LUNDQUIST FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL


Dr. Loraine Lundquist’s Campaign Continues to Gain Momentum Following the Endorsements of Assemblymember Christy Smith, Environmentalist Bill McKibben and Former Candidate Michael Benedetto

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Today, Dr. Loraine Lundquist announced Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) is supporting her candidacy for the vacant seat in the Los Angeles City Council’s 12th District.

“I am proud to endorse Loraine Lundquist for LA City Council and know from her work as a community advocate that she will be a fearless voice on behalf of her constituents. Her expertise as a scientist and sustainability educator will be invaluable as the state and city work side-by-side to tackle the climate crisis and transition to a green new economy,” Assemblymember Friedman said. “Now, more than ever, we need strong female leaders like Loraine on the Council who are ready on day one to help us improve water efficiency standards, expand transportation alternatives and increase access to affordable housing.”

The endorsement comes on the heels of several other prominent leaders throwing their support behind Dr. Lundquist, including Granada Hill Chamber of Commerce President, Granada Hills South Neighborhood Council Vice President, and former District 12 candidate Michael Benedetto.

In addition, Bill McKibben, revered environmentalist, author, journalist and 350.org founder, voiced his strong support in declaring his endorsement last week. “Loraine Lundquist has shown that she walks the talk when it comes to questions of pollution and energy,” said McKibben. “We need the new kind of thinking she represents.”

Dr. Lundquist is also supported by the National Healthcare Workers Union and the Women’s Alliance of Los Angeles.

For more information go to LoraineForLA.com

ASSEMBLYMEMBER CHRISTY SMITH ENDORSES LORAINE LUNDQUIST FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL AS GRASSROOTS CANDIDATE CONTINUES TO DEFY EXPECTATIONS

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 11, 2019

Contact:  Calvin Abbasi

Phone: 818-606-2553

Email: calvin@loraineforla.com


ASSEMBLYMEMBER CHRISTY SMITH ENDORSES LORAINE LUNDQUIST FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL AS GRASSROOTS CANDIDATE CONTINUES TO DEFY EXPECTATIONS


Dr. Loraine Lundquist Earns Both the Endorsement of Local Assemblymember and the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Endorsement Committee Recommendation

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Dr. Loraine Lundquist’s bid to represent Angelenos in the city’s 12th District gained major momentum over the weekend as she won overwhelming support from the Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) Endorsement Committee and delivered the announcement of her first local elected official endorsement.

Assemblymember Christy Smith (D-Santa Clarita) made the following statement regarding her endorsement.

“During a moment when our country is finally seeing more women running and being elected to office, we still are in desperate need of more female representation on the LA City Council,” Assemblymember Smith said. “That is just one reason why I am proud to endorse Loraine Lundquist in her run for Council District 12. Her depth of knowledge, leadership and demonstrated commitment to the betterment of our community will make her an asset to the council and a valuable voice for her constituents.”

In addition, after meeting with 7 candidates for over two hours, the LACDP Endorsement Committee voted by a margin of 80% to recommend the Party endorse Loraine Lundquist at their general membership meeting being held tomorrow.

Dr. Lundquist made the following statement upon hearing news of the recommendation:

“I am so honored to have earned the recommendation of the LA County Democratic Party's Endorsement Committee. I would be proud to carry the torch for the Los Angeles County Democratic Party in my home district, and I look forward to the full vote on Tuesday.”

For more information go to LoraineForLA.com

EDUCATOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT RUNNING FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 12 EARNS KEY ENDORSEMENTS AND RELEASES POWERFUL INTRODUCTORY VIDEO

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2019

Contact:  Calvin Abbasi

Phone: 818-606-2553

Email: calvin@loraineforla.com


EDUCATOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT RUNNING FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 12 EARNS KEY ENDORSEMENTS AND RELEASES POWERFUL INTRODUCTORY VIDEO


Dr. Loraine Lundquist’s Campaign Picks Up Steam with Endorsement of National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) and Women’s Alliance Los Angeles (WALA), and Stirring Cinematic Campaign Launch Video

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Dr. Loraine Lundquist’s bid to represent Angelenos in the city’s 12th District gained traction this week with two new announcements and the release of her first campaign video.

To kick off the week, the campaign is revealing its launch video intended to introduce Loraine to the people of Los Angeles.

“From the beginning of this race, we've said this election and this candidacy are different. We are part of a movement. A movement of women and average working folks creating people-powered governments, at every level, across the country,” Dr. Lundquist said. “At the core of those collective ambitions, are people with passion. Our launch video tells my story, as a mother, a foster parent, an educator, and a wife, as well as the perspective I bring to this race and how I plan to represent everyday working families.”

In addition, the National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW), announced their endorsement of Loraine’s candidacy. NUHW is a labor union known for being on the frontline in the fight for single-payer healthcare and whose members work tirelessly to provide quality medical and mental health care to the people of Los Angeles. NUHW is the first labor organization to publicly announce their support in the race for Council District 12.

Michael Soto, Lead Political and Community Organizer for NUHW made the following statement:

“NUHW is proud to stand in support of Dr. Lundquist just as she has stood by the hardworking men and women of Los Angeles. We look forward to working with her on the council to give workers a stronger voice in the workplace and to provide universal, quality health care for all.”

Dr. Lundquist was also unanimously endorsed by the Women’s Alliance of Los Angeles (WALA), which is part of the Indivisible national, Los Angeles, and San Fernando Valley networks. WALA is an organization dedicated to mobilizing voters around progressive issues and played an instrumental role in electing Democrats and women during the 2018 midterms.

In response to WALA’s announcement, Dr. Lundquist said, “I am humbled to have earned the endorsement of WALA, which represents the energy of grassroots female activists who share my values and vision. I understand what WALA is fighting for and why. Once elected, I will continue to work with grassroots organizations like WALA to make decisions that are best for our community.”

For more information go to LoraineForLA.com

Media Advisory: EDUCATOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 12

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2019

Contact:  Calvin Abbasi

Phone: 818-606-2553

Email: calvin@loraineforla.com

EDUCATOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR L.A. CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 12

Dr. Loraine Lundquist Launches Campaign for June 4th Special Election Calling for a Green New Deal for L.A., More Effective Public Services, and Ethical City Governance

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, CA – Dr. Loraine Lundquist today formally announced her bid to represent Angelenos in the city’s 12th District, a seat left vacant following the sudden retirement of L.A. City Councilmember Mitchell Englander. The district covers the Northwest San Fernando Valley, including the neighborhoods of West Hills, Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, North Hills, Sherwood Forest, and Reseda.

A scientist, active community leader, and foster parent, Loraine holds a Ph.D. in physics from UC Berkeley, and served as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Sciences and a research scientist at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. She is currently a professor with the Institute for Sustainability at Cal State, Northridge. In her spare time, she serves as an appointed member of the DWP Committee looking at the pathway to 100% renewable energy, and she works on homelessness issues as the co-chair of the Homelessness Committee of Northridge East Neighborhood Council and as a founding member of the West Valley Neighborhood Alliance on Homelessness.

In announcing her campaign for L.A. City Council, Dr. Lundquist made the following statement:

"With the laundry list of injustices being committed daily on the national stage and the FBI expanding their probe into City Hall, people are hungry for change and leadership they can trust. I am running for city council to combat climate change and provide great public services, but just as important, to give the average citizen a voice in City Hall. I am humbled by the groundswell of grassroots support we have received and look forward to sharing my vision for a city that is greener, more prosperous and more accountable to the people."

In addition to the many local activists, education advocates, labor and business leaders endorsing Loraine’s campaign, David Allgood, former California Coastal Commission Member and retired Political Director of the California League of Conservation Voters gave his full throated endorsement:

 "Dr. Lundquist is the only candidate with the scientific expertise and lifelong record of advocating for common-sense solutions to the climate crisis. She is uniquely qualified to deliver a Green New Deal for Los Angeles and will be ready on day one to do the work of not just a green ally, but a true environmental champion.” 

RL Miller, Chair of the Environmental Caucus of the California Democratic Party also expressed her support:

“As an accomplished astrophysicist, sustainability professor, and a leader who helped organize the opposition during the Aliso Canyon gas blowout, Loraine Lundquist is the kind of representative the people of Los Angeles deserve and need in this critical moment of political sea change. All these reasons, and more, are why I am proud to endorse Loraine for LA.”

Loraine lives with her husband Matthew in Northridge where they are raising their three children, Jonah (10), Naomi (8), who attend schools in LAUSD, and Desi (2), who they recently adopted.

For more information go to LoraineForLA.com


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Paid for by Loraine Lundquist for City Council 2019-Special

FPPC ID# 1414927

16633 Ventura Blvd, Suite 1008 – Los Angeles, CA 91436

Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org.


Read Loraine's Op-Ed in the LA Daily News

I recently co-authored an opinion piece in the LA Daily News. Because of the teacher strike, they bumped our guest opinion piece to the day AFTER the 25th anniversary, but maybe that makes sense -- our novel perspective about earthquake safety seems more appropriate for a time after the dust had settled on the anniversary. 

The key to earthquake safety is combating climate change

https://www.dailynews.com/2019/01/18/the-key-to-earthquake-safety-is-combating-climate-change/

(The headline could promote misconceptions — we’re not talking about climate change making the mythical ‘earthquake weather’ happen more often. Read on to figure out what we do propose!)

LA Times article highlights Loraine's stance on the issues

In the new year, the CD12 race is in full swing. The City officially set the election date for June 4, 2019 and has authorized candidates to begin fundraising. Loraine filed her paperwork on January 2nd and has been making calls to build up the funds to mobilize voters in this special election. The LA Times has an article about the different candidates running in this election. While all the candidates have some of the same priority issues, the article highlights one of the ideas that distinguishes Loraine from the pack – her focus on economic, social, and environmental justice. Read the article here.

“This was a case where I saw the impact of fossil fuels right in my backyard, impacting my community and my neighbors and their health,” said Lundquist, who cited climate change as her top issue. Lundquist said she was deeply frustrated that years later, the city did not have adequate analyses or a “credible emergency plan.”