Politics & Government

Garcetti Plays Politics at the Pizza Parlor

With just hours left before the mayoral election, "Who's counting," said candidate Eric Garcetti in Chatsworth.

However, his local volunteers were busy making those hours count at a phone bank Sunday at Straw Hat Pizza, 21515 Devonshire St.

The restaurant was crowded with supporters on their cellphones as Garcetti worked the room. His cool demeanor showed no trace of concern as the latest poll revealed only a 7 percent lead over Valley native and opponent Wendy Greuel, with 11 percent of voters still undecided.

The Chatsworth area is traditionally one of the more politically conservative regions of the city and Garcetti needs to capture that vote as the undecided gap narrows in this squeaker of an election.

An analysis of the March primary election found the highest voter turnout  in the Westside and West Valley. District 11 in the Westside saw 25.3 percent. District 12 in the northwest Valley saw 24.6 percent. 

"I predict a 7-to-8 percent victory, said former District 12 Councilman Greig Smith, who was there to show his support along with former mayoral contender and radio personality Kevin James.

Chatsworth volunteer Filiberto Gonzalez put down his phone to explain the campaign strategy. "We reached out neighbor-to-neighbor for Eric's campaign for 15 weeks," he said. "That's how we made a difference."



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