Former SM Mayor Bobby Shriver Entering L.A. County Race

Former Santa Monica Mayor Bobby Shriver is officially running for Los Angeles County supervisor, emailing supporters Monday that he plans to announce his bid imminently.

"In a few days, I will formally announce that I am running for Los Angeles County Supervisor," Shriver emailed, citing his record on environmental and homeless issues during his Santa Monica council tenure.

"I am running for supervisor because there is even more work to do at the county level!" Shriver wrote, noting the county board oversees a range of services, from healthcare and education to social services and transportation. "The most vulnerable people-foster children, the mentally and physically disabled, senior citizens living in poverty, and the homeless-depend on help from the County."

Shriver, the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, is seeking to represent a district of 2 million residents stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the San Fernando Valley. Shriver has been attending county board meetings, talking with termed-out incumbent Zev Yaroslavsky about the district and reviewing the county budget. He is being advised by Bill Carrick, a veteran Democratic strategist who helped Eric Garcetti win last year's L.A. mayor's race.

In the email, Shriver asks for $300 donations - an indication under county election rules that he does not plan to agree to voluntary spending limits.

Shriver's decision follows last week's announcement by former city controller Wendy Greuel that she would not enter the contest. Former state lawmaker Sheila Kuehl has running for Yaroslavsky's seat for months. Also in the race are West Hollywood Councilman John Duran and former Malibu Mayor Pamela Conley Ulich. - LA Times