Defending Oscar de La Torre From a Last Minute False SMRR Election Attack

Dear friends and neighbors,

I want to be sure you read Councilmember Oscar de la Torre's letter published in the Santa Monica Daily Press, which is below. Oscar writes in response to an accusation by a political figure - school board candidate Jon Kean - that he is antisemitic.

I have known Oscar for decades, beginning when I was a reporter for NPR and I interviewed Oscar, fresh out of college, about his work with the youth of the Pico neighborhood. Oscar then created the Pico Youth & Family Center. He ran and was elected to the Board of Education where he advocated for parents of children with disabilities in a school district known for its disregard for the needs of these children. As chair of the Special Education District Advisory Committee I valued Oscar's concern and advocacy.

Oscar is tough and honest and we need people like him leading our city.

Kean is endorsed by SMRR and the Dem Club. Kean's attack on Oscar during his campaign for a second term on City Council is pure politics.

I am voting for Oscar for City Council. I hope you will too.

Tricia Crane Chair, Northeast Neighbors