Thank you, Culver City voters!

It’s such an honor to have been elected to Culver City Council.

I ran on a platform of public participation, which means YOU have a mandate to speak up, speak out, and be heard!

Culver City’s greatest resource is its residents.

If we want to make change, we’ve got to do it together. I ask you to stay with me these next 4 years: to make our city more sustainable and responsive to residents, to welcome our Metro and provide healthy transportation choices, to ensure that development adds to our quality of life rather than deteriorates it, and to steer our budget onto a stronger path.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council, and congratulate Mr. Weissman, Mr. O’Leary and Mr. Clarke for their great campaigns and collegial attitudes throughout the election.

My profound gratitude goes to my campaign managers Michelle Weiner and Disa Lindgren: the heart and soul of the campaign. Their intelligence, focus and dedication are extraordinary. Sincere thanks to communications director James Klein, treasurer Maren Neufeld, advisor Karlo Silbiger, and Karim Sahli, my dear husband and graphic designer. Our grassroots campaign took hundreds of hours of volunteer time: thanks to the many volunteers, donors, and supporters for making this a successful campaign!

In gratitude,

 

News from the Expo line (re-posted from Expo-E-News-Spring-2011)

Expo Line Phase I Opening Soon!

The Exposition Construction Authority has turned the system over to Metro for pre-revenue service, which began in late January. Pre-revenue service is intended to simulate actual service with trains running on a regular schedule, but with no customers on board. Trains will be operating between the Expo Line terminus at 7th/Metro Center and the La Cienega/Jefferson station while work continues on the final station in Culver City. Once Metro decides that the system is safe to operate, they will determine the date for revenue service – and the line will open to the public.

Construction at the Culver City Station is still underway. Work crews are currently working on the installation of the station stairs, landscaping for the pedestrian plaza and grading for the temporary parking lot. Other elements that remain are the civil and street improvements near the station.

Click here to read the newsletter: Expo-E-News-Spring-2011.

 

 

 

Come feast with us!

Meghan is hosting a delicious campaign fundraiser at Mi Ranchito Family Restaurant.

Wednesday March 28
6:30 PM

A fun and filling time for the whole family!

Enjoy delicious food, exciting company, and the good feeling you get helping a worthy cause.

Bring the kids!

Tickets are good for full four-course Mexican meals with an appetizer, your choice of a first course and a main course, and a dessert from Mi Ranchito’s most beloved specialties of the house. Plus, you get a glass of beer, wine or margarita, horchata or soft drinks.

Adults: $45, Children: $20
click here to buy tickets and see the menu

Please contact us if you have questions or don’t wish to pay online:
Michelle Weiner at michelle@vote4meghan.com or 310-390-3021
Disa Lindgren at disa@vote4meghan.com or 310-435-9345

Mi Ranchito Family Restaurant
12223 West Washington Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90066
click here for map

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you there!

read what Culver City Patch says about Mi Ranchito Family Restaurant

This Thursday evening – March 8, 2012 – the Texas-based oil company PXP will discuss its plans to begin hydraulic fracturing “Fracking” in the Baldwin Hills during a Community Advisory Panel meeting.

Join Community Health Councils, Citizen’s Coalition for a Safe Community and concerned residents to learn more and make your voice heard.

 

Here’s the invitation from Community Health Councils:

Hydraulic fracturing has begun in the Inglewood/Baldwin Hills oil field. The enhanced drilling technique also known as “fracking” is a controversial practice that aims to access hard-to-reach deposits of oil and natural gas by injecting a mixture of water, sand, and toxic chemicals into the ground. Nationwide, fracking has prompted debate about the impacts to ground and surface waters as well as its potential link to earthquakes.

There’s an opportunity for the public to receive answers on their questions and concerns about the technique as part of the next scheduled Baldwin Hills Community Advisory Panel meeting. Information will be provided by government and oil company representatives about the controversial enhanced drilling technique that injects a combination of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground to recover new deposits of oil and natural gas. Community members and families who live, work, and play near the oil fields can voice their concerns and questions about fracking in the Baldwin Hills and its impacts on health and safety; delineate where the current regulations fall short; and ask for more transparent communication related to all fracking activities going forward.

The event will take place in the state park overlooking the oil fields.

Thursday, March 8th 2012  7-9pm

Location:
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Community Center
4100 South La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
90056

Contact:
Mark Glassock
mark@chc-inc.org
323.295.9372 x213

 

Download PXP’s fracking chemical disclosure:

V1FracFluidsPXP

 

 

Download the Environmental Working Group’s February 2012 Report on Fracking regulation in California:

EWG_SeeNoFrack

 

Meghan needs walking buddies!

Volunteer for precinct walking with Meghan as she canvasses the neighborhoods of Culver City, inspiring residents with her message of Fiscal Responsibility, Strong City Services, Smart Development, and Sustainable Practices. It’s a great way to get one-on-one time with our candidate, get some great exercise, and meet your fellow Culver City-zens!

Meghan walks nearly every day, so there are many opportunities to help!
You can sign-up for precinct walking with Meghan by filling out as many time slots as you can by going to our online walk scheduler. (Or cut and paste this link into your browser: http://www.doodle.com/um6i52fhdb6ek3cd). Then sign up for the shifts that work for you. Be sure to click the ‘save’ button when you are finished. We’ll email you a confirmation.

Or if you prefer, call Michelle at 310-390-3021 or 310-780-1051 (cell) and she can put you on the schedule.

On the day you are signed up to walk, Meghan will meet you at your home. She is determined to walk as much of Culver City as possible, but she needs your help!

Calling All Meghan Supporters!

On Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11 we will be “Phoning for Meghan” at our first phone banking parties of the campaign.

Meghan needs your help to reach folks who typically vote by mail instead of going to the polls. Vote-by-Mail ballots will be mailed in the beginning of March, so we want to reach these voters to let them know why we support Meghan Sahli-Wells so enthusiastically!

Sign-up here for our phone banking party (or cut and paste http://www.doodle.com/nv8ifu7vq6939f5x into your browser). Then sign up for the shifts that work for you. Be sure to click on the ‘save’ button when you are finished.

Or if you prefer, call Disa at 310.435.9345 or Michelle at 310-390-3021 or 310-780-1051 (cell).

Signing up for at least one 2-hour stint would be helpful, but the more the merrier!

Phone bank location: Woolner Mailing, Inc. — 5280 West Washington Blvd., Los Angeles (between Fairfax and La Brea).

What to Bring:  Some land lines will be available, but if you can use a cell phone with free weekend minutes, that would be terrific! (Remember to bring your phone charger.)

You will also want to bring your appetite: we will be serving yummy snacks, drinks and lunch!

Meghan has given impressive presentations at recent candidate forums, including the Culver City Democratic Club Forum, the Realtors’ Association Forum, and the Culver Crest Candidate Forum. She has consistently delivered her message, promoted her priorities, and informed voters of the issues with her usual heartfelt and knowledgeable style — attracting and inspiring new supporters at every appearance.

Join us at one of these upcoming candidate forums:

Ask 2 Know Youth Forum – March 14 at 6:30pm
Ivy Substation: 9070 Venice Blvd. (home of the Actors’ Gang)

Downtown Business Association City Council Candidates Forum – March 15 at 9am
Location TBD

Blair Hills Candidate Forum – March 20 at 7pm
Location TBD

League of Women Voters Forum – March 21 at 7pm
Culver City Hall Council Chambers: 9770 Culver Blvd

Campaign supporters enjoyed dinner at downtown Culver City’s Ugo Cafe on the evening of Friday, Feb. 24 and then walked over to the Ivy Substation to take in Tim Robbins’ production of 1984, based on George Orwell’s classic novel, first published in 1949. With 50 supporters in attendance for the intense Actors’ Gang rendition of the still-relevant play, the evening proved to be a worthwhile opportunity for attendees to support a local restaurant, a Culver City cultural institution, and Meghan’s candidacy.

The campaign attracts growing support from City officials, civic leaders, advocacy organizations, and an impressive number of Culver City residents.

Meghan Sahli-Wells recently won prized endorsements from Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Culver City Employees Association, Culver City Democratic Club, LA County Democratic Party, National Women’s Political Caucus Los Angeles Westside, Southern California Americans for Democratic Action, and 47th Assembly District Democratic Club, as well as the support of the Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors.

“As the City’s representative on the Board of Supervisors, I know the issues facing Culver City and its people, and I know Meghan Sahli-Wells will work tirelessly for the betterment of the City and the benefit of its people,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

“Her work on so many efforts — to improve services, health, the economy, the environment — demonstrate her leadership and commitment to making life better for everyone in the community,” continued Ridley-Thomas. “She will make a profoundly dedicated and effective member of the Culver City Council.”

The latest supporters join a slate of endorsers that already includes U.S. Representative Karen Bass, State Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, Culver City Council Member and former Mayor Christopher Armenta, and all five Culver City School Board members: Karlo Silbiger, Katherine Paspalis, Patricia Siever, Laura Chardiet and Nancy Goldberg.

“Meghan’s strong commitment to Culver City residents and balanced approach to leadership are why I am so proud to endorse her in the 2012 election,” stated Assemblymember Holly Mitchell, who serves California’s 47th Assembly District.

City Council Member Christopher Armenta noted, “In the years she has spoken before the Council, Meghan has shown herself to be a strong, consistent, advocate for Culver City residents. From development to environment to education to transportation, she has the knowledge and experience to lead our city toward a healthy future.”

Meghan’s candidacy is also endorsed by a substantial roster of current and former Culver City mayors, Council members, officials, commissioners, and School Board members, including Civil Service Commissioner Dan Gallagher, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Ronnie Jayne, Advisory Committee on Redevelopment members Vernon Taylor, Jr. and David Voncannon, Former Culver City Mayor Dr. James Boulgarides, and Former Mayor Gary Silbiger, Downtown Neighborhood Association founder Judy Miller, and former School Board Members Dr. Wanda Boulgarides, Stew Bubar, and Barbara Honig.

“School Board and Council members who cooperate on community issues directly benefit their city,” observed School Board Member Nancy Goldberg. “That potential for exchange is why I support her candidacy…I cannot imagine a better advocate for Culver City residents.”

See Meghan’s complete list of endorsements here.

Filled to capacity, Culver City’s La Dijonaise restaurant was the site on Wednesday, February 1 for a successful — and delicious — evening of food and fundraising to benefit Meghan’s campaign for City Council. The sold-out event saw a throng of  Meghan’s supporters enjoying the delicious food, great service, and lively conversation at the classic French bistro in the heart of the Helms Bakery District.

A silent auction followed dinner featuring the work of local artists Michelle Souza and Leslie Rosdol, and Oregonian Artist Greeley Wells (Meghan’s father). A number of area businesses and individuals donated gift certificates to the silent auction, including Koncept 67 Salon, Sada’s Flowers, Goda Yoga, voice lessons from Cecily Gardner, plumbing services from Chase Palmer, a garden design consultation from Mayita Dinos, and a bike tune-up from Bikes & Books, as well as local restaurants Shalimar Cuisine of India, and Conservatory for Coffee, Tea and Cocoa.

Meghan’s next campaign event is a spectacular evening of dining and theater on February 24 culminating in a groundbreaking interpretation of George Orwell’s classic novel 1984 at The Actors Gang at Ivy Station. The location of the dinner is TBA — we will soon be taking reservations and payments online!