FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Re: CalBike Endorses Jesse Creed for Los Angeles Council District 5; Elections Held March 7th

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Los Angeles, CA – The California Bicycle Coalition endorses candidate Jesse Creed for Los Angeles City Council District 5.

“Jesse will be a catalyst for change on behalf of the everyday Angeleno who doesn’t want to have to be stuck in a car all the time,” said Dave Snyder, CalBike’s Executive Director.

Between now and the March 7 election, CalBike will reach out to its hundreds of members in District 5 who share a desire to make Los Angeles more livable and affordable by making bicycling a more accessible option. The Sacramento-based group recently won an increase in funding for bike infrastructure, support for e-bikes to broaden bicycling’s potential, and new design rules encouraging more protection for bike riders. CalBike rarely gets involved in local elections, but made an exception in this case because of the stark contrast between Creed’s support for a more livable Los Angeles and the incumbent’s stubborn adherence to the old transportation paradigm of reliance on cars and only cars.

“Incumbent Paul Koretz has proven in recent years that he is at odds with the needs of people who bike. He’s been a barrier to implementing safer streets for bike riders and pedestrians, including children. He went out of his way to halt the implementation of bike lanes on Westwood Blvd, conceding to the voices of a few, and not the overwhelming evidence that bicycle commuters to UCLA need a safe route to campus. He removed Westwood Blvd from the Mobility Plan 2035, completely undermining years of public input,” said Linda Khamoushian, CalBike Communications Manager.

Los Angeles’ 5th Council District spans across the Westside neighborhoods east of the 405 freeway. This includes major employment centers such as UCLA and  Century City. It is also the site of the recent extension of the Expo Line into Santa Monica, and a planned Purple Line extension. Gridlock and congestion in CD5 extend beyond the typical rush hour time frames and ever-worsening as population increases. Implementing sustainable mobility options is a priority for residents. Addressing traffic and mobility issues in CD5 has been a core component of Creed’s campaign platform from the beginning.

Creed’s campaign for city council is having grassroots success, activating and rallying community members and fundraising competitively to put incumbent Paul Koretz on the defense.

CD5 needs a catalyst for change, a policymaker to champion mobility for everyone. Creed is that guy. He is committed to creating safer streets for the most vulnerable users, in particular addressing the challenges faced by seniors and youth. More importantly, Creed supports completing the Westwood Blvd traffic safety study, in order to make a better decision based on facts. In a press conference held in the heart of Westwood Village, he reiterated his commitment to improving safety on Westwood Blvd. Creed doesn’t just understand the issues; as an avid bike commuter, he lives them.

Hear from Jesse himself at the following upcoming candidate forums:

Tonight, February 21st, 7pm
CD5 Debate hosted by Westwood Neighborhood Council at 10750 Ohio Ave

Saturday, February 25th, 1pm
CD5 Candidate Forum hosted by Mid City West Neighborhood Council

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