Less than 1 in 10 registered voters cast ballots in Los Angeles’ election Tuesday. But make no mistake about it: the races yielded some significant changes, especially for education and public safety.
City Council Races
There were two seats up for grabs on the Los Angeles City Council: Council District 1, where incumbent Gil Cedillo faced a challenge from newcomer Joe Bray-Ali, and Council District 7, which was left vacant when Felipe Fuentes resigned to take a lobbying job.
Cedillo won reelection handily (70.85%), thanks in large part to the recent implosion of Bray-Ali's campaign. Former Board of Public Works Commissioner Monica Rodriguez beat out Karo Torossian, planning and environment deputy for Councilman Paul Krekorian, with 52.97% of the vote. Rodriguez will be the second female on the 15-member dais.
Board of Education
The most expensive school board race in American history yielded a big win for charter schools, with charter supporter Nick Melvoin triumphing over incumbent Steve Zimmer in District 4. In District 6, another charter supporter Kelly Fitzgerald-Gonez beat out Imelda Padilla. Both outcomes will shift the balance of power on the L.A. School Board. Charter backers now represent a majority for the first time.
LAPD Discipline
57% of voters approved Charter Amendment C, which will radically change the process for handling police officer misconduct. The measure was backed by the police unions and Mayor Eric Garcetti and allows officers to request an all-civilian review board when facing disciplinary action. Supporters of the measure say it will increase civilian oversight of the LAPD. Opponents like the ACLU counter that it weakens accountability controls.