Gil Cedillo running for Council District 1 seat

CD1 borders in Echo Park

Looks like we’ve got another candidate for the First District of the LA City Council – Gil Cedillo announced his aspirations two days ago in a press release to fill the seat of soon-to-be termed-out Ed Reyes in the 2013 elections, joining Reyes’ chief of staff Jose Gardea. Cedillo is currently our state assemblyman in the 45th district, a seat which he can’t run for again due to term limits.

Cedillo has a couple of good things going for him, including the California Dream Act, which was recently signed by the Governor. We also saw him rubbing elbows with the general public and press in September at a Northeast LA foreclosure fair. Mostly, we hope if he wins the election, he’ll be an involved and responsive representative of the First District, which includes parts of Echo Park, Elysian Park, Highland Park, Mt. Washington, and other surrounding neighborhoods (click here for a full map).

In the press release, Cedillo said he was running “because we need bold and experienced leadership to strengthen and protect the Los Angeles Dream.”

“Gil began his crusade for change and social justice over three decades ago as a young student leader right here in Los Angeles,” said El Centro del Pueblo Executive Director Sandra Figueroa in the press release. “Since those early days, Gil has remained one of the most effective and passionate progressive advocates in Los Angeles.  Now is exactly the time to bring Gil Cedillo’s determined and forceful leadership to City Hall on behalf of the diverse neighborhoods that comprise City Council District 1.”