L.A. CITY COUNCIL : Candidates Make Last Pitches

Run-off candidates for the Los Angeles City Council participated in a frenzy of last-minute activities Saturday, including a rally attended by Police Chief Daryl Gates, a voter mobilization drive and a spree of small meetings with voters.

Ninth district candidate Bob Gay began the day with two breakfast meetings. “We’re going nonstop,” Gay said.

Rita Walters, who is Gay’s opponent, had planned several campaign stops and meetings with voters but no one on her campaign staff knew exactly where she was. “One thing we do know is that she is out getting votes,” said one staff person.

In the 8th District, Mark Ridley-Thomas’ campaign organized a one-day voter mobilization drive during which more than 100 volunteers sought to contact 2,000 registered voters. Ridley-Thomas said a similar drive last weekend reached 1,900 voters. “We are seeking personal face-to-face contact with as many voters as possible,” said Curtis Ernest, Ridley-Thomas’ campaign manager.

Roderick D. Wright, who is opposing Ridley-Thomas, attended several block club meetings, including one sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), his chief supporter.

In the 6th District, incumbent Ruth Galanter defended her record in the Crenshaw area, pointing to neighborhood committees she has organized and her successful efforts to bring a Lucky supermarket to the community. Galanter’s opponent, Mary Lee Gray, called the committees “elitist.”

In the 12th District, Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl Gates personally endorsed Councilman Hal Bernson during a campaign rally in which the incumbent underscored his support of police programs and his conservative politics.