Vying to Make Voters’ Cut

It was opening weekend of the campaign for the mayoral runoff, and both Mayor James K. Hahn and opponent Antonio Villaraigosa descended on the Crenshaw business district Saturday, courting African American voters who may be key to their fates at the polls in 10 weeks.

At the noon hour, Los Angeles City Councilman Villaraigosa chatted with barbers and their customers, played some pool and wrestled up a chili turkey dog. An hour and a half later -- and just blocks away -- Hahn hit the first of nearly a dozen barbershops and schmoozed customers at a carwash.

Just the day before, county Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke had endorsed Villaraigosa in the May 17 runoff, which could be a significant boon to Villaraigosa as he courts black voters who backed the sitting mayor four years ago.

And last Tuesday 54% of African American voters who went to the polls voted for City Councilman Bernard C. Parks, the one-time L.A. police chief who was pushed out by Hahn in 2002.

But with Parks, whose council district includes the Crenshaw area, out of the running, the changing of the tide began Saturday.

At the New Millennium barbershop and beauty shop cum pool hall, Villaraigosa’s flier went up in the window -- just above a still-posted flier for Parks’ campaign.

“I guess they can take that down now,” barber Joel Payne said.

Hahn, in black suede shoes and a casual gray jacket, walked along Crenshaw Boulevard, comfortable and relaxed.

Joseph Parker, a 34-year-old barber at the N-Spot Barber Shop at Crenshaw Boulevard and 46th Street, told Hahn that things had been quiet lately in the neighborhood.

“Good, let’s keep it quiet,” Hahn said with a smile.

When Hahn moved on, Parker shared his mixed feelings about the mayor that he had voted for in 2001 and again Tuesday.

“Four years ago, he got us,” Parker said, referring to the support of the black community, which gave Hahn 71% of its vote in 2001. “But he got into office and slacked off on the key things, family issues. When you do that, you lose voters.”

Still, Parker said he expected to vote for Hahn again in the runoff. He was moved by Hahn’s remarks after the shooting death of Devin Brown, the 13-year-old who was killed by police in February. “He was feeling what we were feeling.”

Throughout the Crenshaw district Saturday, residents expressed support, indecision and skepticism.

At Earle’s Grill, Hildred Earle-Brown had already decided that Villaraigosa was her candidate. “We need a change,” she said as Villaraigosa dished dogs behind the counter of her sons’ shop.

But at the New Millennium, Villaraigosa was challenged.

“Everyone says they’ll do something for education,” Jahi Bacon, a programmer for DirecTV, said as he sat in a barber chair. “What will you really do?”

“I’m married to a teacher,” Villaraigosa replied.

Bacon shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

“Well, I worked for the teachers union,” the candidate continued, ticking off other items.

Later, Bacon said he was unconvinced. “I don’t know what he’s going to do until he steps into office.”

“I like what he’s talking about, I heard him on ‘The Steve Harvey Show,’ ” said Roman Michael Johnson, 20, a USC student, after talking to Villaraigosa. Still, Johnson’s not sure who will get his vote.

As Johnson got a haircut, Villaraigosa moved to a pool table. The candidate tried for the 15 ball in the side pocket and scratched.

“Ohhh!” came the collective chorus of sympathy from onlookers.

During his stroll down Crenshaw Boulevard, Hahn stopped at Inner City Rags and talked with Darin Jackson, the brother of the owner.

After Hahn walked out, Jackson said, “We need somebody to come down to the community and talk to us.... You see, we grew here. Jimmy, he flew here,” he said.

Villaraigosa said later that he was honored by the endorsements of high-profile black political leaders, including Burke, whom he called “an icon.” But asked about concentrating on black voters, he said, “I have to get more of everyone to vote for me. I’m focused on providing the kind of leadership the community needs.”

As he was departing, Hahn said, “I know this is an area that I need to work hard in to win the runoff. This is a community that is very important to me.”