Pacheco Seeks to Return to Council

The campaign to replace Antonio Villaraigosa on the Los Angeles City Council kicked off Thursday when Nick Pacheco announced his candidacy for the seat he lost two years ago to the mayor-elect.

The race should be a heated one. Jose Huizar, president of the Los Angeles Unified School District board, is expected to enter the race next week, and state Sen. Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles) is pondering a run, among other names being mentioned.

Huizar and Cedillo are well-connected, and probably would be well-funded. Pacheco’s strategy: He knows City Hall and the lay of the land.

“I love every detail of this district,” Pacheco said. “We can talk for hours about every alleyway, every street corner, every pothole, every library, every park ... that’s how much I love this district.

“Once sworn in as councilman, I’ll hit the ground running,” he added.

Pacheco, 41, promised to clean up crime and said he would improve constituent services and help local businesses.

He spoke at the construction site of the Boyle Heights Youth and Technology Center, a project he initiated during his council tenure, from 1999 to 2003.

District 14 includes Boyle Heights, Mount Washington, Glassell Park, part of Highland Park, Eagle Rock and Monterey Hills.

About three dozen supporters turned out for the event, but no council members, and endorsements usually don’t play a huge role in council races.

Villaraigosa was asked about the seat Thursday, as he greeted diners at Factor’s Famous Deli in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood.

“I assume there’s going to be many people looking to fill that job,” he said. “Ultimately, it’s not going to be Antonio Villaraigosa who makes that decision, it’s going to be people of the 14th Council District.”

But, he added, “I expect to be involved at some point.”

Huizar supported Villaraigosa’s campaign. Cedillo supported Mayor James K. Hahn’s reelection bid.

Pacheco made a donation to Hahn’s campaign, but did not endorse him.

Pacheco can’t file to run until the City Council decides whether there will be a special election. He is also prohibited from fundraising until an election is set.

Times staff writer Daniel Hernandez contributed to this report.