Move LA, an organization founded on the potential for a broad-based and inclusive coalition to transform Los Angeles, condemns the hurtful, divisive, and racist conversation between Councilmembers Nury Martinez, Gil Cedillo, Kevin De León, and former LA County Federation of Labor head Ron Herrera.

These leaders have betrayed our trust. The use of anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, homophobic, anti-AAPI, anti-renter, and anti-Semitic speech, as well as the threat of violence against Mike Bonin’s young Black child, has no place in our discourse. Angelenos must have faith that their leaders will treat everyone fairly and equitably.

These leaders fell far short. We have worked to guarantee the rights of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and these back-room efforts to undermine and disenfranchise voters are reprehensible and unacceptable.

Therefore, we cannot stand idly by. We join with political and community leaders fighting for racial and economic justice and call for the immediate resignation of the remaining LA City Councilmembers, as Ron Herrera and Nury Martinez have chosen to resign. We believe that this is only the first step on the way to restoring trust in our City and its leadership.

When we come together in support of a more inclusive and equitable future, we become the shining beacon on a hill, a place we can all be proud to call our home. Over the past few days, that light has dimmed. We stand committed to working with leaders who share that vision of Los Angeles and who seek to restore faith in our democratic institutions and the rights of all in the City of Los Angeles. We have witnessed the awesome power of voters to change the future of our great region, but we can only achieve big stuff on transportation infrastructure, transit justice, climate change, clean air, and affordable housing if we do it together.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Daniel Tabor, President
Victor Griego, Vice President
Eli Lipmen, Executive Director
Denny Zane, Founder
Move LA, a project of Community Partners