July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Zev Yaroslavsky: State Senator-Elect Ben Allen Has Integrity:

In the contest for the 26th State Senate district, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education member Ben Allen defeated women’s right activist and attorney Sandra Fluke in a race where both candidates were under the age of 40.

Allen claimed victory at Tuesday’s election with 60.78 percent of the vote (92,391 votes) to Fluke’s 39.22 percent of the vote (59,627 votes).

Allen, 37, will succeed state Senator Ted Lieu in a district that includes Santa Monica and other communities on the Westside and in the South Bay.

At Allen’s election night party at Warszawa restaurant in Santa Monica, retiring L.A. County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky spoke highly of Allen in front of several hundred of Allen’s supporters.

Zaroslavsky said he rarely got involved in endorsing races, adding the only time he did was when he knew people inside and out, and had worked closely with them.

“I’m so thrilled that we have elected a Senator tonight from this part of California who is not just going to be a Senator for the 26th District, but is going to be a California state Senator who is going to represent all the people of California and all the stakeholders in California and he is well prepared to step into that role,” Zaroslavsky said.

Zaroslavsky said Allen was running for the right reasons.

“The right reasons were to bring integrity, not just in a behavioral sense, but integrity in the policy making sense, integrity in the legislating sense, the kind of person who will build on the reputations of legislators who have built legacy in this part of this state.”

Zaroslavsky said he was thrilled when Allen called him earlier this year regarding the state Senate seat after Congressman Henry Waxman announced his retirement, and Ted Lieu decided to give up his state Senate seat to chase Congress.

“In a moment of great weakness, he said ‘I need to have your endorsement this weekend because the Democratic party has got something going on and your endorsement would be great, and (state Senator) Fran Pavley has endorsed’,” Zaroslavsky said. “I said ‘okay – use my name.’ It all worked out thanks to him.”

Zaroslavsky said people didn’t elect people based on their endorsements, saying “they elect people based on the candidate.”

“And this candidate made an impression on the district,” Zaroslavsky said. “This state of California is lucky tonight to have elected a state Senator who is going to make a difference the minute he steps foot in that chamber.”

Allen spoke highly of his supporters, his campaign team, and his volunteers.

“I’m really going to work so hard to not let you down, to make you proud, to be someone you will have been have proud to have helped put into this position,” Allen said. “It’s an incredibly sacred position, it’s a position of public trust, and it’s an extraordinary district that is a very special one and so dear to me. This is the district where I was born and raised, this is where my family is, this is where I grew up, this is where my people are, it’s such an honor to have the opportunity to represent this district in Sacramento and also of course serve the people of the entire state of California.”

In an email to supporters on Thursday, Allen said he was honored to have the opportunity.

“Whether it’s job creation, environmental protection, investment in infrastructure, or strengthening our schools, I am ready to tackle these issues with you,” Allen said. “I hope you’ll continue to participate in the process and work with me on improving the community we treasure.”

Allen and Fluke, 33, both Democrats, came in first and second place, respectively, out of a pool of eight candidates in the June primary election.

Allen will now resign from his position on the SMMUSD Board of Education with the swearing in ceremony for the state Senate scheduled for Dec. 1.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...